A sheltered retreat honoring family and nature.
Nestled among mature trees on the southwest edge of the Twin Cities metro, Carlson Bluffs beckons families seeking a tranquil haven distinct from the typical suburban bustle.
Carlson Bluffs is designed with the highest sensitivity to the site’s ecology. Fourteen wooded lots with valley views are carefully preserved, minimizing hydrology and local wildlife disruption. The neighborhood offers flexible options for basements and beautiful backyard views while furthering the vision first realized in neighboring Ensconced Woods, which prioritizes the preservation of as many trees as possible.
Located in the esteemed East Carver School District #112, Carlson Bluffs offers a unique opportunity to build your dream home in a peaceful setting just minutes from historic downtown Chaska, MN.
From the serenity of Carlson Bluffs to the vibrant energy of Chaska:
Explore what awaits you!
In this blog post, we delve into the vibrant history of Chaska, uncovering the fascinating stories that have shaped this charming city. Along the way, we’ll also showcase a variety of attractions that Chaska offers, from serene parks and recreational areas to cultural landmarks. We’ll also highlight the unique opportunities available for those seeking an active lifestyle, making Chaska an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
The City of Chaska’s mission is to be recognized as the “best small town in Minnesota.” Founded in 1852, Chaska has continually maintained its small-town charm. The City Council is committed to preserving this unique atmosphere as the community grows.
Five fundamental strategies influence decisions made by Chaska’s City Council and are integrated into all city operations and initiatives:
- Commitment to excellence
- Enhance Chaska’s high quality of life
- Maintain a sense of community and small-town values
- Plan orderly community development
- Provide quality, essential municipal services
Along with following these key strategies, the City of Chaska is also influenced by fundamental community values of citizenship, environmentalism, generosity, human worth and dignity, integrity, learning, and respect.
Experience Chaska’s rich past with its captivating historic walking tour.
Beginning at Fireman’s Park, you’ll stroll through time, encountering exquisite Victorian homes that whisper tales of the 1860s and 1890s. This isn’t just a walk; it’s an interactive journey. The tour showcases architectural gems and pays homage to vanished structures, bringing them back to life through evocative photographs. Prepare to be charmed by Chaska’s history as you wander its streets. Be sure to stop by the Chaska Historical Society and ask any questions.
112 West 4th Street, Chaska, MN 55318
952-448-6077
historical@chaskahistory.org
”With the preservation of its unique name, Chaska reflects its commitment to its oldest recorded history, the history of a community in the land of the Dakota: “Chaska” is a Dakota word referring to the “first-born son” in a Dakota family.
A Brief History of Chaska
But Chaska’s cultural history dates back much further than the Dakota. Evidence of the first residents of Chaska can be found in what is now City Square Park. The three burial mounds there date back 1000-1500 years to the Mid-Woodland period Natives.
Initially, three of six mounds formed a circle; the remaining mounds are cordoned off during city celebrations held in the park to show respect for the Indigenous People of Chaska, the first people of Chaska.
In 1776, European explorer Jonathan Carver began to map the area along the Minnesota River. At the time, the Dakota moved between their summer camp by the river and winters spent in the Big Woods in northern Chaska. Seventy-five years later, as new territory opened for settlement in Minnesota in 1851 with the Dakota signing of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, sites along the Minnesota River were staked out for future communities. While some never developed, others, such as Chaska, thrived.
It was in 1851 that an easterner named Thomas Andrew Holmes traveled up the Minnesota River, where a 20-acre clearing in the Big Woods attracted his attention. He claimed it as the Chaska townsite. It operated as a township until 1871 when it became a village. Twenty years later, in 1891, the village of Chaska became a city.”
by Lisa Oberski, Tracy D. Swanson, & LaVonne Barac
Embrace your passion for action!
Chaska offers many opportunities to keep you moving and exploring, from golf courses, hiking, and biking trails to scenic lakes and parks.
Golf in Chaska
- Chaska Town Course – The Chaska Town Course is considered one of the best public golf courses in the Twin Cities. Designed by renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills, the Chaska Town Course sprawls over 285 acres of oak groves, open prairie, and marshlands.
