Rolling hills and picturesque lakes and creeks distinguish Eden Prairie as an ideally located suburb in the southwest metropolitan area. Situated 18 miles from downtown Minneapolis, the area provides an attractive blend of amenities. Friendly residential neighborhoods, a thriving business community, ample parkland, and vibrant retail spaces round out the blend. Residents have a strong sense of community and a passion for preserving the city's history as the future continues to develop. With a population of over 55,000, the city is expected to grow by at least another 10,000 in the next century. Located near several major corridors, including 494, 169 and 212, Eden Prairie provides easy access to all throughout the metro. 

History 

Eden Prairie's name can be traced to a 19th century author who proclaimed the prairies and bluffs she saw to be the garden spot of the Minnesota Territory. Eden Prairie's town board was formed in 1858 and held its first meeting in a log schoolhouse. Mostly an agricultural area, the township grew slowly. One of the biggest signs of growth came in 1946 with the construction of Flying Cloud Airport. The 1960s and '70s were decades of rapid growth and the city was incorporated in 1968. Growth continued into the 1970s and 80s as the city became a popular location for Twin Cities residents. 

Continued Agriculture

The milling center of the world was at one time located in downtown Minneapolis and all the area surrounding it was predominantly agriculture in nature. Eden Prairie was no exception and the farms around the area were what built the town from nothing. As the Twin Cities developed, agricultural areas became predominantly commercial and residential. Although these farm lands have disappeared through most of the rest of the Twin Cities, Eden Prairie still hangs on to a few fields in the southwestern portion of the city mostly along the Minnesota River. 

Parks and Recreation 

Eden Prairie is home to 2,250 acres of parkland and 1,300 acres of preserved open space. Residents take full advantage of those spaces that are connected by over 90 miles of multi-use trails. There are 17 lakes in the city, 15 of which have adjacent trails or parks. Visitors and residents also enjoy the 1,700 acres of land in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Recreation Area. 

Schools

The Eden Prairie School District 272 is where most Eden Prairie children go to school. The district has 5 elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. Hennepin Technical College makes its home in Eden Prairie. The International School of Minnesota, which provides a unique combination of educational opportunities for students grades K-12, can be found in Eden Prairie. Two other school districts service the community including the Minnetonka and Hopkins School Districts.

-Home Owner's Resource Guide