Independent neighborhood guide, not affiliated with any homeowners association, property manager, city or official board.
Updated October 23, 2026
Most suburbs are built around roads. Jonathan was built around an idea: that people should live close to woods, water and each other.
The Jonathan community in Chaska covers about 2,200 acres of woods, lakes and rolling land, bordering Hazeltine National, the Chaska Town Course, Chaska Commons and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. If you’ve ever walked its trails, you know it feels different.
Here’s its story, and what it means if you’re selling or buying here.
A new town on old farmland
Ground was broken in 1967. The founder, Henry T. McKnight, was a Minnesota state legislator and developer who had seen Europe’s post-war “new towns”: planned communities with homes, shops, work and recreation woven together. He imagined five villages surrounded by green space and trails, which was a radical idea at the time.
Jonathan became one of the first federally supported new towns in America. It drew plenty of criticism and doubt, and McKnight pressed on. The result is the network of neighborhoods, trails and open space that so many people love today.
Landmarks worth knowing
The old silo at the northwest corner of Highway 41 and Hundertmark Road marks the Christian Bender farm, homesteaded in the mid-1800s and the first farm to become part of Jonathan. The Karen House, named for longtime Association director Karen Baker, is home to the Jonathan Association office and many community events.
Even the Minnesota Renaissance Festival got its start here, in 1971, in the woods of McKnight Park. And Lake Grace, named for McKnight’s wife, sits along the trails near Lake Bavaria, Lake Jonathan and Lake Hazeltine.
Living in Jonathan today
The Jonathan Association maintains a trail system of about 10 miles, neighborhood playgrounds, community garden plots and common open space, run by volunteer committees. Read more in Chaska parks and trails and a brief history of Chaska.
- Two layers of association: Many homes belong to both the Jonathan Association and a smaller neighborhood association. Ask what each covers and costs.
- Schools: Jonathan is served by School District 112 (Eastern Carver County Schools), including Jonathan Elementary and Clover Ridge Elementary. Confirm assigned schools for any address.
- Golf: Homes near Hazeltine National or the Town Course may have course easements. See Chaska golf courses.
A simple plan for your Jonathan move
I’ve been helping people sell and buy homes for about two decades, and I know the Jonathan neighborhoods well. I’ll help you find the one that fits.
Getting the house ready, or making it yours
If you’re selling and want repairs handled before buyers see them, Super Crew Contractors can give you an estimate. If you’re ready for something custom, Ivy Lane Homes does luxury home building and remodeling. And a quick coverage check with Intrinsic Insurance before closing can save you a surprise. Explore Jonathan neighborhoods like Oak Valley, or read my Chaska homes and market guide.
Super Crew Contractors, Ivy Lane Homes and Intrinsic Insurance are owned by David Olson; you are free to use any contractor, builder or insurer.
Chaska on video
Your next step in Jonathan
Jonathan is a place people tend to stay. Whether you’re buying your first home here or selling the one you’ve loved, let’s make a plan.
Please note: I don’t handle rentals or property management. I work with sellers and buyers, and that’s where I can help you most in Jonathan.
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