Big Rivers Regional Trail — Attraction in Mendota Heights

Great trail. Biked with my 12-year-old about 9 miles round trip from 13/Lone Oak Road in Eagan, to Lucky's 13 in Mendota Heights and back. They are all done with the parking area at Lone Oak except for the signs, and there is a bike maintenance station at Lone Oak also. Seemed to be groomed well. Would love it if they could connect the new trail down by the Burnsville Black Dog power plant with this Big Rivers trail. Although we stopped at Lucky's 13, I believe we could have continued northeast to 35E and beyond to Lillydale (Pool and Yacht Club), and beyond to Nicollet Island and Harriet Island (I believe). Can't wait to go back again when the leaves start to change (soon) this fall. Lots of wooded areas, so...

Trail Overlook and Center recently refurbished. Reworked trails, NEW trail center and overlook area. Added some photos from my recent Feb visit. The expansion of parking, year round restrooms, picnic areas with grills and the partial removal of invasive species on the trail. Great work Dakota County Parks. There is a raised mounded walkway area for those in wheel chairs to get access to better sights. A great idea ! Kids can look for the embedded brass picture emblems in the new concrete overlook path. People will no longer slosh around in muddy paths. LETS KEEP this pristine as your tax dollars did this. Eagles...

At the trailhead in Mendota, there is a beautiful facility with restrooms potable water, picnic tables and grills, and a covered pavilion for gatherings. The park offers a beautiful view over the Minnesota River valley. If you park here, it's an easy walk or bike ride to Ft. Snelling. You can go on from there, and cross the river and enjoy the park at Minnehaha Falls. The trails are in great condition and...