Spring Lake Regional Park

Located on the northern shore of Spring Lake between County Highways 12 and 82 Prior Lake, MN Map and Directions

Spring Lake Regional Park is 374 acres in size with shoreline along both Spring Lake and Prior Lake.  The park contains a diversity of natural habitats from lakeshore to Maple-Basswood forests. There is a small creek that winds through the park's diverse wetland complex that includes open water wetlands, cattail marshes, and a tamarack swamp.

The park has remained largely untouched for decades.  In 2006, the Spring Lake Regional Park Development Master Plan was completed as a guide for future implementation of infrastructure, recreation amenities and land stewardship practices. Highlights include a four-season lakeside pavilion with fishing piers and observation decks, a paved trail loop system, day camp, stewardship of the high quality maple-basswood forest, and restoration of savanna areas. Development of the park will be phased over several years, with the first phase beginning in 2012. Spring Lake Regional Park will be operated under a partnership between Scott County and Three Rivers Park District.

2012 Development and Construction 

Notice: County Road 81 Road Closure and start of construction is tentatively scheduled for May 15th (see link for detour route)

Project Summary
Construction of approx. 3 miles of bituminous trail
10-acre off-leash pet area with watering/washing station
Parking area and trailhead
CXT restroom facilities and drinking fountain
Removal of County Road 81 (Howard Lake Road from CH-12 to the north)
2012 Project Map

Project Schedule 

Allowed Construction Work Hours
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Project Contacts

Scott County is a regional park implementing agency of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Funding for this project has been provided through a grant received under the Minnesota Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Act, in which 14.25% of the funds generated from the 3/8% increase in the state sales tax will provide funding for regional and state parks and trails.