In northeastern Scott County, Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve features a landscape of glacial ridges, rolling terrain and extensive forests. The Minnesota River forms the county’s northern boundary. Across the wider Minnesota River Valley, floodplain marshes, wet meadows, bogs and lakes shape the landscape; the river and spring-fed streams sustain these habitats. Nature here ranges from wooded hills to wet, water-shaped areas.
Nature Trails and Changing Landscapes
Near Prior Lake, Doyle-Kennefick Regional Park has 3.4 miles of trails designated exclusively for hiking. They pass through restored prairie, wetlands and oak woodlands, as well as along high-quality water-lily marshes in Scott County. The trails have gravel or natural surfaces; leashed dogs are welcome. Habitats here support turtles, beavers and various bird species. Nature watching is therefore a feature of the park, not a scheduled program with guaranteed sightings.
The Minnesota Valley State Trail offers a different kind of outing: it is designated for hiking, biking, horseback riding, mountain biking and snowmobiling. Seasonal conditions and closures may affect access. In the Wilke Unit, the trail passes through a restored oak savanna with native wildflowers, bur oaks, woodpeckers and prairie skinks. Nearby, the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers more than 45 miles of trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
A trailhead for the northern section of the Mazomani Trail is located at 3801 W 145th St in Shakopee. A lookout above Louisville Swamp offers the chance to spot circling hawks and Yellow Warblers. The southern section of the Mazomani Trail winds through the woods to the historic Jabs Farm site and passes the historic Ehmiller home site. The two sections bring together nature and history without requiring a long list of attractions.
Trails by the Water and Winter Routes
Spring Lake Regional Park encompasses 374 acres of diverse natural habitats. An accessible launch site is available for canoes and kayaks. A three-mile paved trail also runs through woodland and future savanna prairie, north to south through the park, connecting to County Road 12. The Big Woods Regional Trail links Spring Lake Regional Park with Cleary Lake Regional Park.
A 3.5-mile paved trail loops around Cleary Lake and connects to the Big Woods Regional Trail. In winter, six miles of cross-country ski trails through gentle hills and deciduous woods are added; they are designated for all skill levels. Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve offers a different kind of skiing: its northeastern area has challenging groomed trails for advanced skiing and skating. Conditions there vary by season. If you’re looking for a shorter paved route instead of longer trails, Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park has a one-mile trail suitable for biking. Cleary Lake Park also has several campsites; check availability before booking.
Cultural History and Experiences
Hoċokata Ṫi houses the public exhibit “Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake.” Covering 3,805 square feet, it focuses on Mdewakanton Dakota history; exhibit content may be updated. Exhibits at the Scott County History Museum and Research Center change over time and explore the county’s history. Its research library supports family history research, and tours are available upon request.
The Heritage Room at Savage Public Library offers more insights, with a sulky, a Dan Patch wagon and items from International Stock Food Farm on display. The Stans Museum is on the grounds of the Scott County Historical Society; the childhood home of politician Maurice Stans is also located there. Scott County’s historic ox-cart trails now follow sections of Highways 13, 169 and 101—a trace of history that lives on in today’s road network.
For entertainment, Shakopee’s Canterbury Park hosts live horse racing. The Racebook also offers simulcast horse racing from tracks around the world. At SandVenture Aquatic Park, a sandy beach leads into a chlorinated pool with a sand bottom, and there is also a 300-foot waterslide. Nature, history and recreation offer different experiences, so you can plan your stay around the things that interest you most.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Shakopee, New Prague, Belle Plaine, Savage, Prior Lake, Itasca County, Cook County, Douglas County.
For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.
