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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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 Everything you need |
1622 Lake St Minneapolis, MN 55408 United States +1 612 827 8231 |
You want to ride around the lakes on a warm Saturday afternoon but don't own a bike or the kids are too small to go a long trip. Head to Calhoun Bike Rental and get everything you need for an enjoyable family outing.Here the experienced or casual biker will find a fine line of well-maintained bikes, recumbent, child trailers and all the necessary accessories to make your journey a pleasant one. For those who enjoy riding together but can't seem to keep pace with each other Calhoun Bike Rental has just the tandem for you. You can even rent car racks.Hourly, daily and extended rates are available on all equipment. The rental season runs April-October. All rental bikes are available for purchase starting Labor Day. For new bikes and accessories visit their sister store, Calhoun Cycle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Clean, quiet lake |
Cedar Lake Ave and Cedar Lake Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55403 United States +1 612 661 4800 |
Minneapolis' picturesque chain of lakes begins with Cedar Lake. This clean, quiet lake is the least urbanized of the five and the only Minneapolis lake with the backyards of private homes gracing its shores. Cedar Lake has two public beaches on its west and south shores, as well as a small, yet popular, clothing-optional Hidden Beach to the northeast. This technically illegal beach area, not easily accessible or visible from the public beaches, has been drawing those who wish to commune with nature for decades. Not as busy or crowded as the other popular city lakes, Cedar Lake is a great place for a relaxing swim, quiet canoe ride or just enjoying the natural scenery. A shallow channel connects the southern corner of Cedar Lake to Lake of the Isles. Contact the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board for additional information about the city lakes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Zachary Herbst |
 Photo: John Hermanson |
 Photo: Steve Prakope  |
 Photo: Andrea Zanivan |
 Photo: joslyn layne |
 Photo: Steve Prakope |
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362-acre urban refuge |
12615 County Road 9 Minneapolis, MN 55441 United States +1 763 559 8891 http://www.hennepinparks.com/o... |
Commonly called French Park, this well-maintained member of the Hennepin Park System is located on the north end of Medicine Lake. A 362-acre urban refuge used primarily for recreational activities, it also has beautiful natural features. A long winding inlet of the 900-acre lake bisects the park. Beaver, muskrat, mink and turtle live here, while great egret, black crowned night heron, belted kingfisher, geese, ducks and spotted sandpiper nest or feed in the area. White-tailed deer, red fox, woodchuck, cottontail rabbit, great horned owl and red tailed hawk frequent the area. Cross-country ski trails are mowed for hikers in the off-season. There is a sandy swimming beach with restrooms, changing rooms and a snack bar. There are volleyball courts, a public boat launch and a picnic area with tables and grills. Park visitors can rent bicycles, rowboats, canoes, paddle boats, fishing poles and in winter, cross-country skis. In winter the frozen lake becomes a skating rink and kids go sledding on the hills. 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 |
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Animals in the city |
1225 Estabrook Dr Minneapolis, MN 55103 United States +1 651 487 8200 http://www.comozooconservatory... |
This zoo offers a true old-fashioned family outing. Visitors can still see the old cages on the outside of the Zoodale Gift Shop/Restaurant building. Now the big cats, gorillas, other simians and the hoofed animals all have new homes. The Sparky the Seal Show delights all ages during the summer. And it is all free. Of course, you could buy treats for the seals and yourself, too. The adjacent amusement park provides kiddie rides and cotton candy during the summer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Malinda Welte |
 Photo: Keng-Yu Lin |
 Photo: Malinda Welte |
 Photo: John Watne |
 Photo: Kevin D. Hendricks |
 Photo: John Watne |
 Photo: Daniel Flies |
 Photo: Keng-Yu Lin |
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Fun in Como Town! |
1301 Midway Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55103 United States +1 651 487 2121 http://www.comotown.com |
