TOP Parks for recreational activities in Minnesota

Spring Lake Park Reserve is a picturesque park located in Hastings, Minnesota, overlooking the stunning Mississippi River. This hidden gem is a popular tourist attraction and a rest stop along the Great River Road. Visitors can enjoy the feel of northern Minnesota while exploring the beautiful natural surroundings. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and admission and parking are free. For those looking to navigate the park easily, geo-enabled maps can be downloaded on the Avenza app. Contact Dakota County Parks at 952-891-7000 or parks@co.dakota.mn.us for more information.

Wolfe Park Playground is a popular recreational destination located at West 38th Street in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. This vibrant playground offers a variety of play structures, swings, slides, and climbing equipment for children of all ages to enjoy. Surrounded by lush greenery and shaded areas, Wolfe Park Playground provides a safe and inviting environment for families to relax and play. With picnic tables, benches, and restroom facilities available on site, visitors can spend hours exploring and having fun in this well-maintained park. Whether you're looking for a place to unwind or a spot for your kids to burn off some energy, Wolfe Park Playground is the perfect destination for outdoor fun in St. Louis Park.

Itasca State Park is a beautiful natural oasis located at 36750 Main Park Drive in Park Rapids, Minnesota. This institution offers a variety of amenities including campgrounds, lodging options, and an expansive park perfect for outdoor activities and exploration. As a popular tourist attraction, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing in this stunning natural setting. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous outdoor experience, Itasca State Park is the ideal destination. Plan your visit through the park's travel agency for a seamless and unforgettable trip.

Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo is a charming tourist attraction located in Byron, Minnesota, United States. Nestled at 5731 County Road 105 Northwest, this institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore a beautiful park and interact with a variety of animals at the on-site zoo. The park features lush greenery, walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The Zollman Zoo is home to a diverse collection of wildlife, including native species such as deer, bobcats, and birds of prey. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a day of outdoor fun and educational experiences at Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo.

Whitetail Woods Regional Park is a 456-acre park located in Empire Township, Dakota County, Minnesota. Surrounded by natural wildlife management areas and the Vermillion River, the park offers a peaceful and serene escape from the city. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and birdwatching in the park's beautiful surroundings. The park also features camper cabins for those looking to stay overnight. With free admission and parking, Whitetail Woods Regional Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Contact Dakota County Parks for more information.

Bay Point Park is a scenic recreational area located in Red Wing, Minnesota, United States. Situated along the Mississippi River, this park offers stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as picnicking, walking or biking along the trails, fishing, and even taking a leisurely boat ride. With its lush greenery, peaceful atmosphere, and convenient amenities, Bay Point Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Levee Park is a beautiful outdoor recreational space located at 20 Ramsey Street in Hastings, Minnesota. This park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. With walking paths, picnic areas, and green spaces, Levee Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing day out in nature. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank or simply unwind with a picnic, Levee Park is a wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Central Park of Maple Grove is a stunning park located in Maple Grove, Minnesota, United States. Spanning over acres of lush greenery, this park is a popular tourist attraction for visitors of all ages. With its pristine walking trails, beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and picnic areas, Central Park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking to relax in nature, enjoy a leisurely stroll, or have a fun day out with family and friends, Central Park is the perfect destination. Plan your visit today to experience the beauty and tranquility of this beloved park in Maple Grove.

Cliff Fen Park is a beautiful natural oasis located at 120 Cliff Road East in Burnsville, Minnesota, United States. This park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, winding trails, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, birdwatching, and more in this peaceful setting. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day outdoors or a place to connect with nature, Cliff Fen Park is the perfect destination.

Shoreview Commons Park is a picturesque park located at 4580 Victoria Street North in Shoreview, Minnesota. This popular tourist attraction offers a serene and relaxing environment for visitors to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. With beautifully landscaped grounds, walking paths, picnic areas, and a playground, Shoreview Commons Park is the perfect destination for families, couples, and individuals looking to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with loved ones, or simply enjoy the fresh air, Shoreview Commons Park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Carver Park Reserve is a stunning natural getaway located at 7400 Grimm Road in Victoria, Minnesota, United States. This expansive park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching. With its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere, Carver Park Reserve is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you want to explore the trails, relax by the lake, or simply take in the sights and sounds of nature, this park is the perfect destination for a day of outdoor adventure.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park, located at 860 Cliff Road in Eagan, Minnesota, is a popular tourist attraction and outdoor recreation destination. As the largest park in the Dakota County park system, it spans nearly 2,000 acres and offers a variety of trails, lakes, and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy year-round. The park features the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, where visitors can find park information, interactive nature displays, and participate in courses and programs. The center also offers equipment rental for outdoor sports and activities. Additionally, Dakota County Parks is actively involved in restoring prairies and forests within the park, as well as planting thousands of new trees and shrubs.

