Improvements are happening soon at the Miesville Ravine Park Reserve. KDWA reached out to Niki
Geisler, Dakota County parks director, for more information. By email, Geisler provided an overview of the Meisville Ravine Park improvements.
“In 2024,” Geisler shares “the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized the Miesville Ravine Park Reserve masterplan which outlines the site improvement plans. Following the five-year plan from the masterplan, this project will complete site improvements, including at the Cannon River, and Trout Brook Valley.”
Geisler explained that there will be improved access to the Cannon River and Trout Brook, as well as providing drinking water at the park, and improve recreational amenities for fishing, hiking, water access, and picnicking.
The improvements will be in the form of a new gravel entry road and turnaround with parking near the Cannon River, adding a carry-in boat launch where Trout Brook and the Cannon meet and also fishing platforms along the Cannon River. There will be a restoration of the existing picnic area, creating new trails, and replacing the existing footbridge over Trout Brook. And because everyone deserves to enjoy Miesville Ravine Park, there will be an upgrade the existing trail to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements along the old rail bed and looping back to the main parking area.
The cost of these improvements, $1.6M. Geisler points out that the funds for this project are provided by the state’s Parks and Trails Legacy Fund.
Construction is expected to begin in March 2026, and the current Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Trailhead will be closed during construction.