Carver Park Reserve

Situated on the western edge of the Twin Cities, Carver Park Reserve is home to the Lowry Nature Center, Grimm Farm Historic Site and King Waterbird Sanctuary. Visitors here may spot Trumpeter Swans, osprey, mink, white-tailed deer, barred owls and a variety of waterfowl and songbirds. Year-round, visitors here can explore activities that take advantage of our winding trails, rolling wooded terrain and interconnected lakes and marshes.

ARCHERY

range & walking course
Keep those skills sharp at the Carver Park archery range. Targets at multiple distances and an elevated platform provide plenty of opportunities to work on your shot, and the walk-through course will have you primed for the season. An annual or daily pass is required for individuals 16 and older.

BIKING

9.1 miles of trails
A well-maintained, paved trail creates a loop on both the eastern and western sections of the park, with a connecting link in the central part of the park. The trail travels through the park's big woods and along the many marshes. The trail connects to Lowry Nature Center, Lake Auburn Campground and the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail.

BOATING

604 acres of water
Carver Park Reserve has access to three lakes. Stieger and Auburn offer boat launches and accessible fishing piers. Zumbra offers a boat launch. On Stieger, gas motors are allowed but no wake. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent at the campground. Call for hours.

CAMPING

57 campsites
For an authentic camping experience, try the Lake Auburn campground. This 57-site rustic public campground is located near an unguarded beach, play equipment, miles of trails and other park amenities for true outdoor fun. Five rustic group campsites are also available for reservation.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

1.3 miles of trails
An extensive network of trails groomed for skate and classic skiing winds through the western portion of the park, passing scenic overlooks along the way. One trail leads to Lowry Nature Center. Skiers ages 12 and older must have a Three Rivers Park District daily or annual cross-country ski pass. Classic and skate ski equipment rentals are available on Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday, when conditions permit. Don't forget to check the trail conditions before you head out.

DOG OFF-LEASH

27 fenced acres
Let your four-legged friend roam free. A 27-acre off-leash area provides dogs ample room to run. The perimeter is completely fenced, and there is a separate section for small and/or frail dogs. Owners must pick-up after their dog. An annual or daily pass is required.

DOG TRAILS

9.1 miles of trails
Dogs are allowed on all paved trails with a six-foot, non-retractable leash. Owners must pick-up after their dogs.

FISHING

846 acres of water
Dip a line in Stieger or Auburn lakes from the accessible fishing piers, or from a boat, canoe or kayak.

HIKING

25.7 miles of trails
A well-maintained paved trail runs along both the eastern and western sections of the park. A centrally located link takes you to a variety of scenic overlooks. Wildlife in Carver Park Reserve may be spotted along the turf trails, as well as over 1,700 feet of floating boardwalk that take you through marsh and tamarack swamps.

HORSEBACK RIDING

9.2 miles of trails, open
Extensive horse trails take riders past many of the lakes and marshes in the western portion of the park. Limited trailer parking is available off of Grimm Road. Horse trails are not open during the winter. An annual or daily pass is required for each rider age 16 or older. Three Rivers Park District does not rent horses.

PADDLING

704 acres of water
Carver Park Reserve has access to three lakes. Zumbra, Steiger and Auburn offer boat launches. Steiger Lake has a no-wake restriction. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent at the campground. Call for hours.

PICNIC AREAS

Grab a bite and some rays at one of the first-come, first-served picnic areas found is the north-western portion of the park reserve. The Springview Picnic Area is also available for group reservations.

PLAY AREAS

"Habitats" play area at Lowry Nature Center is a place where children can interact with nature on a grand scale. While camping at Lake Auburn Campground, kids can burn energy on the play equipment.

SLEDDING

Looking to get the wiggles out on a wintery day? Just a short jaunt outside of the entrance to Lowry Nature Center you’ll find an exciting sliding hill. A limited number of sleds are available to rent during nature center hours. Snowboards, tubes or railed sleds are not permitted.

SNOWMOBILING

Carver Park provides links through the park along the west and south-western boundary to state Grants-in-Aid snowmobile trails.

SNOWSHOEING

3.9 miles of trails
If snowshoeing interests you, you can rent a pair at Lowry Nature Center and explore a winter wonderland along the nature center trails.

SWIMMING

Escape the beach crowds at the small unguarded beach at Lake Auburn Campground. Hours are 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, Memorial Day through Labor Day.