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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaA sparrow sings his spring song from a perch high in a tree.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Spring Lake Park Reserve
 

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Lower Spring Lake Reserve -- 13690 Pine Bend Trail Rosemount, MN 55068
Shaar's Bluff -- 8500 127th Street East Hastings, MN 55033

 
A man reads an interpretive sign that overlooks an island-dotted Mississippi River.
Overview
Before construction of Lock and Dam #2 at Hastings, Spring Lake was separated from the Mississippi by a ribbon of land. But when Lock and Dam #2 was completed in the 1930s, the increased water level above the dam inundated the Spring Lake basin. Today, though the area retains the name of the original lake, the lake itself has become part of the river.

The trail system takes you through an evergreen forest of jack, red, and white pines.

Please respect private property by not trespassing on adjacent properties.

Activities: Hiking, skiing, biking, community garden plots, archery course, and a model airplane field.

Hours: Please call for more information.

Contact Information: Call the Dakota County Parks at (952) 891-7000 or the Trail Condition Line at (651) 438-4636.

 

 
 
 
Mussels, One being in a person's hand  

Did You Know?
Under the right conditions, certain freshwater mussel species live for as many as 10 to 100 years. This lifespan is one of the longest for any creature on earth.

Last Updated: January 28, 2009 at 12:14 EST