- The Loop at Chaska – The Loop at Chaska was formally known as the Chaska Par 30.
- Hazeltine National Golf Club – Totton P. Heffelfinger founded Hazeltine National Golf Club in 1962 to provide a pure golf experience and build a championship golf course for the Twin Cities area. Hazeltine anchored its mission to three core tenets: tradition, championship golf, and exceptional member experiences.
- Bluff Creek Golf Course – 18-course golf course and putting greens
- Golf Zone – Minnesota’s year-round practice and putt
- Dahlgreen Golf Club – a semi-private facility offering great membership packages and daily fee pricing. With four sets of tees and stretching from 5100- 6700 yards.
Disc Golf in Chaska
- Downs Farm Disc Golf Course – Private course on a 40-acre hobby farm with various hole shapes, five of which are in a young forest. The signature hole plays across a ravine and along the lake. It is challenging, picturesque, and enjoyable. Alternative tees are available
- Chaska Disc Golf Course —The Chaska Disc Golf course opened in 2002. It has nine holes and covers 3 acres of land, from wooded to open space. It is open year-round but is not lighted.
Skate, Bike, Walk and Ride
- Chaska Skate Park – The Chaska Skate Park is located at Chaska Community Park. The park has over 1,500 square feet of smooth blacktop with nine ramps and rails for skateboarding and inline skating enthusiasts. All ages and abilities are welcome.
- Walk Bike Chaska – City of Chaska 2040 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
- Hawk’s Ridge Mountain Biking Trail – Off-road, single-track mountain bike/multi-use trails adjacent to Pioneer Ridge Middle School. This was a multi-agency effort between the Chaska, Chanhassen, MnDOT, Carver County, and the Carver Trails Group.
- Lions Park Pump Track – available to the public and located next to the outdoor skating rink on Ravoux Rd. A pump track is a circuit of dirt rollers, berms, and jumps that loops back on itself, allowing you to ride it continuously. Riding a pump track is a fun and easy way to learn the skills needed for better mountain bike handling.
Chaska Event Center & Fireman’s Park
Firemen’s Park and the Chaska Event Center were developed in 2015 by the City of Chaska, providing indoor and outdoor celebration spaces in historic downtown Chaska.
The building construction of yellow brick reflects the park’s history as the former site of a booming brickmaking industry in the early/mid-1900s. The iconic yellow clay was mined from what is now a spring-fed lake, providing beautiful vistas for photos and outdoor interest for guests.
During winter, the park is home to a lighted sixty-foot holiday tree and ice skating on the lake. The park features a fountain splash pad, a Clayhole swim beach, and concessions in the summer.
Our indoor spaces include the Event Center ballroom with reception hallway, the Crooked Pint Ale House, and the Chaska Curling Center. Larger groups can incorporate the Event Center ballroom into their food, beverages, and socializing party planning.
Chaska River City Days is Chaska’s premier July festival, hosted by the local non-profit Chaska River City Days. It is located at Fireman’s Park and features FREE entertainment, delicious food, vendors, a kids’ zone, and fun for all ages.
Chaska Curling Center – The Chaska Curling Center, which opened in December 2015, is home to approximately 1,000 members, making it one of the most prominent curling memberships in the country. The facility features six ice sheets, locker rooms, and a player’s lounge. Built as part of the Firemen’s Park renovation project, the Curling Center is a City of Chaska/Parks and Recreation facility.
Guests and spectators are always welcome to visit the Curling Center and watch live curling games from the Welcome Hall or the Crooked Pint Ale House, which overlooks the arena. League games occur from Sunday to Friday evenings, from October to April, with spring and summer leagues occurring from May to September.
The Center also hosts bonspiels and competitions throughout the year and offers “learn to curl” classes, corporate team-building events, and a thriving junior curling program.
Want even more data about Chaska?
Check out the facts about Chaska’s Population, Housing & Income, & Workforce at this link to see household income, demographic information, and more.