Trails and parks
By CJ Norman, licensed Minnesota Realtor · Updated
Key takeaways
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
Common questions
The Three Rivers Park District section runs roughly 13 miles from Wayzata through Orono, Spring Park, Mound, and Minnetrista to St. Bonifacius. A Carver County segment continues west from there, allowing a considerably longer ride.
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.
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.
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.
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.