Find your new favorite go-to day trip in Carver County

KARE 11 News featured the new Paradise Playground, a part of the Monarch Singletrack Trail system in Carver Park Reserve in Victoria.
The Three Rivers Park District partnered with the One Track Mind Foundation to build the track, which is free to use.

From KARE 11 News:

VICTORIA, Minn. — There’s a brand new option for mountain bike enthusiasts in the metro.

Paradise Playground opened up to the public Friday. It’s part of the Monarch Singletrack Trail system in Carver Park Reserve in Victoria.
There are two new jump lines, elevated boardwalks, skinny features, technical climbs, and skills zones.

Read the Full Article on KARE11.com

KARE 11 News included Luceline Orchard in their list of “The 11 orchards you need to visit this fall”
Fall is the perfect time to plan a visit to Carver County. The fall colors are stunning, and there’s nothing quite like a fresh, crisp, Minnesota-grown apple. 

Visit Luceline Orchard's website

From KARE 11 News:

Located in Watertown, Luceline Orchard is not just an apple orchard, this Minnesota destination offers free live music, food fresh from the grill and honey, syrup, and desserts at their gift shop.

Luceline Orchard
2755 Rose Avenue
Watertown MN 55388

Read the Full Article on KARE11.com

Money Magazine has named Chanhassen, one of the many charming cities in Carver County, as the “Best Place to Live”

From Money Magazine:

Money Magazine has named Chanhassen, MN as the “Best Place to Live in the U.S. Right Now.”

From major attractions like Paisley Park and the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre to the walkable downtown, local shopping opportunities, plenty of restaurants, and year-round events, all the reasons that make Chanhassen a great place to live also make it a great place to visit.

Read the Full Article on Money.com to find out what makes Chanhassen great, and then plan to spend a day experiencing all there is to offer in the city and the areas nearby throughout Carver County.

Spend time outside with friends and family and enjoy the fall weather. Carver County offers many family-friendly apple orchards and wineries where fun can be had by the young and the old!

Places to Explore

• Luce Line Orchard near Watertown
• Deardorff Orchards near Waconia
• Arboretum’s Apple House near Victoria
• Parley Lake Winery near Waconia
• Schram Vineyards and Winery near Waconia
• Sovereign Estate near Waconia

An annual tradition for nine years, Art Wander showcases Carver County artists and their studios. From September 24-26, create your own self-guided tour around the county and “wander” around visiting these talented artists.

Wander in Carver County on a self-guided tour of 15 studios, see the unique work of over 30 artists and watch them demonstrate their creativity!

The highlight of fall for many is the changing leaves and the beauty they bring. Carver County and Three River parks provide fantastic opportunities to view the change in the seasons. Or, if you are inclined, jump on your bike and explore the colors as you ride one of the many trails throughout the county.

Get ready for Halloween!

Whether you are ready for no scare, a small scare, or want that big scare, there are activities in Carver County that cater to both.

Pumpkins and hayrides and corn mazes, Oh My!

Whether you are a child or a child at heart, fall brings endless opportunities to play. Check out some of Carver County’s activities for kids.

With an extensive network of trails throughout all of its communities, Carver County is a great place to get outside and enjoy the fresh spring air. Take a walk, plan a hike, or hop on a bike and hit the trail, While you’re there, keep an eye out for wildflowers popping up, migrating birds in the trees, ducks on the lakes and ponds, and the lovely green colors of the leaves as they begin to emerge.

Now that it’s warming up, there are lots of opportunities to head outside and go for a run. If you’re looking for a race, Carver County is the place to be! There are a number of races in Carver County, including the Don’t Worry Be Hoppy 10K, 5K, Kids Fun Run, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – Bud Break 5K, and Walk On Waconia – 5K, 10K & 10 Mile Races, just to name a few. Plus, check out Courthouse Lake parkrun – A FREE, weekly timed 5k in Chaska.

With numerous parks throughout the region, Carver County is a great place to play outside. You’ll find lakeside parks, playgrounds, natural spaces with woods and wetlands, along with fields for sporting events, and more. Fly a kite, throw a ball, jump, run, and play! There’s something for everyone and it’s all free and open to the public.

The grass is turning green and the golf courses are opening up. It’s a great time to head to the course and spend the day outside. There are lots of opportunities to play a round of golf in Carver County.

There’s nothing quite like the joy of feeling the wind on your face as you glide down a snow-covered hill. All you need is a sled and some warm winter gear, and you’re all set.

