Tammy Nara

This 3.2 mile (5 Km) loop circles a lake and wetland. It is partially in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and partially in Chanhassen, Minnesota. I parked in the lot off Dell Road in Eden Prairie. There was a clean pit toilet which I appreciated.

As I started my walk, I was unsure if it was a loop. The Eden Prairie Park map only included their section of the trail. No problem. If needed, I could just turn around and retrace my steps. I notice that trails often look completely different when facing the opposite direction. When I got to the Chanhassen side I saw a sign that said, “Rice Marsh Lake Loop 3.2 miles”. By that time I already knew it was a loop because I met a local hiker who filled me in. She told me it was ok to use her name in this article, but sadly all I remember is that it started with a V. I am very grateful to have met you, V!

I’m also grateful for the group of 7 deer who showed up and caused V and I to pause and watch them for a while. I was impressed that her 3 dogs were so well behaved. Their ears told me that they were very interested in the deer but they stayed still and quiet. After a few minutes a jogger passed and the deer ran off. Deer are not uncommon in most areas of Minnesota but I still enjoy watching them when they show up.

V told me about changes she has noticed over the years at Rice Marsh Lake. She is concerned about the health of the ecosystem. It seems that a “Friends of Rice Marsh Lake” organization is needed. She is thinking of getting something started. Her knowledge of environmental science and how to apply it to that area would be a great asset to both communities. If something does get started, I’d love to hear about it so I can promote it and maybe even help if I am down that way again.

This trail is adjacent to private property on the north side of the loop. You will see homes on one side and the lake or wetland on the other side. It is paved all the way around. There are fewer homes on the south side of the loop and lots of trees. I do enjoy a dirt trail next to water and so I explored a dirt trail that seemed well established. It was between the paved trail and the water on the south side of the loop. It started next to the overlook with the two large sitting stones. It rejoined the paved trail close to the tunnel under Highway 212. If I had taken the paved trail under the highway, I could have explored more of the area. Another day, perhaps. There seem to be many connecting trails in this area to other nearby parks. How wonderful to have such an extensive trail system!

My favorite visual aspect of this walk was the cattails in the late afternoon light. The halo of light around each one reminded me of when I was creating contour drawings with resist fluid. White lines instead of black lines encircled my abstract nature-inspired shapes. This will be a good place to return with my paint supplies.

Have you tried this walk? Comment about your experience! Are you familiar with the area? What did I leave out? I’d love to hear from you.