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Chester Woods Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 920 Google reviews · Running trail in Eyota, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Chester Woods Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Unspoiled park on a creek with a campsite, 12 mi. of natural trails & resident deer & wild turkey.
What runners say about Chester Woods Park
“The lake is great for fishing and kayaking, and the campground is well-maintained with electric sites and cabins.”
“So many lovely trails to hike and bike on, the picturesque lake to kayak/ boat on (with a very accessible boat ramp, dock, and kayak launching slipway.”
“A bit chilly out but quiet, rarely saw anyone.”
“Family friendly with lots to do, nice playground and picnic facilities, boat ramp, swimming beach, hiking trails and firewood available on-site.”
Chester Woods Park has beautiful trails through prairies and woodlands, making it a great spot for hiking and nature walks. However, a downside is that dogs are only allowed on the paved roads, which limits where you can explore with them.
Went Kayaking on small, man-made reservoir. Lots of dead trees still protruding from the water and a lot of algae in the water. Pretty place with lots of wildlife - I have seen geese, herons, egrets, eagles, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits and deer. Nice paths around the reservoir and through a meadow. Nice campground.
This is the most fabulous, really well maintained park for all kinds of interests and ages. So many lovely trails to hike and bike on, the picturesque lake to kayak/ boat on (with a very accessible boat ramp, dock, and kayak launching slipway.
Worth the visit serene secluded lake. The area has a quiet and again beautiful lush camping area too. Wild flowers, nature trails, and sandy beach. I saw a few motorized fishing boats but kayaks and canoeing is the popular choice. Highly recommend.
Trail conditions & character
“So many lovely trails to hike and bike on, the picturesque lake to kayak/ boat on (with a very accessible boat ramp, dock, and kayak launching slipway.”
“(Beach, kayak, swimming, etc) The bathrooms and shower areas are excellent.”
“However, a downside is that dogs are only allowed on the paved roads, which limits where you can explore with them.”
“However, a downside is that dogs are only allowed on the paved roads, which limits where you can explore with them.”
“A bit chilly out but quiet, rarely saw anyone.”
“So many lovely trails to hike and bike on, the picturesque lake to kayak/ boat on (with a very accessible boat ramp, dock, and kayak launching slipway.”
Plan your run at Chester Woods Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteco.olmsted.mn.us
- Phone(507) 328-7350
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
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