Dakota Rail
REGIONAL TRAIL
File photo
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail passes through Mayer and New Germany, and off ers opportunities for bicyclists
and others to get a taste of the outdoors.
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail covers a portion
of the 44-mile Dakota Rail corridor, which crosses
Hennepin, Carver, and McLeod counties.
The trail is a popular recreational amenity in
both Mayer and New Germany.
The fi rst phase of the trail in Carver County,
from the Hennepin County border to Mayer, was
completed in 2010.
In 2012, the remaining 5.5 miles of the Carver
County portion of the trail were completed,
extending it from Mayer through New Germany to
the McLeod County line, and culminating in 12.5
miles of paved trail.
A crowd of trail enthusiasts gathered in Lester
Prairie in September 2015, celebrating the opening
of the fi rst portion of the trail in McLeod County.
Previously, the trail had been paved from
Wayzata through Hennepin County, and across
Carver County to the McLeod County border.
Now, trail users can travel as far west as Lester
Prairie on the trail.
“Take me away”
to Down South Bar & Grill
Awesome Burgers
Stonebaked Pizzas • Live Music
Dine in or Take out • Lottery Tickets
In 2015, the Lester Prairie Trail Committee
solicited donations to develop the trail from the
Carver County border west to Pine Street in Lester
Prairie.
The portion of the trail in McLeod County has a
packed gravel surface, while the trail in Carver and
Hennepin counties is paved.
In 2017, McLeod County accepted a Legacy
Grant to fund paving of the trail from the end of the
pavement at the Carver County border to McLeod
County Road 1 on the west side of Lester Prairie.
Work on the project began in summer 2018, with
substantial completion expected in fall 2018.
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail provides
recreation for citizens of all ages.
The trail passes through a variety of scenic areas,
including wetlands, wooded areas, and agricultural
lands.
The paved portions of the trail accommodate the
planned uses of walking, hiking, biking, jogging,
dog walking, inline skating, and rollerblading.
Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail.
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MayerHeraldJournal.com | NewGermanyHeraldJournal.com
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