Carver Park Reserve Off-Leash Dog Park is a spacious and well-maintained park located at 7200 Park Drive in Victoria, Minnesota, United States. This park is specifically designed for dogs to roam and play freely off-leash in a safe and secure environment. With plenty of open space, walking trails, and amenities such as water stations and waste disposal bins, this park provides a perfect opportunity for dogs to socialize, exercise, and have fun. Whether you are a local resident or just passing through, Carver Park Reserve Off-Leash Dog Park is a must-visit destination for dog owners looking to give their furry friends a chance to run wild and enjoy the great outdoors.

Woodland Trails Regional Park, located at 20135 Elk Lake Road Northwest in Elk River, Minnesota, is a stunning 427-acre park that showcases the beauty of dense woods, prairies, and wetlands. As the crown jewel of the Elk River Park system, it is a must-visit destination throughout the year. In 2020, the park added a new archery range and nature play area, offering visitors even more recreational opportunities. The Woodlands Archery Range features eight targets with shooting positions ranging from 10 to 40 yards, providing a challenging experience for archery enthusiasts of all levels. The Glacial Ridge Nature Play Area offers a variety of elements for children and families to enjoy, including fort building sticks, log balance beams, boulder scrambles, and more.

Veterans Park, located at 619 Creek Road in Chaska, Minnesota, is a popular tourist attraction and park in the area. Visitors can rent the shelter at Veterans Park for one rental block per day from 9 am to 9 pm. To rent the facility, simply fill out the application form (PDF) available on their website. For more information about shelter reservations, visit the Park Shelter Reservations page. Enjoy a day of relaxation and outdoor fun at Veterans Park in Chaska.

Grassmann Park is a newly opened park located at 1132 Stonebridge Path in Jordan, Minnesota. This park features a unique Challenge Course by Gametime, offering both a Pro and Youth course in the same location. The grand opening event on August 17th will have free tacos for the first 100 visitors provided by All-in-One Delia’s Authentic Home Flavor. Special guest Leif Sundberg, the “Swedish Ninja” from American Ninja Warrior, will also be in attendance. The park is designed with elements of the popular televised American Ninja Warrior races, providing opportunities for all ages to compete and experience the challenge together. The course is timed and utilizes an app by Gametime to record and compare personal times with others around the country. Located in the beautiful community of Jordan, residents enjoy a small town atmosphere while still being close to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Come visit Grassmann Park and become part of this vibrant community.

Wright County - Otsego Regional Park is a picturesque 70-acre park located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Otsego, Minnesota. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the prairie, or arrive by canoe to explore the scenic surroundings. The park boasts a picnic area with two reservable shelters, two miles of paved trails suitable for all-season use, a play field, horse shoe pits, a play structure, toilets, a prairie restoration area, a sand volleyball area, and a canoe access point. Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature walk or a fun day out with family and friends, Wright County - Otsego Regional Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Vegsund County Park is a beautiful park located in Stanchfield, Minnesota, United States. This serene park offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With lush greenery, walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views, Vegsund County Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind in nature. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a family picnic, or simply enjoy the fresh air, this park has something for everyone. Come and explore all that Vegsund County Park has to offer!

Arena Waterfront Park is a beautiful park located at 1000 South 5th Avenue West in Duluth, Minnesota. Situated along the waterfront, this park offers stunning views of Lake Superior and is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as picnicking, walking, and biking. The park also features a playground for children, making it a great destination for families. With its peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings, Arena Waterfront Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Duluth.

