By timbee in May, 2011
The two new bridges crossing busy roads in St. Boni are now open, so you can ride on a nice smooth paved trail all the way west to Mayer (except for a strange 1/2 mile dirt segment) which is an additional 8.5 miles. On the way you pass by the north shore of Lake Waconia and some cute little hobby farms. So far the trail head in Mayer is only a parking lot with a porta potty but it looks like more is in the works.
In St. Boni the city hall offices are open during the week, so there's a nice place to change with water fountains & toilet facilities. The trail heading east into Wayzata has quite a few intersections and there are usually many users to look out for. There are bathroom facilities in Wayzata at a park (right on Lake Minnetonka) but they were locked last time I visited (mid May). All in all this is a very nice trail that you can do a 45 mile out & back on.
By metz529 in October, 2010
The trail is smooth and flat with lots of great scenery. It would be nice if there was a couple of rest stops along the way. You have to watch for vehicle cross traffic and stubborn walkers between Wayzata and Spring Park (especially Crystal Bay area). I have encountered people that walk the trail and refuse to move over for passing traffic. Otherwise it's a great trail and recommend it to others.
By Timbee in August, 2009
The Dakota officially opened this June when a bridge segment was completed making it continuous. The scenery is pleasant--farm fields, wetlands, lakes, small towns & suburbia. There are virtually NO hills or inclines. Being new the pavement is still smooth. On weekends, it's crowded with walkers, bladers, runners & slow bikers. At the Wayzata end you can connect with the Luce Line Trail (which is not paved) by riding north on Ferndale about 1/2 mile. There are quite a few intersections you have to be careful for especially on the east end. Amenities are pretty sparse. I don't know why fancy kiosks are more important than shady benches, water, porta potties, etc.