West Lake Byllesby Regional Park Improvements
Lake Byllesby Regional Park has large natural areas on the west side of the park. These attract hikers, nature photographers, water recreationists, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. These areas currently lack formal access and amenities.
The 2018 Lake Byllesby Regional Park Master Plan identified concepts and potential improvements for the park's west end. These ideas are a starting point to develop improvements to meet users' needs and address long-term opportunities.
Improvements could make a safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors by adding:
- Parking
- New natural surface trails
- Bird watching and picnic areas
By formalizing these spaces, we hope to increase use of these park areas and to enhance our long-term stewardship.
This project will also restore natural areas at the west end of the park. Restoration efforts will:
- Remove invasive species
- Reestablish prairie areas
- Enhance the Lake Byllesby shoreline
Funding for this project came from a grant by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Dakota County also provided matching funds.
Project schedule
Design efforts were completed in spring 2026. Construction is scheduled to start in late summer 2027 at the Byllesby Flats and Cannon Overlook project sites.
Construction work is expected to extend through the end of 2026 with these areas being open for use in spring 2027. Contractors will create new trailheads with driveways, parking lots, natural surface trails and picnic areas.
After these improvements are complete, work will continue to restore natural areas. Restoration efforts like this may take 2-3 years for full establishment. Restoration efforts will happen from 2027-2029.
Send any questions or share your thoughts by emailing westlakebyllesbycpm@co.dakota.mn.us.
Funding for this project is provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
