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Chanhassen, Minnesota is a small, Minnesota community located just
southwest of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. We offer many
opportunities for work, family and play.
General Info
Chanhassen is a growing community that spans nearly 15,000 acres and 24
square miles in two counties. Most of Chanhassen is located within Carver
County, although a small eastern portion of the city is located in Hennepin
County.
Chanhassen is home to a well-maintained 500-acre park system with five
community parks and nature preserves, and 22 neighborhood parks scattered
throughout the town. There are 11 beautiful lakes, and 35 miles of trails
and sidewalks for walkers, bikers, runners and in-line skaters to enjoy.
The trails wind through the city’s downtown district, parks and neighborhoods,
providing easy access to virtually everything.
Chanhassen is served by two of the top public school districts in the
state: Minnetonka District 276 and Chaska District 112. Private schools
are also available. Business is thriving in Chanhassen, and as the economy
continues to grow, an increasing number of jobs are becoming available.
Those who choose to commute appreciate the city’s proximity to five
major highways.
Downtown Chanhassen offers great shopping, dining and entertainment that
are sure to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Real estate is diverse and
affordable, with low-maintenance condominiums and townhouses available
along with single-family homes of all sizes.
Attractions
Most of Chanhassen's attractions are located within the nearby Twin Cities.
The Mall of America is one of the most visited destinations in the United
States. It attracts more visitors annually than Disney World, Graceland
and the Grand Canyon combined. Since its grand opening, the Mall of America
has added many more stores for a total of more than 520.
The Minnesota Zoo houses many unusual animals, including Japanese snow
monkeys, gibbons, macaws, a Malayan sun bear and trumpeter swans. The
Tropics Trail features an indoor rain forest surrounded by beautiful vegetation
and more than 1,000 animals, while the Ocean Trail features a colorful
coral reef.
Entertainment
In addition to a thriving economy, Chanhassen has many things to do and
a friendly hometown atmosphere. Residents can relax, have a picnic or
fish at any one of the city’s 11 clean lakes, including Christmas
Lake, Lake St. Joe, Lake Minnewashta and Silver Lake. The city hosts several
community events held each year, and seasonal celebrations include the
February Festival, the Easter Egg/Candy Hunt, the Arbor Day Celebration,
the July 4 Celebration, the Fire Department Open House, the Halloween
Party and the December Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Those who prefer spending a day on the greens can tee off at Bluff Creek
Golf Course, an 18-hole public course with a clubhouse, pro shop, driving
range and practice green. The course has six water holes and 31 bunkers
to challenge even the most experienced golfers.
The Chanhassen Dinner Theatre offers a unique dining and performing arts
experience, featuring Broadway musicals, dramatic comedies, comedy acts
and musical revues.
History
Early settlers arrived in the 1850s to stake out farms. According to town
records, Joseph Vogel settled the first claim in the Chanhassen Township
in June 1852. When the Indian land title ended in 1853, additional settlers
arrived. Clarissa Cleaveland selected the name Chanhassen (originally
spelled “Chanhassan”) from the Dakota (Sioux) language. “Chanhassan”
means “the tree with sweet sap” or "sugar maple tree."
Over the years, the Milwaukee & St. Paul railroads continued to draw
even more settlers to the little town, and in 1896, the village of Chanhassen
was incorporated.
Population and business in Chanhassen grew slowly for the next several
decades. During the 1960s, Chanhassen’s first minimall was built.
It housed a drug store, grocery store, hardware store and restaurant.
In 1967, a merger between the village and surrounding township formed
the present city of Chanhassen, which increased the population to 4,200.
Today, business in Chanhassen consists primarily of commercial and industrial
companies. There are currently more than 500 businesses within the city
limits, which employ nearly 10,000 people. Chanhassen’s main industries
now include printing, financial services, engineering, medical products,
food production and high-tech manufacturing.
Location
Located just southwest of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Parks & Recreation
Chanhassen residents take pride in their local city park system, which
offers 34 community, neighborhood and open spaces. The park system was
created to provide a park within a half-mile of every resident’s
front door, and with the exception of some rural areas, this goal has
been attained. While there are already many miles of multipurpose trails
available to residents, more are currently under construction. Chanhassen
houses a senior center, a youth center and a recreation center that provides
activities for residents of all ages. There are also a number of skate
parks, skating rinks and organized sports.
Population
Chanhassen has approximately 20,321 residents.
Pricing
The average home price in Chanhassen is $340,000, with prices ranging
from $160,000 to more than $3 million. The average townhouse/condo price
is $170,000, with prices ranging from $120,000 to $300,000. Housing types
include single-family homes, residential, commercial lots and land, investment
properties, waterfront, and town homes and condominiums.
 A
Great Place to Live…
With an estimated population of 22,376 (April 1, 2003), Chanhassen has
14,427 acres in 24 square miles. Most of the City is located within Carver
County; however, 154 acres in eastern Chanhassen are located in Hennepin
County.
There are eleven beautiful, clean lakes wholly or partially located within
the City limits: Christmas Lake, Harrison Lake, Lake Ann, Lake Lucy, Lake
Minnewashta, Lake Riley, Lake St. Joe, Lake Susan, Lotus Lake, Rice Marsh
Lake, and Silver Lake.
Five major highways traverse the community, making it easy to reach other
metropolitan areas. Trunk Highways 5, 7 and 212 run east/west and Trunk
Highway 41 and 101 run north/south.
The city is served by two public school districts: Minnetonka District
276 and Chaska District 112. Many quality private schools are also available.
Law enforcement services are provided under a contractual agreement with
the Carver County Sheriff’s Department. The city contracts for 48
hours of patrol services each day.
The Chanhassen Fire Department has 41 on-call members. The Main Fire
Station is located on Laredo Drive and a satellite station is located
on Minnewashta Parkway.
 A
Great Place to Work…
Our thriving businesses include a variety of commercial and industrial
companies. Downtown Chanhassen offers great shopping, eating, and entertainment.
Office and warehouse buildings are located in various industrial parks
throughout the city. Since 1995, the City has added 3 million square feet
of commercial/industrial space, which includes approximately 550 businesses
that employ over 9,500 people.
Chanhassen industries include: printing, financial services, medical products,
engineering, food production, high-tech manufacturing, and many more.
 A
Great Place to Play…
Chanhassen’s 500-acre park system features five community parks and
22 neighborhood parks scattered throughout the community. There are 35
miles of trails and sidewalks for walkers, bikers, runners, and in-line
skaters to enjoy. The trails connect downtown, parks, and neighborhoods.
The Chanhassen Senior Center, located in the lower level of City Hall,
is a social gathering place for people 55 and over. The center offers
programs, trips, meals on wheels, and congregate dining.
The Chanhassen Recreation Center (located on the east side of Bluff Creek
Elementary School) provides residents with the opportunity to stay fit.
There is a fitness room, gym, aerobic/dance studio, and five public meeting
rooms that are available for rent.
With the generous support of area businesses, the City hosts several
community events each year: February Festival, Easter Egg/Candy Hunt,
Arbor Day Celebration, July 4th Celebration, Fire Department Open House,
Halloween Party, and Tree Lighting Ceremony.
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