2006 Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan - City of Lakeville

Federal, State and Regional Park, Trail & Open Space Facilities
Federal and State Facilities
Soberg Waterfowl Production Area: This 113-acre wildlife refuge area is located in
Dakota and Scott Counties. The waterfowl production area is open to public fishing and
hunting and provides the local communities the opportunity to participate in wildlifedependent
recreation and environmental education. These opportunities are available
through non-motorized access within the production area including hiking, snowshoeing,
skiing, or where appropriate, biking on established trails.
Minnesota Zoological Gardens: Located in Apple Valley, the Minnesota Zoo is one of
two regional zoo facilities in the Metropolitan Area. Widely recognized for its creative,
ever-changing exhibits and collection of animals, the zoo also provides nature
interpretation, picnicking, and cross-country skiing.
Regional Parks & Open Space
Map 10 shows all recreational facilities in communities abutting Lakeville and in the
Dakota County region. The following paragraphs provide a summary of each of the four
(4) regional park facilities that provide recreational opportunities for Lakeville residents:
Cleary Lake, Murphy-Hanrehan, Lebanon Hills and Dakota County/Empire Township.
Cleary Lake Regional Park: This park is operated by the Three Rivers Park District
and is located in Credit River Township, Scott County. Boat access for canoeing and
sailing is provided. The park also has a par-3 golf course and driving range, a 28-acre
off-leash dog park and several large camp sites. Other facilities include bike, pedestrian
and horseback trails, nature interpretation, picnicking and swimming. Winter activities
include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snow shoeing.
Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve: Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve is approximately
2,400 acres in area and is located in Savage and Credit River Township, contiguous to
Lakeville’s western boundary. The park reserve, owned and operated by the Three
Rivers Park District, has trail facilities for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing,
snowmobiling and snow shoeing. The park also has a concrete boat launch with access
to Murphy Lake for non-gas motor boats or non-motorized boats. In 2004, the park was
designated as an "Important Bird Area" by the National Audubon Society due to its
extensive undeveloped and wooded areas.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park: This facility is operated by the Dakota County Parks
Department and is located in portions of Eagan and Apple Valley. The regional park
provides canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, nature interpretation,
picnicking and swimming. Winter activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing,
snowmobiling and snow shoeing. In 2004, the park was voted “Best Place to Cross-
Country Ski” within the Twin Cities Metro Area as reported by City Pages.
City of Lakeville, Minnesota
Chapter Three
2006 Comprehensive Park, Trail, & Open Space System Plan Page 57