If your child needs an outing and you want some time to yourself, send them to Como Town or better yet, go along. With ample activities to choose from, like so many different kinds of rides, fire fighting games, driving cars and planes or just running around and enjoying yourself, Como town is a child's paradise. Have a birthday party here or a picnic with your entire family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Michael Hicks |
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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 |
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 Photo: Sheryl Meier |
 Photo: James |
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A beautiful ride, walk or run |
500 Lafayette Rd Department of Natural Resources Minneapolis, MN 55155 United States +1 651 296 6157 http://www.a1trails.com/biking... |
This paved public trail follows the bed of the Soo Line Railroad from St. Paul to Stillwater. Whether biking, inline skating, running or walking, it will take you from the city to the country in 19 miles. The trail runs through residential neighborhoods, past parks, and through North St. Paul along Highway 36. Many of the municipalities have created access paths to the parks that sit along the way. A slight detour will take you to the Maplewood Community Center. Enjoy the view as you pass Lake Phalen, past the small community of Mahtomedi and into historic Stillwater. The last train passed this way in 1987, and markers along the way point out where some of the old train stations sat, such as Gladstone (Gloster). There are interpretive markers that tell about some of the wildlife along the way. Maps are available from the DNR office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Impeccably Kept Trails |
8800 Chalet Rd Minneapolis, MN 55438 United States +1 763 694 7800 http://www.hylandski.com hylandski@threeriversparkdistrict.org |
The 1,000 acre Hyland Lake Park Reserve is home to one of the best ski and snowboarding facilities in the Twin City area. Just 25 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis and five minutes west of the Mall of America in Bloomington, the Hyland Hills Ski Area is known for some of the best snowmaking and grooming in the Midwest. The cross-country skiing and snowshoe enthusiast will find 18 miles of impeccable trails, while the downhill skier and snowboarder will find a variety of slopes to challenge the expert and thrill the novice. The trails and slopes are well lit, providing an exhilarating atmosphere for night skiing. Ski and snowshoe rental is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
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 Photo: romadden84 |
 Photo: Alan Seaver |
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Lake attracts young adults |
3000 Calhoun Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55408 United States +1 612 230 6400 http://www.minneapolisparks.or... |
Connected by a channel to the Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun is the largest of the five lakes comprising Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. The lake attracts a younger crowd to the sandy beaches for volleyball, sunbathing and picnics. Walkers, in-line skaters and bikers proliferate on the three miles of paved paths circling the lake. Windsurfers, canoeists, kayakers and sailors fill the lake during the warmer months while ice fishing houses dot its frozen waters during the winter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Andrew Mork, III |
 Photo: Ardent Eye |
 Photo: ef-u |
 Photo: Erik Ostrom |
 Photo: Robert Scott Parker |
 Photo: Alfred Essa |
 Photo: Erik Ostrom |
 Photo: Tobias Carroll |
 Photo: Chuck Greene |
 Photo: Alfred Essa |
 Photo: Bl@ck Coffee |
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Lovely area of flowers and music |
South of Lake Calhoun Minneapolis, MN 55409 United States +1 612 230 6475 http://www.minneapolisparks.or... |
Travel half a mile south of Lake Calhoun on William Berry Parkway and you will find a lake that will make you wish summer were 12 months long. Named for the wife of Colonel Harry Leavenworth, the first commander of Fort Anthony (later named Fort Snelling), Lake Harriet is a lovely area consisting of sandy beaches, rose and rock gardens, a popular band shell and some of the city's most palatial homes. The Lake Harriet Trolley leaves from the lake's northwest curve, and Beards Plaisance, a large sheltered picnic area, occupies the southwest corner. The northwest shore is also home to the Lake Harriet Band Shell and refectory from which the Queen of the Lakes paddlewheel boat departs. The Lake Harriet Rose Garden, also known as Lyndale Park, located on the northeast corner of the lake, boasts some 250 different varieties of roses. This lovely sanctuary is a meticulously cared for and fragrant oasis of blooming flowers adjacent to a tranquil Japanese rock garden. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: MNkiteman |
