River to River Greenway, Mendota Heights Segment

​​​​​The River to River Greenway travels 7.7 miles from the Lilydale trailhead of the Big Rivers Regional Trail (part of the Minnesota River Greenway) to Kaposia Landing and the Mississippi River Greenway. It goes through parks, residential and commercial areas in the communities of Mendota Heights, West St. Paul and South St. Paul.

River to River Greenway​ Master Plan

The planned project will construct and reconstruct portions of the 1.4-mile segment of the River to River Greenway between Dodd Road (Highway 149) and the Big Rivers Regional Trail in Mendota Heights. Dakota County will reconstruct about 1.4 miles of existing trail and construct a grade-separated tunnel of Dodd Road.

The finished greenway segment will consist of a 10-foot wide paved trail. Other amenities will include:

  • Safety and accessibility improvements of the trail crossings of local streets
  • Connections to local trails and sidewalks
  • Seating
  • Wayfinding and interpretive signage
  • Landscaping
  • Stabilization and stormwater improvements of Interstate Valley Creek
  • Other features consistent with Dakota County Greenway Standards

The project received a $585,000 Clean Water Fund Grant. The grant is to stabilize and improve stormwater treatment at Interstate Valley Creek. This project will reduce stormwater volume, cut erosion and provide cleaner water.  Read more about the project.

River to River Greenway Project Map

For assistance or more information

Stay up to date throughout the process by visiting this webpage. You can also contact the county's project manager if you have questions:

Mike Adams, Senior Project Manager
651-554-6538
mike.adams@co.da​kota.mn.us

River to River project map.

Project timeline

  1. Trail paving

    Please follow the posted detour while construction is completed.

    May 19-June 17, 2026

    • River to River Greenway Detour Map - Document
  2. Signage and fenc​ing

    May 29-June 15, 2026

  3. Top soil and seeding

    June 18-26, 2026

  4. Trail and water main repairs

    July 1-Aug. 1, 2026

  5. Pavement striping

    Aug. 3, 2026

  6. Trail reopens

    Mid-August 2026

For more information, contact:
Transportation
952-891-7000