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 Picturesque St. Croix River Valley |
6959 Pellar Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55033 United States +1 651 436 5391 http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/par... |
Afton State Park lies along the bluffs of the picturesque St. Croix River Valley just a short trip southeast of the Twin Cities area. Visitors will find 1,700 acres of near-primitive grasslands and dense forests. In fact, access to much of the swimming and camping area is by hiking only. High vantage points provide stunning views of the river and surrounding areas. Badgers, red fox and deer thrive in this magnificent reserve, while hawks and eagles soar above. The Visitors Center provides interpretive exhibits and necessary information about the park. Fishing is allowed from shore or canoe and the swimming beach is well maintained. There are 5 miles of horseback riding trails, 4 miles of paved trails for biking, 19 miles of well-groomed cross country skiing trails and 20 miles of well-marked hiking trails. If you enjoy downhill skiing or snowboarding, visit the nearby Afton Alps Recreation Area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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360 scenic acres |
10360 West River Road Minneapolis, MN 55444 United States +1 763 424 8172 http://www.hennepinparks.com/o... |
This park is 360 scenic acres spanning both sides of the Mississippi River. The showpiece of the park is the 1,000-foot dam built in 1914. The small town of Coon Creek was located in what is now the park and during the construction as many as 1,000 men worked here. Deer, red fox, raccoon, woodchuck, weasel, rabbit and different varieties of squirrels live along the banks, while mink, muskrats, beavers and turtles inhabit the river. The park is a hot spot for fishing, which can be done from shore, boat or platforms on the dam. Walleye, northern, bass and crappie are common.The Visitor Center includes live animal exhibits, an aquarium displaying native fish, an observation deck, information center and restrooms. Three main trails total 4.5 miles and traverse all habitats within the park, groomed for cross-country skiers in the winter.Skis, snowshoes and canoes are available for rent. Picnic tables and grills are plentiful. Campsites are available, including a separate primitive site for canoeists. A handicapped accessible walkway across the dam connects the Hennepin and Anoka County sections of the park and provides an excellent view of the river.A fee is charged for parking and can be paid on a daily basis, or an annual pass, good at all county parks, may be purchased. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sheryl Meier |
 Photo: James |
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Good Old Outdoor Fun |
10145 Bush Lake Rd Minneapolis, MN 55438 United States +1 763 694 7687 |
Camping, biking, skiing, canoeing and good old outdoor fun can all be found at the Hyland Lake Park Reserve south of Minneapolis. The Richardson Nature Center contains numerous exhibits and information about this 1,000-acre urban, woodland reserve. The nature trails are dotted with overlooks and observation decks allowing observation of deer, pheasant, ducks, geese and a variety of songbirds. There are 7 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of paved bike paths. The Hyland Outdoor Recreation Center contains a snack bar, gift shop and restrooms. The center rents bikes, rowboats, canoes and paddleboats in the summer and skis, snowshoes and skates in the winter. The hiking and biking trails are groomed in the winter for cross country skiing and snowshoes. A large picnic area, a small fishing pier and boat launch are situated in the lake area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: romadden84 |
 Photo: Alan Seaver  |