Three Rivers Park District was established in 1957 by the Minnesota State Legislature, nearly 60 years after the initial concept had been introduced to the Twin Cities. In 1901, William Folwell, president of the Minneapolis Board of Park Commisssioners, proposed the idea of parks in the outlying areas of Hennepin County. Theodore Wirth championed this plan for an expanded park system during his tenure as Superintendent of Minneapolis Parks from 1906 to 1935. In 1941, Lawrence Haeg of Hopkins, came to the Minnesota State Legislature as a strong proponent of parks and twice introduced legislation to create a park system for Hennepin County. Although these efforts failed, his endeavors provided the base that would ultimately result in passage of the enabling legislation in 1957 that created the Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District (then known as Hennepin County Park Reserve District). The gift of 210 acres of parkland from Morris T. Baker that same year was the tangible factor that propelled the Park System into reality. What follows is a brief chronology of the Park District's growth since that time:

1957-1977 ... A time of intense acquisition as Three Rivers Park District purchased almost 21,000 acres of property, much of it the farmland that stretched across suburban cities that developed rapidly during the 1980s and '90s. Today, Three Rivers Park District owns and manages almost 26,000 acres of park reserves, regional parks and regional trail corridors.

1967-1970 ... Wetland, prairie, woodland and wildlife restoration efforts begin in an attempt to reestablish the land to its original natural state prior to 1800s settlement. Later, as a legacy to future generations, the Three Rivers Park District Board adopts a policy revision requiring that a minimum of 80 percent of each park reserve be restored or retained in a natural state, with no more than 20 percent of the park developed for active use. Today, these park reserves are among the largest areas of wildlife habitat in the seven-county metro area.

1971-1989 ... An era signified by the design and construction of buildings and other park facilities. Large picnic areas, swimming beaches, boat launches, visitor centers, creative play areas, and campgrounds are built. Miles of paved trails are added for biking and hiking, and the development of cross-country ski trails results in a boom to this new winter sport. The 1970s also signify a shift to multi-use recreation areas featuring amenities such as entry control booths, roads and parking lots, restrooms, reservation picnic areas, concession buildings, beaches, and play areas. Today more than two million visitors each year visit Three Rivers Park District.

1990-Present ... The Park District becomes a leader in delivery of outdoor recreation and education services and facilities. New facilities open for mountain biking, snowboarding and evening cross-country skiing along lighted trails; many other park facilities are renovated to increase safety, accessibility and recreational use. With the support and cooperation of many local and state agencies, Three Rivers Park District opens the 27-mile Southwest Regional LRT Trail and rehabilitates the 82-year old Coon Rapids Dam. This period also reflects the fulfillment of a dream with the opening of Lake Minnetonka Regional Park. Today, Three Rivers Park District continues to look to the future with its development of the Baker Near Wilderness Settlement, the Wendelin Grimm Historic Farm site and additional regional trail corridors connecting local and regional park lands.

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