By timbee in July, 2011
As of early July '11, much of the paved trail from Chaska to Shakopee & eastward to Bloomington is impassable due to flooding caused by heavy spring snow melt and persistent rain. There are portions on the Chaska dikes that are still good but anything low is flooded out. The section between Shakopee and Chaska has only been open a few days so far this season.
Normally by this time of the year flooding isn't an issue but not this La Nina year. In normal years you can jump on this trail in west Bloomington, cross the river at the old ferry bridge, then zoom past Valley Fair & into Shakopee either on the trail or local roads. A new trail is planned going past Valley Fair, so you won't have to ride on the highway anymore.
There's a great park/trailhead in Shakopee--Huber Park--beautiful new building with water & bathrooms, plenty of parking and playground equipment. It's also close to stores & restaurants. The route over to Chaska has heavy shade but is somewhat rough. Once in Chaska you can ride the dikes and go north along some trails (which aren't marked) into the Jonathan development then back on 41. When open, you can ride 35-40 miles out & back from Bloomington to Chaska & back. Let's hope the water evaporates soon.