1957–1977

Three Rivers Park District, established by the Minnesota State Legislature, began operating in 1957. Over the next two decades, the Park District purchased almost 21,000 acres of property.

1967–1970

Wetland, prairie, woodland and wildlife restoration initiatives were introduced to help return the parklands to their original, native state prior to settlement in the 1800s.

1971–1989

This era saw the design and construction of a number of park facilities, as well as the addition of miles of paved biking, hiking and cross-country ski trails.

1990–Present

Three Rivers has become a leader in the delivery of outdoor recreation, education services and facilities. We’ve opened new facilities for mountain biking, snowboarding and evening cross-country skiing along lighted trails.

Today, our park reserves are among the largest wildlife habitat areas in the seven-county metro area. Every year, 14.3 million visitors access the 27,000 acres of park reserves, regional parks and regional trail corridors.

Consisting of twelve interviews, the Oral History Project offers insight into the early history of the Park District. This project was funded in part from a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society.