Dakota County Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2025 - On the move

On the move

Greenway system continues to expand

After opening new sections in 2024, Dakota County’s greenway system will continue growing this year.

The Hastings area and Mendota Heights are among communities that will see additional greenway growth. At 57 miles, we’re nearly one-third of the way toward the goal of about 200 interconnected greenway miles across the county.

Last year, we:

• Completed the Mississippi River Greenway, a 28-mile trail connecting Hastings and St. Paul. The final 2-mile section just west of Spring Lake Park Reserve was finished in fall 2024.

• Wrapped up the first phase of the Veterans Memorial Greenway in Inver Grove Heights, including an underpass sculpted to resemble a military bunker. Once complete, the 5-mile greenway running through Eagan and Inver Grove Heights will honor Dakota County’s veterans with memorial plazas.

• Closed gaps along the North Creek Greenway in Apple Valley, Lakeville and Farmington.

This year, we will open the Vermillion River Greenway near Hastings and break ground on a section of the River to River Greenway in Mendota Heights.

As the system continues expanding, look for updated wayfinding markers along our greenways. New signs, kiosks and pavement markings will help greenway users get where they’re going while learning interesting facts about the areas they’ll be traveling.

More than trails

All greenways are paved surfaces for walking, riding and rolling, but they’re more than recreation trails. Greenways connect communities and can be considered an extension of parks — connecting open spaces along natural, preserved areas.

Use greenways for:

• Recreation, including foot and wheelchair travel, bicycling and inline skating.

• Transportation routes for commuters, students, retail shoppers and getting to destinations.

• Learning opportunities through interpretive stations along the way.

• Birding, scenery and photography.

Watch this quick video to learn more about Dakota County Greenways: https://youtu.be/t3Pmbmo0_nU

Or, visit www.dakotacounty.us and search Parks & Trails.