Eden Prairie’s Conservation Areas
In 1994, the city of Eden Prairie was rapidly expanding its property development. Some Eden Prairie citizens saw the destruction of fields, woods, and prairies and called for a pause in this development. Instead, they proposed preserving some moments in time by purchasing four parcels of land to be used strictly for conservation. No recreational fields, no swings, no picnic tables. They were just to preserve environments and memories of the past—to reflect and appreciate those moments. The City of Eden Prairie approved the $1.95 million purchase of these parcels in an overwhelming approval vote of 2,071 to 366.
The first four parcels—now known as Edenbrook, Riley Creek Woods, Prairie Bluff, and Richard T. Anderson—capture the distinctive environments of central and south Minnesota. Today, Eden Prairie boasts seven conservation areas dedicated to preserving the natural spaces of historical Eden Prairie.
When visiting a conservation area in Eden Prairie, it is important to remember that the trails created by the Parks Department are to protect the sensitive plants and wildlife in the area. Unlike a developed park with recreational spaces, conservation areas are meant to protect and preserve. Therefore, we encourage you to be a good steward when you visit a conservation area.
Conservation areas are for hikers and leashed dogs only.
For a list of mountain biking trails in the area, visit MTB Project.
Use the Boot Brush Stations available at park trail entrances before and after hiking. This helps reduce the spread of invasive species. For more information about the PlayCleanGo movement, visit https://playcleango.org/
Plan ahead by reviewing a park trail map, and stay on the trail. Many parks offer open fields for walking through, but in conservation areas it is important to stay on the path.
Certain conservation areas allow for geocaching within 25 feet of the trail. Please step carefully if you are searching for a geocache. There are many sensitive native plants in our conservation areas. For Eden Prairie’s official policy on geocaching, please visit the City Parks Department website.
There are several rare and protected plants in Eden Prairie conservation areas. Please help us by keeping the locations of these plants private, in order to prevent plant theft.