TONKA RECREATION
This paved trail offers a spectacular view of Lake Minnetonka and follows the route of the former Dakota Rail Corridor through St. Bonifacius, Minnetrista, Mound, Spring Park, Minnetonka Beach, Orono and Wayzata.
LAKE MINNETONKA REGIONAL TRAIL
The Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail stretches over 15 miles between Hopkins and Carver Park Reserve, offering scenic views of Lake Minnetonka along the way. This aggregate trail passes through the communities of Minnetonka, Deephaven, Greenwood, Excelsior, Shorewood and Victoria.
The Luce Line State Trail is a 63 mile long former railroad grade that is popular for biking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling and skiing. The crushed limestone trail runs from Plymouth 30 miles west to Winsted, with a parallel trail for horseback riding.
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park is nestled on the shores of scenic Lake Minnetonka. A perfect spot for a family outing, the park offers a large, nautical-themed play area and a chlorinated, sandy-bottom swimming pond. You'll also find picnic spots, a three-hole disc golf practice area, a fishing pier, biking and hiking trails and a boat launch and access point.
Big Island Big Island Nature Park is open to the public as a nature preserve. Approximately 75% of the park acreage is protected by a Conservation Easement with the intent to retain the natural character of the property. Informal hiking trails allow access to beautiful vistas of Lake Minnetonka, and nature lovers will find a wealth of plants, animals and birds that make the island their home. The Park has two docks available, one to accommodate occasional stops by the steamboat Minnehaha, and a second dock for general public use.
Situated on the western edge of the Twin Cities, Carver Park Reserve is home to Lowry Nature Center, Grimm Farm Historic Site and King Waterbird Sanctuary. Here, you may spot trumpeter swans, osprey, mink, white-tailed deer, barred owls and a variety of waterfowl and songbirds. Explore year-round activities that take advantage of winding trails, rolling wooded terrain and interconnected lakes and marshes.
Noerenberg Memorial Gardens is known for its tranquility and spectacular beauty. Situated along the shore of Crystal Bay on Lake Minnetonka, Noerenberg is widely regarded as one of the finest formal gardens in Minnesota.
Baker Park Reserve Located on scenic Lake Independence, Baker Park Reserve offers 2,700 acres of natural landscape and accommodations for almost any activity from golfing to camping to cross-country skiing, and so much more. No matter the season, there’s always something fun to do.