With 11 lakes wholly or partially located within the city limits, Chanhassen could be the other city of lakes. Covering 24 square miles in the southwest metro, Chanhassen is located along the border of Hennepin and Carver counties. The city offers a variety of commercial and industrial companies along with a vibrant downtown retail center. Residential areas vary from comfortably clustered neighborhoods to more rural large-lot homes. Chanhassen is set away from the hustle and bustle of the metro but is still easily accessible thanks to five major highways that traverse the area. 

History

During Chanhassen's first town meeting in 1858, the name Chanhassen was officially adopted. Other business at the meeting included the election of township officers; a vote to raise $200 for town expenses; and a law that all animals except swine would be allowed to run loose between April 1 and November 1. A year later, they freed the swine also. Pauly's General Store became the main store in the village, and a saloon, feed store, lumberyard and the State Bank of Chanhassen were also established. In 1896 the Village of Chanhassen incorporated. Chanhassen was one of the earliest settlements in Carver County, but it grew at one of the slowest rates until the late 1960s. Until that time, farming was the leading industry. During the 1960's, Chanhassen's first mini-mall was built to house a drug store, grocery store, hardware store, and a restaurant. In 1968 the 600-seat Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, still open today, was opened combining dining and entertainment. Herb Bloomberg, who also built the Old Log Theatre in Excelsior, built this theatre. 

Arts and Nature 

Chanhassen is recognized as a center of natural beauty and artistic expression thanks to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Chanhassen Dinner theatre. The landscape arboretum is a 500-acre education and research facility operated by the University of Minnesota. Visitors can walk through the area and learn about the natural beauty of Carver County as well as the research conducted by the U of M on-site. Complimenting the city's natural beauty is the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, home to nationally known performances which take place nightly inside the 90,000 square feet facility. Opened in 1968 on a former cornfield, the theatre prides itself in giving its audience a show from the moment they step inside the door. 

Parks and Recreation

Chanhassen places a strong emphasis on parks, open space, trails and recreation. Residents take pride in their 500-acre city park system offering 34 community, neighborhood and open space preserve locations. The city aims to provide a park within a half-mile of every resident's front door. With the exception of some rural areas, this goal has been attained. The city maintains over 35 miles of multi-purpose trails that link some of the parks. A recreation center, senior center, skate park and skating rinks provide a wide variety of pursuits, both indoor and outdoor, throughout the year. Two of the best beaches in the metropolitan area are located in Chanhassen at Lake Ann Park and Lake Minnewashta Park. Lake Susan Park offers a small beach near the picnic shelter. Neighborhood beaches are also maintained at Carver Beach, Greenwood Shores, and Roundhouse Park. 

Schools 

The city of Chanhassen is served by two public school districts: Minnetonka District 276 and Chaska District 112. These districts are well known for producing high achieving students in well maintained schools. Many quality private schools are also available in the area.

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