City of Carver, MN

Just down the Minnesota River from Chaska is the beautiful historic City of Carver, Minnesota. With more than a dozen historic buildings and landmarks, Carver is a history buff’s dream. The beautifully restored Church on the River anchors one end of Carver’s Broadway Street, which is home to several other thriving businesses in historic downtown.

Nature lovers will find a kindred spirit in the Minnesota River Valley near Carver. Walking and jogging trails and bird life abound in this scenic and beautiful area known as the Minnesota Valley State Recreational Area. Located just off County Road 45 is the new Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center, gateway to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. A prairie restoration area and a majestic oak savannah provide the habitat for many species of wildlife that live in the Rapids Lake preserve.

Known for its fun and unique occasional shops, the City of Carver opens its doors the 3rd week-end of each month and shoppers swarm to the city to discover new and unique offerings by this eclectic retail community.

During the summer months, Carver’s City Center Park is host to an open air market which further expands on the selection by including a farmers market and additional artists and crafters.

Live in Carver

Carver, the oldest town in CarverCounty, was first settled in 1851. Carver is located on the banks of the Minnesota River making transportation by River and later by Rail accountable for Carver’s rich history. Carver’s core city is on the National Register of Historic Places. Over the past decade Carver has experienced significant growth and continues to attract new residents with its small town character, natural setting, and affordable housing.

Work in Carver

Many unique businesses line the historic district of Carver. With the completion of Highway 212 in November of 2008 the commute to the Cities has been shortened substantially making business in the western suburbs as well as the metro area much more accessible. The future development of the Highway 212 and Jonathan Carver Parkway corridor will provide many more opportunities.

Download the Carver Business Guide.

Play in Carver

Carver’s well-known Steamboat Days celebration takes place the weekend after Labor Day. Each year residents and visitors fill the streets to join in the festivities. Entertainment for the whole family can be found throughout the weekend, which comes to an end with the Steamboat Days Parade.

Hosted by the occasional shops of Carver, with vendors from all over, the Village Open Air Markets in the summer attract many different genres of people to the heart of downtown.

Miles of walking trails along the Minnesota River allow residents and visitors to enjoy picturesque views of nature in Carver.

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