November 3, 2016: Thomas Lake Park/High Line Walking Trail (Eagan)

Join the group for a hike around Thomas Lake Park and along the High Line Walking Trail in Eagan.

Thomas Lake is a delightful park reserve tucked discreetly within this community. There are walking/jogging trails which loop around ponds and prairie restoration areas as well as provide scenic vistas of Thomas Lake itself. The park is buffered by surrounding deciduous forest.

The Thomas Lake Native Prairie is an example of one of the remaining remnant prairies in Eagan. The 19-acre prairie site has been managed with the objective of restoring the land to its original prairie quality. The park contains over 80 species of prairie forbs (wildflowers,) 17 species of prairie grasses, and 12 species of trees.

Eagan was a part of Mendota Township in 1858, upon statehood. In 1860, Eagan Township was established by special legislation. The city is named for Patrick Eagan, the chair of the first township board. The area was called "The Onion Capital of the United States" in the 1880’s. Eagan became a village in 1972 and a city in 1974.

Directions: Take I-35E south to Pilot Knob Road exit. At Pilot Knob Road turn south (right) then continue just past the intersection with Wilderness Run Road near Fire Station #3. Thomas Lake Park entrance is on the right side. Meet in the parking lot.

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This page was last updated on October 23, 2016.