 Photo: Carolyn Ganus |
 Photo: Meredith Westin |
 Photo: Aaron Dalrymple |
 Photo: Aaron Dalrymple |
 Photo: Nikki |
 Photo: Chris Andersen |
 Photo: Alex Bleasdale |
 Photo: Mamluke |
 Photo: Chris Andersen |
 Photo: Carolyn Ganus |
 Photo: Robert Scott Parker |
 Photo: Nikki |
 Photo: Andrea Zanivan |
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 Photo: Amy Conger |
 Photo: Todd Hein |
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Charming Open-Air Structure |
4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy Minneapolis, MN 55409 United States |
Free summertime concerts at this location have been a grand old tradition since 1888. This charming open-air structure is the fifth facility built on the same site since transit magnate Thomas Lowry built the first pavilion. This classical single story building with eyebrow roof and corner turrets is reminiscent of the structural design that was prevalent in the neighborhood at the turn of the 20th century. The band shell hosts diverse music programs and events throughout the summer including jazz, rock, Broadway tunes and classical music concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Kevin Hoogheem |
 Photo: Kevin Hoogheem |
 Photo: Rob Marquardt |
 Photo: Greg Putrich |
 Photo: Jess Bullis |
 Photo: Clue Master |
 Photo: Kim Zilla |
 Photo: B. Timm |
 Photo: noodles2k50 |
 Photo: gail |
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Lovely urban refuge |
4610 County Road 44 Minneapolis, MN 55364 United States +1 763 694 7754 http://www.threeriversparkdist... |
This 392-acre regional park is a lovely urban refuge with excellent recreational facilities. A large picnic area, located by the lake, offers shelters, tables, grills and an open play area suited for croquet and volleyball games. A large fishing pier and boat launch provides easy access to majestic Lake Minnetonka. Frolic on the beach or take a dip in the chlorinated swimming pond constructed by the lake. Spread a blanket, stick an umbrella in the sand and lay back to soak up the suns golden rays as breezes from one of the state's largest lakes help keep you cool. A small visitor center offers information, meeting rooms for corporate outings by the beach and restrooms. A minimal parking fee is charged or a season pass good at all Hennepin Parks is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sailboats and canoes |
52nd Street and Cedar Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55417 United States +1 612 370 4923 http://www.minneapolisparks.or... |
Lake Nokomis is the southernmost of the lakes in the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. Connected to the other lakes via Minnehaha Creek, this popular scenic lake boasts a busy beach, comfortable picnic area and great urban fishing. Like the other lakes, Nokomis has its share of sailboats and canoes dotting the water. The 2.7 miles of paved paths invite walkers, joggers, bikers and inline skaters to leisurely travel its boundary. This lake seems to be especially popular with the high school crowd, perhaps due to its proximity to many family-populated neighborhoods. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Andy Cosgrove |
 Photo: John Hermanson |
 Photo: Julie Sandburg |
 Photo: Joshua Yetman |
 Photo: Gary Sankary |
 Photo: John Hermanson |
 Photo: Julie Sandburg |
 Photo: Mark Dille |
 Photo: Pete Ryan |
 Photo: Stefanie Hollmichel |
 Photo: Steph |
 Photo: Marielle Nylander |
 Photo: Amy Kalberer |
 Photo: Steven Lee |
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Setting is delightful for sunbathing |
Franklin Ave and Logan Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55405 United States +1 612 661 4800 |
In 1880 Lake of the Isles was a stagnant marsh. Dredging of the swamp raised the property value surrounding the pond. Some of the city's largest and most elegant homes frame Lake of the Isles.This man-made lake is well stocked with pan fish, attracting anglers of all ages in the warm months as well as the cold. Swimming is not advised, but the setting is delightful for sunbathing, a picnic or reading a book under a large shade tree. In winter, park officials designate skating areas and erect a warming house. Walking, jogging or biking around its 2.7 miles of shoreline provides outstanding views of the downtown and the surrounding neighborhood. The serene atmosphere of Lake of the Isles makes it the lake of choice for canoeists.The southern portion of the lake is connected to the city's largest lake, Lake Calhoun, by a quiet channel. Contact the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board for additional information about the city lakes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Jess Bullis |
