Our annual Fourth of July spot! They normally do fireworks July 3rd so it's nice to come here…read morebefore everyone is busy on the fourth. The area is very nice. We get a nice spot by the lake to set up chairs. Bring bug spray because it can get wild with the mosquitos! There's tons of food trucks and booths but the lines were looooong. There's a waterfall that's nice to take pictures at. Parking can be tricky and traffic can be crazy. Stop by for a walk around the lake if you find yourself in the area.

Had some extra time to spare before an event nearby and it was reasonably nice outside (aka,…read moreforties in March lol), so I decided to take a hike around the lake. You won't manage to escape road noise really because it's surrounded on three sides by fairly busy roadways, but still better than nothing! It's not a long walk around, just about forty-five minutes worth at a leisurely pace. The park actually features two paved trails that run parallel to one another, with the outer ring for bicyclists and other wheeled conveyance usage, and on-foot folk on the inner ring. Dogs do need to be on leash. Occasional benches around the lake, and a cute man-made waterfall. There are a couple of gazebos near the parking lot for if you'd like to have a picnic. The bandshell structure was particularly impressive and neat. There are bathrooms built into the back of it, which were even open during off season, so that was highly appreciated. Water fountain was currently turned off though, unsurprisingly. Parking lot seemed a bit small, but perhaps most folks who visit are from the surrounding office buildings on their lunch break.

This starts off in a fairly standard kids playground and park, but the trail will take you through…read moresome nice scenery, with thick vegetation. A few of the trails go over a nice wooden bridge and through deeper woods. Other than Bloomington, I haven't seen such nice parks south of Minneapolis.

This is a beautiful park/trail system that meanders around a couple lakes while getting to see some…read morenice homes and yards. The trail is completely blacktop, no dirt, perfect for bikes. The reason that I stopped here is during the development of this area, I watched the trails and lakes being developed. I always wanted to check them out. As we were driving by, my dog started going crazy like when she gets excited for a nature walk, so my wife and i stopped and took a walk around for the first time. We went around both lakes, there is a bridge crossing between the 2 lakes. It is a couple miles around both lakes. My wife and I want to stop back. This trail system connects to Lake Community Park that you can also find on Facebook. I will check to see if it is on Yelp the next time. That is a good park to park your car at to go into walk/bike. Be sure to look at the photos i took. Very polite and friendly people walking around this lake/trail system.

It's a bit confusing where to park... I know Apple maps randomly took me to the boat ramp parking…read moreafter passing by two other perfectly good small parking lots that connected to the trail. Which, since I wanted to just hike around in the autumn sunshine, I turned my car around and went back to. There was a port-a-john in the lot I parked in, which I appreciated. A little ways walk I also located a large gazebo-like structure with picnic tables. Didn't seem to have restrooms and the water fountain had already been turned off for the cold season. The trail is paved all the way around, which I suppose is nice for bicyclists, but not what I'd prefer as a hiker as it is hard on the feet and doesn't feel very nature-y. I also thought that in late October, this spot would be gorgeous, but for whatever reason all the trees had either already shed their leaves or were just kind of a sickly yellow color. Oh well. It was neat hiking along the river on either side; plus I got to watch a train go over the tresses on the north end. Not a super long walk, maybe an hour's worth if you go all the way around. Oh, there's also a small fenced-off section serving as a "dog park" but it didn't look very appealing or well-maintained... Also, people who drive their cars through here seem to want to speed above the limit... which is like weird because why not cruise and enjoy the scenery? Plus, the trail crosses the road in numerous places, so if you're speeding, you're more liable to hit someone. =/ It just doesn't feel well designed.

When my boys were little they attended a fossil camp that visited Lilydale for fossil hunting. The…read moreboys are teenagers and they still fossil hunt. Nice paved parking lot, wide walking path. We follow the path and walk up the big hill. Near the top of the hill to the left is the premiere location for fossils. Usually the boys hunt while the rest of us continue up the path taking in the nature. Great little get away during Covid.

The hiking trail on Pike Island is fabulous. It is a 4 mile long loop, and the trail has fabulous…read moreriver views of both the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. It's a little challenging to find the trail the first time. If a ranger is on duty, ask them how to get to the trailhead.

