The Best Wildlife watching in Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park is a stunning 515-acre park located in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. The park features hills, heavily-wooded ravines, old fields, and prairies, offering a diverse and picturesque landscape for visitors to explore. With different sun exposures on its slopes, the park boasts a unique variety of vegetation and habitats, making it a haven for wildlife such as grouse, ermine, cottontail rabbits, deer, and various bird species including the impressive pileated woodpecker. Visitors can enjoy hiking and exploring the park's trails, which offer both summer and winter options. Please note that vehicle permits are required for entry into the park.

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.

Highlands Park is a top destination in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, offering 65 acres of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. This premier park features a baseball field, two soccer fields, two tennis courts, three basketball courts, an ice skating rink, and over four miles of paved trails winding through beautiful grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. The park also boasts a picturesque pond with picnic areas and a large play structure for children. Whether you're looking to play sports, take a leisurely stroll, or have a family picnic, Highlands Park has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this must-visit tourist attraction in Cottage Grove!

Hamlet Park, located at 8883 Hamlet Avenue South in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, is a popular tourist attraction and the largest park in the area, spanning over 150 acres of park and open space. The park boasts a beautiful trail system that winds through ponds, waterways, woods, and grasses, offering visitors a chance to experience nature at its finest. In addition to the scenic trails, Hamlet Park also features seven baseball fields, three soccer fields, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, two sand volleyball courts, two football fields, a skateboard park, and ice-skating rinks. The park is equipped with a picnic shelter, picnic tables, grills, and a large play structure, making it an ideal location for large group gatherings.