 Photo: Robert Scott Parker |
 Photo: Jess Bullis |
 Photo: Andrea Zanivan |
 Photo: Erik Ostrom |
 Photo: Karl Reichert |
 Photo: Andrea Zanivan |
 Photo: Bl@ck Coffee |
 Photo: Kevin M. Lee |
 Photo: anne |
 Photo: romaryka |
 Photo: lake elmo |
 Photo: lalakim |
 Photo: Julie Markant |
 Photo: Joshua Abrams |
 Photo: anna.marie |
 Photo: Nate Kennedy |
 Photo: Christine Hysell |
 Photo: pjayres |
 Photo: Chris Pommier |
 Photo: Pete Erickson |
 Photo: Jeremy Ryan Carr |
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First city-owned park |
1382 Willow St Minneapolis, MN 55403 United States +1 612 370 4929 |
In 1883, the city purchased 35 acres of land and turned it into the first city-owned park, a gorgeous commons known as Central Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer of New York City's Central Park, thus the name. In 1890, the park's name was changed to honor Charles Loring, the first president of the Minneapolis Park Board and the initial force behind preserving much of the land that eventually evolved into one of the nation's most magnificent city park systems.An active and much-used inner city recreation area, Loring Park has a basketball court, paved walking and bike paths, numerous tennis courts, horseshoe pits and shuffleboard courts. In winter, the lake is packed with skaters. On the west side Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge connects the park to the Walker Art Center. Loring Greenway, a well-traveled pedestrian thoroughfare, connects the park to downtown's Nicollet Mall. At the end of the Greenway is the Berger Fountain, shaped like a giant dandelion.Free concerts are held in the summer and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park. The recreation building houses restrooms, an information center and ping-pong tables. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Evan Bibbee |
 Photo: Matt Gray |
 Photo: ɹɐǝʇuǝʌ1ǝ |
 Photo: Dan Wick |
 Photo: Ben Ostrowsky |
 Photo: quarkusjackson |
 Photo: Ben Ostrowsky |
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 Photo: Cori Culhane |
 Photo: Evan Bibbee |
 Photo: Linda Beaverson |
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 Photo: Jim Eagan |
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Spectacular urban delight |
Hiawatha Ave at Minnehaha Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55417 United States +1 612 667 4800 http://www.nps.gov/miss/maps/m... |
This is one of the spectacular urban delights of south Minneapolis. Winding its way from the south shore of Lake Harriet, Minnehaha Creek cuts a 5-mile path along 50th Street on its way to the Mississippi River. Picturesque Minnehaha Parkway, running parallel to the creek, is a splendid drive featuring lush gardens and large shade trees. The route can also be traversed by foot or bike via the trails. The culmination of the gurgling and bubbling creek as it rushes to meet the mighty Mississippi is the cascading splendor of Minnehaha Falls, and 170-acre magnificent Minnehaha Park. One of the city's most-used stretches of parkland, it features several large picnic grounds, formal gardens, playing fields, hiking trails, and undeveloped natural areas. Four different staircases, made of local stone, lead from the uplands to various spots along the creek bottom. There they connect to a trail that follows the creek to its confluence with the river across from St. Paul's Hidden Falls Park. A separate paved trail connects the park to historic Fort Snelling State Park. Of special historical significance is the John H Stevens House Museum that was recently moved to park grounds south of the Falls. Contact the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for additional information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: theCallowQueen |
 Photo: Matt Barton |
 Photo: bikepunk |
 Photo: Suzanne Boben |
 Photo: Suzanne Boben |
 Photo: Matt Barton |
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 Photo: Bradley Nelson |
 Photo: Bradley Nelson |
 Photo: Sara J. Lathrop |
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 Photo: Dave Poortvliet |
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