I was in the area the other day and decided to take advantage of the nice spring weather. I wasn't…read moreexpecting a $7 day fee to enter, but I decided to consider it a donation to the parks system, fed it my debit card and got a ticket to put on my dash. There were three parking lots to choose from, but I drove all the way down to the third and last one by the park office and playground. Decided to do the approximately six mile loop on the dirt path trails (also used for skiing when there's snow on the ground). It was nice hiking through the various groupings of pine trees. I could still hear the freeway noise, but it was mostly in the background. The prettiest part was definitely at the beginning beside the lake though (but perhaps in other seasons, like fall, it might be even prettier). Some mild elevation change, nothing too challenging by any means. There was also the option to walk on a paved path with many benches if you do need something less strenuous or you aren't hiking. The playground was really cute with relatively new equipment. Lots of climbing options, slides, and one large swing (very comfy to lean back in and admire the lake). There were picnic tables around along with barbecues and trash/recycling bins. There's a dock for fishing off of, and another (at the second parking lot) for canoe/kayak launching (which I'll have to come back and try when I have some free time this summer). There were two port-a-potties available for when the park office isn't open. The park office has many a toilet, all singletons so non-gendered, which was lovely. They were clean and well-stocked. The park office didn't have much going for it from what I could glean, but there was space in the lobby to sit and relax if desired, as well as a large backroom that seemed like it was probably for classes and such. It wasn't very busy while I was there; likely because the weather was predicting a storm, but I lucked out and it never came the two hours I was there. I came across a couple that had their dogs off leash, which the park rules state you're supposed to keep your dogs leashed... People, man.

A beauty hidden gem in the southeast metro that I would recommend if you are looking for a close to…read morehome walk/bike with some varied terrain. We hiked this the first week of March and we both wish we would have worn spikes or brought poles- if you get off the main trail, there is some really great up and down. I did not have my cross country skis with me but the trails looked amazing and are groomed for both skate and classic! Highly recommend if you need to get outdoors and want some up and down!

If you venture about 0.2-0.3 miles from the parking lot, you find yourself in fairly dense woods…read morewith a smooth, well maintained bike and pedestrian trail. From there, you can decide what sort of fun you want to have.

Took the kids to a play date at Oak Grove in Brooklyn Park. Being from the 3 rivers area my park…read morestandard is high and trying a new park was a gamble. They have great play structures for kids. Multiple areas to play and everything from traditional slides and swings to spin toys and odd Teter totters. They also have areas to set up bounce houses if a family wanted to have a party here. They have great areas to picnic with covered patios that are first come first serve. They have a decent bathroom structure it's no Central Park Maple Grove but they are clean. Your a bit off the beaten path it feels remote which might not feel good to moms if there isn't people around as a dad of three girls it's refreshing. Overall great park with a lot of fun, we will be back

40 acres of nature preserve that abuts Birch Lake. There are a couple of miles of paved &…read morewood-chipped trails, as well a boardwalk over the wetlands area. The walking (and biking) paths lead to further trails (including around Birch Lake or Tamarack Nature Center). There are benches, picnic tables, a pavilion, bathrooms (seasonal-currently closed). Off street parking in a lot off of White Bear Parkway (an industrial area). Lots of dog walking opportunities here!

While small, this is a lovely nature spot. A short paved nature trail, a very nice picnic shelter,…read moreand a board walk across a wetland are very nice. Connects to city walk ways along Birch Lake and other streets that make for a good area walk.

Perfectly adequate experience for hiking. Definitely got the impression that this park is more…read moregeared towards winter cross-country skiing purposes. Though there is also a mountain biking path. There is both an East and a West entrance to this park. The East entrance seems to more be the main entrance with a tennis court, hockey rink, children's playground, and little free library. The West end however has a younger children's playground and a gazebo with ample picnic tables and a grill. Both ends have trash/recycling bins and a port-a-potty. No plumbed toilet facilities and no water fountains (this fact admittedly lowered my rating of the place). Trails are all pretty wide (again, to accommodate the cross-country skiers), and there are a decently number of maps posted periodically along the route to help you keep track of where you are. The outermost loop is 3.2 miles, so this would be a decent place to practice your 5k, especially if you want frequent elevation changes. I didn't find the scenery to be all that stunning compared to some other spots I've found around MN, but it was still reasonably pretty here and there. Nice large parking lots on either end.

I love this Burnsville area! Feels like I am hours away from the city. The trails here were nice…read more Took my dog around the loop. Very peaceful....

Nice park at the confluence of the Rice Creek and Mississippi River. It offers: a pretty spot on…read morethe river, fishing, hiking on both paved & unpaved trails, picnic grounds, nature observation area. There are 2 parking lots-use the one by Banfill-Locke for handicap access.

This park has something for everyone. Plenty of paved and unpaved hiking trails. The boardwalk…read moreacross the lake offers plenty of scenic views and opportunities for bird watching. Some moderate hills, but for the steepest ones, there are more-accessible alternative paths available. Is it a chilly winter day and you need to warm up? Pop into the Discovery Center. There's some taxidermy animals to check out, often has a local artist art gallery, and frequently holds free and open to the public events, including farmers markets.

My wife and I walk with our dogs here several times a year. About two miles of paved trails that…read moreincludes some brief hills, which are the best section. Some shorter unpaved trails, as well. Heavily wooded, with a view of a small lake. Great place for a picnic, either in the well-kept picnic shelter near the parking lot, or stopping at one of the many benches along the paths. Absolutely beautiful in the Fall, but on a mild day in early April the sounds of the symphony of the mating frogs is something to behold. Beautiful Discover Center building that hosts many activities. Restored one-room schoolhouse also on the grounds (open only for special activities, though). The nature center is a bit out of the way and a little difficult to find, but worth the effort.

Harriet Island is a fabulous place for a picnic, outdoor adventure, or even a music festival…read more I enjoyed attending the Minnesota Yacht Club festival on the island in July 2024. It was clean and well maintained each day.

Should you visit this park? If you're in the twin cities and have a pulse, I'd say yes…read more There's a lot to enjoy, from skyline views, a river pier, some riverbank trees with really cool roots sticking out, and some man made contraptions (primarily for the kids).

I'm really happy this park has been updated to such a lovely and unique park. I love the the…read morenatural material and wood playground. The new visitor center is very nice and cute.

Loved our weekend trip to this park! When we arrived, the parking lot was very busy and there were…read morevery few spots left, even though it's a pretty sizeable lot for a park. We quickly learned this was because there was a special event going on (the Sankofa celebration) inside the center, with vendor tables and a couple of food trucks and even some crafting activities. So we got to experience that on top of the rest of the park's great amenities! The center is sleek and modern inside. LOTS of toilets (single occupant, all-gender), lots of coat hangars, multiple water bottle refill stations. The ground level has some cool reptile/amphibians behind glass you can ogle, as well as interactive informational displays (great for kids and adults, imo). Downstairs they have the rental booth for gear and educational rooms (they had a falcon demo in one while we were there!). Beside the center is an awesome multilevel playground, very fun. As well as a splash pad (for non-winter months) and an elevated boardwalk. The most nearby attraction is obviously the dam, which has an impressive spillway that's mesmerizing to watch. You can even walk across it to go over the river to the park on the other side. Apparently this spot is popular with fishers (though I don't have much knowledge on that subject). There are also trails that can be explored. Paved routes good for all recreational uses, as well as further out hiking paths that are just dirt. It'd be great to come back out again sometime and explore more. Across the street it seemed there was even archery!