Keep those skills sharp at the Carver Park archery range. Targets at multiple distances and an elevated platform provide plenty of opportunities to work on your shot, and the walk-through course will have you primed for the season. An annual or daily pass is required for individuals 16 and older.

A well-maintained, paved trail creates a loop on both the eastern and western sections of the park, with a connecting link in the central part of the park. The trail travels through the park's big woods and along the many marshes. The trail connects to Lowry Nature Center, Lake Auburn Campground and the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail.

Carver Park Reserve has access to three lakes. Stieger and Auburn offer boat launches and accessible fishing piers. Zumbra offers a boat launch. On Stieger, gas motors are allowed but no wake. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent at the campground. Call for hours.

For an authentic camping experience, try the Lake Auburn campground. This 57-site rustic public campground is located near an unguarded beach, play equipment, miles of trails and other park amenities for true outdoor fun. Carver Park Reserve also has five rustic group campsites.

An extensive network of trails groomed for skate and classic skiing winds through the western portion of the park, passing scenic overlooks along the way. One trail leads to Lowry Nature Center. Skiers ages 12 and older must have a Three Rivers Park District daily or annual cross-country ski pass.

NEW FOR THE 2020-21 SEASON: Classic and skate ski equipment rentals are available to reserve online up to seven days in advance, when conditions permit.

Don't forget to check the trail conditions before you head out.

Let your four-legged friend roam free. A 27-acre off-leash area provides dogs ample room to run. The perimeter is completely fenced, and there is a separate section for small and/or frail dogs. Owners must pick-up after their dog. An annual or daily pass is required.

Dogs on a six-foot, non-retractable leash are allowed on paved and turf trails except where otherwise noted. Owners must pick-up after their dogs.

Dip a line in Stieger or Auburn lakes from the accessible fishing piers, or from a boat, canoe or kayak.

Geocaching is a family-friendly, high-tech treasure hunt that combines respect for the environment with a sense of adventure. This activity involves placing or looking for a cache using global positioning system (GPS) equipment.

A well-maintained paved trail runs along both the eastern and western sections of the park. A centrally located link takes you to a variety of scenic overlooks. Wildlife in Carver Park Reserve may be spotted along the turf trails, as well as over 1,700 feet of floating boardwalk that take you through marsh and tamarack swamps.
 

Please note: In winter, hiking on cross-country ski trails is not permitted.

Within Carver Park Reserve, you’ll find the Grimm Farm Historic Site, often called the birthplace of the Dairy Belt. The farmhouse area serves as an educational facility where guests have the opportunity to experience Minnesota’s agricultural heritage and explore the relationship between food, land and people. Open seasonally.
 

Extensive horse trails take riders past many of the lakes and marshes in the western portion of the park. Limited trailer parking is available off of Grimm Road. Horse trails are not open during the winter. An annual or daily pass is required for each rider age 16 or older. Three Rivers Park District does not rent horses.

The first public nature center built in the Twin Cities, Lowry Nature Center is a beautiful, prairie-style building nestled in the middle of Carver Park Reserve. Inside, view seasonal interpretive displays, visit our live animals, observe birds in our wildlife viewing area, or just relax near the fireplace or on the deck.

Carver Park Reserve has access to three lakes: Zumbra, Steiger and Auburn. Launch your own boat on all three, or rent a canoe, kayak or rowboat at Lake Auburn Campground. Steiger Lake has a no-wake restriction.

Rental Hours & Process

Hours

• Through Labor Day: Noon-7 PM, Thursday-Sunday
• Sept. 8-27: Noon-6 PM, Saturday & Sunday

New in 2020: Boat rentals can be reserved online or in person at the Lake Auburn Campground office. Boats can be reserved in two-hour time blocks up to seven days in advance. Same-day reservations are available. See rental rates.

Grab a bite and some rays at one of the first-come, first-served picnic areas found is the north-western portion of the park reserve. The Springview Picnic Area is also available for group reservations (not available in 2021).

Lake Auburn Campground play area: Closed
Lowry Nature Center play area: Closed

"Habitats" play area at Lowry Nature Center is a place where children can interact with nature on a grand scale. While camping at Lake Auburn Campground, kids can burn energy on the play equipment.

Looking to get the wiggles out on a wintery day? Just a short jaunt outside of the entrance to Lowry Nature Center you’ll find an exciting sliding hill. Snowboards, tubes or railed sleds are not permitted. 

Carver Park provides links through the park along the west and south-western boundary to state Grants-in-Aid snowmobile trails.

Explore a winter wonderland along the trails at Lowry Nature Center. Please note: Snowshoeing is not permitted on cross-country ski trails unless otherwise noted.

NEW FOR THE 2020-21 SEASON: Rent snowshoes online up to seven days in advance. Advance reservations required.

Escape the beach crowds at the small unguarded beach at Lake Auburn Campground. Hours are 9:00 AM–8:00 PM through Labor Day.