Sledding is a free activity that’s fun for the whole family and it’s a great way to get outside, enjoy some brisk exercise and fresh air while there’s snow on the ground.

Another great way to get some exercise outside is to hit the trails for cross-country skiing.

Carver County has a great network of trails available, and there are many locations that rent skis and gear, so you can give it a try anytime.
The peace and quiet of the woods, the swish of your skis, and the joy of being outside are well worth the effort you’ll put in.

Deep snow is no match for a good pair of snowshoes!

Bundle up, strap on a pair of snowshoes, and hit the trail for an unforgettable day in the woods. Snowshoes make it possible to explore areas that would be difficult or impossible to get to otherwise. They are a wonderful way to experience nature and get out and discover new places.

Looking for a faster way to get around in the snow? Then snowmobiling may be just right for you.

Local snowmobiling clubs take excellent care of the trail systems throughout Carver County, so they are in great shape and ready to ride. Whether you’re an aggressive rider who is looking for a challenge, or an easy rider out for a nice cruise, you’ll enjoy your ride matter where it takes you.

The Carver County Fair is a summer tradition you won’t want to miss. Dating back to 1868, it’s one of the most attended county fairs in Minnesota.

An Interesting History

The very first “Carver County Fair” was held in Chaska in 1868. In its second year, the fair moved to the city of Carver where it was held until 1882 when it was moved back to Chaska from 1883-1886. In 1887, Carver lobbied to become the permanent home and the fair stayed there until the late 1930s. During the early 1900s, the city of Waconia started hosting a separate county fair resulting in a nearly thirty-year battle about which fair was the best: the fair held in Carver or the fair held in Waconia. The competition continued until the late 1930s when both fairs agreed to make Waconia the official location of the Carver County Fair.

What’s at the Fair?

Today, the Carver County Fair is a 5-day event filled with exhibits, events, games, rides, food, drinks, and fun!

Fair Food

There are so many delicious options to choose from at the fair. From sweet treats like cotton candy, mini donuts, and fresh ice cream, to fair favorites like corn dogs, cheese curds, and, of course, plenty of food-on-a-stick. Try a refreshing lemonade, a smoothie, or a milkshake, or stop by the grandstand to sample featured local and regional beers and local wines.  Whether you come early for breakfast or stay for late-night snacks, make sure you come hungry!

Things to See and Do

There’s plenty to see while you’re at the fair. There’s a full schedule of events, and the barns and buildings are filled with animals from rabbits and birds to livestock and llamas. Plus, view exhibits featuring produce, baked goods, arts, crafts, and more. The grandstand hosts a full schedule of events ending with the popular Demolition Derby on Sunday evening. Check out the Midway for rides and games galore. You’ll be entertained by competitions, performances, and live music every day.

The fair is held at the Carver County Fairgrounds in Waconia, so make your plans today and come enjoy this fun summer tradition.

A fun fall tradition in downtown Waconia

Nickle Dickle Day started as an end-of-the-summer closeout shopping day in 1961 and has become an annual fall tradition in Waconia.  There’s something for everyone at this small town festival, which is held each year on the second Saturday after Labor Day. Mark your calendar and make your plans – it’s an event you won’t want to miss.

Dance the Night Away

The festivities kick off with the Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance on Friday night. Located at Main Street & Vine, this outdoor event for adults 21+ features live music, a cash bar, and lots of fun.

A Day Filled with Fun

Events are scheduled all day on Saturday starting with the Nickle Dickle Day Run, with race options for all ages and abilities. There’s a car show, arts and crafts fair, live music in the park all day, duck races, pony rides, a basketball tournament and slam dunk contest, games prizes, and more.

Shop ‘Till You Drop

Shopping is still a big part of Nickle Dickle Day, with local shops offering great deals, a library sale, and booths for vendors of all types set up throughout downtown.

Save Room for More

Be sure to come hungry! There are delicious options at every turn, with restaurants and bars serving up local favorites along with food trucks and vendors in the park and throughout the downtown area.

Carver County is home to more than 25 Barn Quilts.

Learn more about these unique pieces of art, book a tour, schedule a presentation, order a quilt, or buy a treasure on the Barn Quilts of Carver County website!

Barn Quilts of Carver County has created a new page on its website, a Gallery of images of Carver County’s Art & Agriculture. We are putting the lens in your hands to Explore, Discover, Share and Celebrate the County’s many aspects of its thriving agriculture. We invite you to participate in the monthly Art & Agriculture Call for Submissions.