A lovely, adorable little spot near downtown Minneapolis, away from the city hubbub. At 15-acres,…read moreit's by no means a sprawling adventure, but it's incredibly peaceful and teaming with life. There's a one way road leading to the entrance, with a small standard parking lot (including a couple of handicap spots), but additional parallel parking available as overflow for busy days as well. There is also a walking path that can be followed to the sanctuary's entrance as well, as it is fully gated, and the entrance is down the steps from the parking lot. There is a volunteer booth just outside of it where you can grab a map if desired, as well as additional pamphlets with info about events taking place, charitable donations to the garden, etc. Depending on the hour, there may be a helpful volunteer there to answer any questions you may have. Once you step inside you'll be greeted by a path to the left and a path to the right. Immediately to the right are some privies (fairly primitive, but there is running water for the sink to wash your hands), which are all-gender. There are also benches here, as well as throughout the trails at quite regular intervals. This place is meant less for extensive hiking and more for soaking up nature (I recommend bringing a book, journal, or plan to meditate). The trails loop, with various off-shoots you can explore. The terrain has some mid-level elevation changes, and the paths are either a soft mulch or wooden boardwalk, which make for very pleasant walking on the feet. In particular, my favorite section was the sunnier wildflower segment, which had many pollinators (mostly bees) flying about. It was great for photos. Also neat is the nature center, which is a repurposed old house. Inside is a crafting table for kids to color, as well as additional info on the sanctuary and the kinds of birds and plants you'll encounter there. We encountered a number of volunteers/employees while there who were busy working to beautify the space or providing info to guests. Our visit only took around an hour, but I'm already planning to visit again, most likely in the fall when the leaves begin to change color. I'm certain it'll be even more gorgeous then!

Such a cute day trip to this location! We enjoyed the grounds so much, they have plenty of parking…read morealong the street and a parking lot up the hill! The area is well mulched, so I'd recommend closed toed shoes to keep it out. There is a nice volunteer who welcomes you to the garden -- admission is free. There's plenty of maps and trails to explore, and so many flowers. Absolutely gorgeous time here enjoying nature. They have a visitor center as well which has lots of information and activities to do! They have weekly bird watching as well. Super fun experience!

Lake of the Isles is a lake in Minneapolis, it's connected to Cedar Lake and Bde Maka Ska. It's…read morepart of the Chain of Lakes. It's a park area. There's a walk area, and around the lake there are fancy homes.

This is my favorite lake in the twin cities, especially during the fall when the leaves are at peak…read moreintensity of fall colors! I especially love paddle boarding here because it's usually a short walk from street parking to the lake. The views are spectacular and the wildlife is fun to watch. The walking paths around the lake are always well maintained and it's about a 3 mile loop around, with great views the entire time.

While driving in the area, looking for a business, we discovered this water front street and park…read more The name itself intrigued me as I love history, a quick google search, and I knew it was a place I had to return to and spend some time walking around. A gorgeous Sunday morning couldn't have been better to return. Early morning, hardly anyone around or cars on the bridge. Park and walk at my own slow pace, walking up and down the nooks and crannies of the beautiful Mississippi river, which, by the way, I had never actually spent actual time at before. It was peaceful, relaxing, and beautiful. There is something to be said about history and beauty still wrapping themselves together. It can be a 5 minute walk or a 2 hour walk... all enjoyable.

Great place to bike or run along the river! Has shaded spots on the trail too! Dog friendly…read more Enjoyed the designated lanes for walkers separate from bikers

Three Rivers Park District Trail. Visit the website for the…read moremaps of the West and East corridors and all the different parking places and trail accesses. We parked at the Londonberry Road location and headed east. This is a wonderful urban trail with really long boardwalks over wooded wetlands. Tons of birds and trees and it follows the pretty creek. We rode our road bikes to 35W and back. The boardwalks were way too bumpy for a road bike and the residential areas weren't very pretty. It would be better to walk or run the pretty parts which you can pick out by looking at the map. Definitely worth a trip to discover another Minneapolis nature gem.

Great walking trail in Edina. I came here for my first time today while working in the area. Shaded…read morein areas and plenty of benches.