Location: Designated Accessible Pier
Managed by: Olmsted County
Management Address
Chester Woods Park 8378 Highway 14 E
Eyota Mn 55934
This park is located on the headwaters of Bear Creek and provides visitors with many amenities including multiple fishing piers. This pier though not designated as an accessible fishing pier does offer anglers the ability to fish over the main body of the reservoir. The elevation differences that are ideal for the construction of a reservoir make access difficult due to the high and usually steep banks surrounding the water. This can make it difficult for the visitor with a disability to access the water surface and some of the related recreational offerings of an area. Visitors have various ramps to choose from at this location all requiring differing ability levels. This fishing pier, while not the easiest to use of the three, has a hard-surfaced trail. The third fishing pier located off the camping area is virtually impossible to use due to no accessible route and across washouts. The access is very steep, most electric wheelchairs would not make it unless it was a track chair.
Description
This is the designated accessible fishing pier found within the Park. Drivers are cautioned that the trail is used by pedestrians including children with sharp curves and changes in elevation which can partially block ones view when driving. Take if very slow with extreme care.
After traveling down the trail through the hills and woods you will come to the pier. An accessible parking sign is located prior to the pier. If you have a large van or pickup it will be tight especially if another vehicle comes down the trail. There is enough room to park and let traffic by but you may have to unload and park to use a van side lift or to let you passengers out.
The pier is nestled along the bank has seating on either end with fishing openings along the side next to the waterway, see picture.
Location Info » For directions, click the marker in the map. »
Travel from US Hwy 14 from Rochester to Eyota, Minnesota, 8.4 miles. If coming from Eyota, Minnesota travel 4.6 miles toward Rochester, Minnesota. The entrance to the Park is located on the south side of the road. After entering the Park a short drive on the main road after the right turn-off to the boat landing and its parking area visitors will find another parking area with garbage containers to the left of the road. To the right of the left turn to the parking area off the main road is what looks like a hard surface walking trail. People with disabilities can use this as a drivable path to the fishing pier, see pictures of the path with the brown sign stating it is an access point for an "ADA fishing Pier" its use by people with disabilities. Drivers are cautioned that this is used by pedestrians including children with sharp curves and changes in elevation which can partially block one's view when driving. Take it very slow with extreme care. After traveling down the trail through the hills and woods you will come to the pier. An accessible parking sign is located prior to the pier. If you have a large van or pickup it will be tight especially if another vehicle comes down the trail. There is enough room to park and let traffic by but you may have to unload and park to use a van side lift or to let your passengers out.
Amenities
The largest selection of shopping and eating establishments can be found in Rochester, Minnesota. Visitors are directed to the Rochester, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce at https://business.rochestermnchamber.com/list
Lodging
The largest selection of lodging establishments can be found in Rochester, Minnesota. Visitors are directed to the Rochester, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce at https://business.rochestermnchamber.com/list
