Edenbrook Conservation Area: Best Boardwalk Hike in Eden Prairie
This hiking trail is a labyrinth through the wetlands. Ever wanted to hike through what seems like an endless wetland of tall reeds, cattails, and boardwalks? The Edenbrook Conservation Area Trails in Eden Prairie give you the perfect escape.
Welcome to hike 2 of 5 of my Hiking in Eden Prairie Series. Throughout this week, I’m adding another great hike from Eden Prairie’s Conservation Areas.
Hiking Edenbrook Conservation Area Trails
The Edenbrook Conservation Area Trails have their own parking lot, which makes visits easy. The trail leaves from the parking lot’s paved path.
Just past the first bog boardwalk, take a right. This gets you back into the other paths. From there, you can take the two spurs to either Rustic Hills Park or the scenic overlook by Town Road.
The overlooks are marked on the map, but there is nothing on the trail marking the stopping point. The path ends in a neighborhood. There isn’t an official loop, so you’ll need to double back. The wetlands are beautiful, so you probably won’t mind.
If you hike both spurs, the distance is around 3.2 miles. It sounds like a lot, but it’s an easy outing with minimal elevation. Expect light traffic.
With the exception of a few properties on the outskirts, you’ll feel like you’re in the wilderness.
The trail is mostly used by nearby residents. The lot can be quiet even on nice days.
Trail Notes
The boardwalk can be slippery after rain, and the dirt sections can get muddy. In dry stretches, footing is solid. We visited between rainstorms.
Aside from the entrance sign, there is limited signage and no posted trail maps along the path.
If you are navigation-challenged, consider using a GPS route-tracking app like AllTrails or your phone’s offline map. Cell service is generally reliable, but download a map before you go just in case.
We saw frogs, worms, slugs, and plenty of birds. Keep your eyes open for wildlife.
Park location: 6655 Dell Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. Download the latest official trail map (PDF) before leaving.
Would I Go Back?
Yes. It’s a fun place to explore with great views and an easy distance. If you like this, check out other great hikes near Minneapolis.