Woodridge Park is a stunning 50-acre park located at 9000 90th Street South in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. This premier park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. With both paved and natural trails, preserved hardwoods, and a peaceful pond, Woodridge Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is home to a diverse range of tree species, making it a beautiful and tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll or a family outing. Connected to other nearby parks and trails, including Hillside Trail/Jamaica Avenue and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Woodridge Park offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Named after the woods that line the ridge along 90th Street, Woodridge Park is a true gem in the heart of Cottage Grove.

West Park is a picturesque and charming tourist attraction located at 2350 11th Street in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. This beautiful park offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely picnic, take a peaceful stroll, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty, West Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come and explore all that this hidden gem has to offer in the heart of Minnesota's stunning countryside.

Leif Erikson Park is a beautiful park and popular tourist attraction located at 1301 London Road in Duluth, Minnesota, United States. Named after the famous Norse explorer, the park features stunning views of Lake Superior and the iconic Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, flower gardens, a rose garden, and a peaceful Japanese rock garden. The park also boasts a replica Viking ship playground for children to play on. Leif Erikson Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing day outdoors and a must-visit destination in Duluth.

Park Point Recreation Area is a stunning oasis located at 411 West First Street in Duluth, Minnesota, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. With its picturesque views of Lake Superior and sandy beaches, Park Point Recreation Area is the perfect place for a relaxing day out with family and friends. Whether you enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, this park has something for everyone. Come explore all that Park Point Recreation Area has to offer and create unforgettable memories in this beautiful outdoor paradise.

Big Marine Park Reserve is a stunning natural attraction located at 17495 Manning Trail North in Marine on Saint Croix, Minnesota. This park, situated in the northern part of Washington County, offers visitors a chance to explore 1,800 acres of preserved and protected land. The park boasts a variety of natural resources, including the beautiful St. Croix Valley and high-quality wildlife habitat. Visitors to Big Marine Park Reserve can enjoy a family-friendly swimming beach on the shores of Big Marine Lake, as well as a handicap accessible fishing pier and motorized boat launch. The park also features a large playground area with exciting features like an 18-foot slide and a climbing rock.

Pine Point Regional Park, located at 11900 Norell Avenue North in Stillwater, Minnesota, is a tranquil nature area featuring pine forests, lakes, and marshes. Visitors can enjoy five miles of multiuse trails for activities such as biking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, and hiking. The park also offers horseback riding on some of the best trails in the metropolitan area. A vehicle permit is required for entry into the park. Established as a regional park in 2005, Pine Point Regional Park is a popular destination and serves as a major trailhead for the State of Minnesota's Gateway Trail.

Colvill Park, located at 507 Nymphara Lane in Red Wing, Minnesota, is a popular tourist attraction and park. The park features shelters that can be reserved on a "first come first serve basis" after paid reservations are honored. Visitors can check the schedule of reservations posted on each shelter or reserve a shelter online or by mail. The park offers various amenities and is also home to the Red Wing Water Park. For more information on rates, hours, and swimming lessons, visitors can contact the Public Works Department. A map of the park is available for visitors to navigate the various park amenities. Visit Colvill Park for a fun and relaxing day outdoors in Red Wing.

Fairmont Park is a picturesque and serene park located on Grand Avenue in Duluth, Minnesota. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its lush greenery, winding walking paths, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, Fairmont Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply take in the beauty of nature, Fairmont Park has something for everyone. Come and experience the tranquility and natural beauty of this charming park in the heart of Duluth.

Sunfish Lake Park is a picturesque and serene park located at 3554 Kelvin Avenue North in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. This beautiful tourist attraction offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its lush greenery, sparkling lake, and well-maintained walking trails, Sunfish Lake Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty, this park has something for everyone. Come and experience the peaceful ambiance and scenic views that Sunfish Lake Park has to offer.

Chester Woods Park is a picturesque park and popular tourist attraction located in Eyota, Minnesota. Situated at 8378 14 Highway Southeast, this beautiful park offers visitors a serene natural setting with lush forests, scenic trails, and a tranquil lake perfect for fishing and boating. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply unwind in nature, Chester Woods Park is the ideal destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. With its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, this park is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The Afton State Park Visitor Center is a charming travel agency located at Afton State Park Trail in Hastings, Minnesota, United States. This center serves as a hub for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Afton State Park. Here, you can find information on hiking trails, camping facilities, and other activities available in the park. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist you in planning your outdoor adventure. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, the Afton State Park Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for your exploration of this stunning park.