Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
The peaceful wilderness at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in northeast Scott County features glacial ridges, hilly terrain and an extensive, lush forest. This park features one of the most challenging cross-country ski areas in the Twin Cities, and a popular mountain bike trail. With the exception of the trails, the park reserve remains undeveloped, making it the best park in Three Rivers for birdwatchers to spot woodland songbirds. This park has also been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society.
5 AM–10 PM
Interactive Map of Murphy-Hanrehan
Murphy-Hanrehan PDF Maps
Dog Off-leash | Singletrack Trails
Find yourself in the parks with the Avenza app! Learn more.
Things To Do
Boating
70 acres of water
Enjoy the placid waters. A concrete boat launch is located off County Road 75. No gas motors allowed; electric trolling motors only. No wake. A daily or annual boat trailer pass is required.
Camping
The horse camp at Murphy-Hanrehan is open through October 23, 2022.
Group campsites are located in the southern section of the park and accommodate up to 20 horses.
Cross-country Skiing
Nine miles of trails
These challenging, groomed trails located in the northeastern section of the park are for advanced level skiing and skate skiing. Skiers get a rush from the challenging trails that feature steep uphill grades and downhill run through thick woods. Trails are typically open from sunrise until sunset. Check trail conditions before you head out. A daily or annual Three Rivers ski pass is required.
Dog Off-leash
Three fenced acres
The fenced dog off-leash area is located at the trailhead. A daily pass or annual pass is required for the off-leash area. Owners must pick-up after their dog.
Dog Trails
4.2 miles of trails
The turf dog trail at Murphy-Hanrehan is a part of the horse trail. The trail can be accessed from the horse trailer parking lot on Sunset Lake Road. Owners must pick-up after their dog.
Fishing
70 acres of water
Throw a line for your own catch of the day. In Three Rivers, you might reel in muskie, northern pike, sunfish, bass or even walleye.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a family-friendly, high-tech treasure hunt that combines respect for the environment with a sense of adventure.
Hiking
21.4 miles of trails
Roam the pristine expanse at your pace and enjoy one of the best places to go birding in the Twin Cities. The hiking-only trails are very hilly and take hikers through oak woods.
Please note: In winter, hiking on cross-country ski trails is not permitted.
Horseback Riding
13 miles of trails
Riders can enjoy the scenic beauty of this park reserve on horseback year-round. A trailer parking lot is available. A daily or annual pass is required. Horse rental not available. Click below to check trail status updates.
Mountain Biking
10 mile loop series
With over 10 miles of trail and loops rated from easy to advanced, Murphy-Hanrehan Singletrack Trail is a favorite spot for mountain biking in the Twin Cities. The trails are designed and maintained in partnership with volunteers from Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists. Click below to check trail conditions and learn more about mountain biking in Three Rivers.
Paddling
70 acres of water
Enjoy the placid waters. A concrete boat launch is located off County Road 75. No gas motors are allowed; electric trolling motors only. Cars with trailers require a daily or annual boat trailer pass.
Skijoring & Dog Sledding
5.7 miles of trails
Skijoring is permitted on the multi-use trail and does not require a ski pass.
Snowmobiling
The nearly three mile trail provides links through the park along the south boundary connecting to State Grants-in-Aid snowmobile trails.
Snowshoeing
5.5 miles of trails
Bring your snowshoes and explore nearly six miles of trails in the southern portion of this scenic park. Please note: Snowshoeing is not permitted on cross-country ski trails unless otherwise noted.
All Programs & Events
See all upcoming programs and events at Murphy-Hanrehan.
Natural Resources
Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve remains the best park to see woodland bird species in Three Rivers, and the Natural Resources division does annual songbird surveys to monitor bird populations.
In Partnership
Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve is operated
under a joint powers agreement between Scott County and Three Rivers Park District.
#threeriversparks
Related Blog Posts
In Review: Our Big Year of Birds in Numbers
By: Sam Safran & Steven Hogg & John Moriarty
Learn about the number of birds and types of birds observed during our 2022 Big Year of Birds! Our natural resources experts dive into the data logged by park visitors.
Where to Go Birding in Three Rivers (Part 2)
By: Steven Hogg
Learn key spots to bird in the Three Rivers Park District in the second part of our “Where to Go Birding” series.
Species Spotlight: Beavers
By: Steven Hogg
Beavers are found throughout Minnesota and Three Rivers Parks, but how much do you really know about them? Learn all about their unique adaptations to living in the water, how they survive winter, and how and why their populations are managed.
news
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Three Rivers Park District is now conducting prescribed burns and will continue until early June. Learn more about where burns take place, why they happen, and how they are managed.
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Aerations systems are operating in several lakes in and near Three Rivers parks to help fish receive sufficient oxygen during the winter. Operation of the aeration systems may result in unsafe ice conditions on portions of the lakes for the duration of the winter.
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Aerations systems will be installed in several lakes in and near Three Rivers parks. Operation of the aeration systems may result in unsafe ice conditions on portions of the lakes for the duration of the winter.
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KARE 11's Hitting the Trails series highlights Three Rivers Parks.
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