Five trails that move Eden Prairie

Rated for beauty, quiet, accessibility and challenge, these loops offer lakeside views, shade, solitude – and plenty of miles.

Eden Prairie’s trail network, which includes loop and nature paths, spans more than 170 miles across scenic parks. Not unlike coastal surf breaks or mountain crags, the city’s lakes and trails cement its status as a premier outdoor adventure destination.

Smetana Lake Park

The Lake Smetana trail is the quintessential getaway in this busy city, perfect for a sunny day. It features gentle hills ideal for strollers and wheelchairs. Parking lots off Smetana Lane offer two van-accessible spots, the city notes. The trail stays quiet despite nearby highway noise.

The trail is a 1.6-mile paved loop around a small lake that offers a quick escape to nature in Eden Prairie. The City of Eden Prairie manages the trail within Smetana Lake Park, a 53-acre green space near Highways 5, 494 and 212, according to its website.

Office buildings surround the trail, so you are not too deep into the wild. Still, it supports Minnesota’s goal of urban nature spots. The lake is part of the Nine Mile Creek Watershed, according to the watershed district.

In 2002, the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District built a dam to raise the lake’s water by 4 feet. This reduced flooding and shaped a clear shoreline for the trail. The trail is 8 feet wide and smooth.

Purgatory Creek Park

Purgatory Creek trail, a 2.4-mile paved loop in Purgatory Creek Park, winds through Midwest wetlands and prairies, perfect for joggers and cyclists seeking to escape.

The city manages this trail, which features gentle slopes and views of Purgatory Creek’s lakes, offering a heartland retreat. The 94-acre park sits near Technology Drive and is accessible year-round, according to the city’s website.

In the 1970s, Eden Prairie’s suburban growth fueled park creation, with Purgatory Creek Park established in 1987 to protect natural areas, the Eden Prairie Historical Society reports. The trail’s name echoes a creek tied to settlers’ struggles, though no battles were fought here. Dakota tribes once roamed the area before 19th-century settlement, according to city archives.

The trail’s 8-foot-wide asphalt surface accommodates wheeled transportation and runners alike. With parking lots off Technology Drive, free access underscores Eden Prairie’s dedication to outdoor recreation, mirroring its 170-mile trail network. Birders and walkers cherish its quiet beauty, Eden Prairie Local News reports.

Round Lake Park

Round Lake trail, a 1-mile paved loop in Round Lake Park, captures Midwest serenity along its lakeside path. Runners and cyclists savor the small-town charm that the city maintains in this 45-acre park. Nestled off Valley View Road, Round Lake Park is a haven for families and anglers.

Round Lake Park opened in 1975 to preserve community green spaces, the Eden Prairie Historical Society reports. The trail’s name, inspired by Round Lake’s nearly circular shape, reflects the practical, straightforward naming style of Midwesterners.

The trail’s smooth, 8-foot-wide asphalt welcomes all outdoor enthusiasts, with parking off Valley View Road.

Staring Lake Park

Staring Lake trail is a 2.25-mile paved loop in Staring Lake Park. Families and runners roam under sprawling oaks that offer full shade along the trail. 

The city oversees this 52-acre public park off Pioneer Trail. Baseball fields and the Staring Lake Amphitheatre frame tranquil views.

Staring Lake Park is named for pioneer John Staring. It opened in 1971 during Eden Prairie’s suburban surge, according to the Eden Prairie Historical Society.

The trail is mostly flat, though it includes a few steep inclines. The park is free to access.

Rice Marsh Lake Trail

Rice Marsh Lake trail is a 3.2-mile paved loop in Rice Marsh Lake Park. It bends and weaves its way through serene lakes and prairies. The city maintains this 60-acre retreat off Flying Cloud Drive.

The park opened in 1980 during Eden Prairie’s suburban growth. It preserves wetlands once drained for farming, according to the Eden Prairie Historical Society. The trail’s name reflects the lake’s historic wild rice beds, an acknowledgment of the area’s Native heritage.

Trail rating system: One to five Loons

To evaluate Eden Prairie’s trail system, I’ve created a rating system using one to five loons, with five loons being the best. Trails are rated on four criteria: parking (accessibility and availability), challenge (difficulty and variety), quiet (solitude and noise levels), and beauty (scenic appeal and natural features).

Rating scale

• 1 loon: Poor – significant limitations
• 2 loons: Fair – some drawbacks but functional
• 3 loons: Good – meets expectations with minor issues
• 4 loons: Very good – strong features with slight room for improvement
• 5 loons: Excellent – outstanding in all aspects

Trail ratings

Lake Smetana trail (1.6 miles) – 3 loons

Purgatory Creek trail (2.4 miles) – 4 loons

Round Lake trail (1 mile) – 3 loons

Staring Lake trail (2.25 miles) – 4 loons

Rice Marsh Lake trail (3.2 miles) – 4 loons