Where does the Dakota Rail Trail start and end?

The eastern trailhead is in downtown Wayzata near the depot and lakewalk, and the Hennepin County section ends in St. Bonifacius. The trail passes through Orono, Spring Park, Mound, and Minnetrista along the way.

Is the Dakota Rail Trail good for families?

Yes. It is a paved rail trail, so the grade is nearly flat the entire distance and it is separated from road traffic for most of its length. That makes it workable for young kids on bikes, strollers, running, and skating.

Can you use the Dakota Rail Trail in winter?

The trail sees winter use for walking and fat tire biking, though maintenance and conditions vary by segment and season. Three Rivers Park District posts current trail conditions and any closures.

Are there homes near the Dakota Rail Trail in Mound?

Yes. Several Mound and Spring Park neighborhoods sit within a short walk of the trail, which connects residents to the lake, downtown Mound, and Wayzata without driving. CJ Norman, a Mound-based Realtor, can point out which streets have the best access.

Trails and parks

Biking the Dakota Rail Regional Trail.

By CJ Norman, licensed Minnesota Realtor · Updated September 2026

The old rail line is now the best amenity on the west side of the lake, and residents use it far more than visitors expect. It runs right past Mound and Spring Park, close to the water, with hardly a hill on it.

CJ Norman lives a short ride from it. For a lot of buyers who want daily outdoor use without a boat, it ends up mattering as much as shoreline.

The route

The trail begins in downtown Wayzata and runs west through Orono, Spring Park, Mound, and Minnetrista to St. Bonifacius, roughly 13 miles of paved, separated path managed by Three Rivers Park District.

West of St. Bonifacius, a Carver County segment continues toward Mayer and beyond, which makes a long ride possible for anyone who wants it.

The best stretches

Between Spring Park and Mound the trail runs close to the water with bridge crossings over channels, which is the most scenic section on the route.

The Wayzata end is the easiest ride to combine with a stop, since the trail begins near the depot, the lakewalk, and the restaurants on Lake Street.

Who it works for

Because it is a rail trail, the grade is nearly flat the whole way. That makes it genuinely usable for young kids on bikes, strollers, running, and inline skating, not just fit cyclists.

Trail access and parking are available in the towns it passes through, and it connects into the broader Three Rivers regional trail network.

Year-round use

The trail is used through the winter as well, with walking, fat tire biking, and cross-country activity depending on conditions and grooming.

Check Three Rivers Park District for current trail conditions, winter maintenance, and any closures before a long ride.

Trail segments by town

General route and character. Confirm parking and current conditions with Three Rivers Park District.
Segment	Character	Good for	Nearby
Wayzata to Orono	Trailhead in downtown Wayzata	Short rides with a stop	Depot, lakewalk, Lake Street restaurants
Orono to Spring Park	Close to the north shore water	Scenic riding	Spring Park Bay, Back Channel Brewing
Spring Park to Mound	Channel crossings and lake views	The best stretch on the trail	Surfside Park, downtown Mound
Mound to St. Bonifacius	Quieter and more rural	Longer rides	Minnetrista, Lake Minnetonka Regional Park area

Plan a ride

Three Rivers Park District, Dakota Rail Regional TrailRoute map, trailheads, parking, and current conditions

Want to live a block off the trail?

CJ Norman lives in Mound and knows which neighborhoods connect straight to the Dakota Rail Trail and the lake.

Or reach out directly

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Common questions