Mississippi River Greenway
The national Mississippi River Trail follows the country’s iconic river along its 3,000-mile course from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Twenty-eight miles of this trail will run through Dakota County from the northern edge of South St. Paul to downtown Hastings. This corridor connects off-street trails and bike lanes through parks, cities, natural areas and remarkable views.
Plan documents
Mississippi River Trail Interpretive & Experience Design
Connecting People to the Mississippi River
Long-range plan
To guide investment on the greenway, Dakota County is launching a long-range plan for the next 20 years.
This planning effort will establish a modern vision for the corridor.
Plan goals
- Extend the greenway six miles to the Goodhue County line (with a future connection to Red Wing)
- Strengthen community connections along the greenway
- Document existing and planned investments
- Activate programming and events
- Enhance river access and recreational opportunities
- Position projects for external funding and investment
Public input
Let us know what you like, dislike or want to see on the Mississippi River Greenway.
Project timeline
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Project kickoff
June-July 2025
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Corridor analysis
July-October 2025
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Public engagement
August 2025-January 2026
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Develop the plan
November 2025-June 2026