Trying to be more intentional about exploring parks around Minneapolis this year, and Hidden Falls…read moreseemed like the perfect place to start. We usually default to Minnehaha Falls across the river, but I'd never actually explored this side--which looks to be really sprawling with new townhomes and modular single family homes. We parked near the dam and walked along the trail to reach the stairs leading down to Hidden Falls. Heads up: the walk down is a little precarious since there's no railing for most of the stairs, but it's not very steep and the trek itself is pretty short. The falls themselves were a bit disappointing at the moment--more of a trickle than a waterfall--but it is early in the season. That said, the forested park area it winds through was really nice, and made the visit worth it regardless. I can already tell this place is probably stunning in the summer when everything is green and flowing! Even with the lower water level, it was a great way to explore somewhere new and great to see there were so many people already exploring the park with it being chilly still!

Beautiful park near the city. Grabbed some take out and found an empty picnic table in the middle…read moreof the day - lots of parking! Watched a few boats launch, saw some geese, enjoyed watching people along the shore. Picnic tables near the water at the North Entrance. Check it out!

Alright this review needs an update. Pretty crazy how this river has gotten clean over the past 15…read moreyears. No more barge traffic and no as much heavy industry above the city using the river like a toilet. No more labs but I have a couple of mutts and they love that frolic in the water. If I lived closer, this would be my #1 dog park. I usually get in 2+ miles of walking when I go here with the hounds. I don't have a problem paying for the parking since the city can offer this park. Does it get flooded when it is spring/a lot of rain? Sure but for the most part it is a great romp for the pooches and yourself. A nice incline down to the river requires a climb back up. The old trees that are down and the one thick old ones growing gives the walk a nice shaded feel and helps shelter out the noises of the city.

Sometimes there are not very well behaved dogs and uneducated owners. Beware. The water area needs…read moreto be fenced off as that's a total hazard. It's a nice large space for dogs to run though.

This park is located in the Lilydale Regional park along the river. It's a beautiful area. There is…read morea parking lot right next to the dog park. The dog park features separate areas for both large and small dogs. The large dog area is heavily wooded with a trail around the outer fence and a few smaller trails cutting through the middle of the park. Most recently, we were there in late summer so the vegetation was high and there weren't a lot of open areas for playing. I was there in the spring as well when the grass was much shorter and the park more open. There are water bowls but you need to bring your own water. We met some very nice dogs and owners on each of the two times we visited. We also like the trail along the river that we take after visiting the park. Nice area.

Great dog park! Fully fenced with separate areas for large and small dogs. Lots of trails and…read morevegetation.

I gotta say I kinda like this place. Right in the middle of, shall I say north Eagan, but also off…read morethe beaten path as it is tucked in the back of this industrial area. So this is about the soccer fields but they have a dog park which really should give it 5 stars but those fields. So there are four fields, nicely slopped for drainage, great shape, and lush, lush, grass (at least as of last night). The problem is that they all slope toward the north so that one team is always attacking up a hill. The cool thing is that if you are the significant other of someone playing, you can take your hound over to the dog park which is right there which I think is pretty cool. No idea what that is like and I actually saw someone had made a separate page just for that. Paved parking lots and restroom facilities are all right there.

I love how I'm constantly discovering new green spaces in Minnesota. This evening a group I'm in…read morewas meeting here for a munch. I was able to park nearby at zero cost along Cretin Avenue, where there was plenty of space (for now anyways, it seemed there might be future construction along the east section), then walk across Montreal Avenue to get there. It has a dog park that looked to be quite popular with the folk living nearby, but it also features a kid's play area on the north end. The kids area has some fun rope to climb on and a slide, with nice cushiony, springy material on the ground. There's a water fountain/bottle refill right nearby. There's a trail that will take you to the south end of the park. One thing I really appreciated about this park was how it preserved the wildness feel of the marshland. It was green, but in a natural way, rather than a manufactured or landscaped way. There's a rocky path you can take as well with a water feature running through it. Sorta neat. Also an impressive colorful mural going towards the tunnel. Once you get to the south end, you'll see a gazebo-esque structure with some picnic tables, as well as volleyball courts, and an exercise equipment area (aka adult-themed playground). All of the ammenities are quite modern and seem to be in new or recently-constructed condition. Currently there is a handicap accessible port-a-potty there, which even had hand sanitizer.

The refuge is a great place to explore nature. There are many trails to hike both short and long…read more The Visitor's Center has a wonderful display and activities. There is also a viewing area where there are bird feeders. A favorite is the turkeys that stop by! The staff here are helful and friendly. They also plan community events that are always fun and educational.

Hooray, I finally came here when the visitor center was open! I've been a couple of times in the…read morepast just to do some hiking on the trails, but I'd never gotten to see the inside as the hours are somewhat narrow being just Wednesday through Sunday. It looked really grandiose from the outside, so I'm unsurprised the inside was quite modern and comfortable. It's comprised of many available seating areas where you can sit and relax (I especially recommend the seating facing the bird feeders, though there's also a cozy fireplace), or simply wander and explore the exhibits they have up with information on them about the history of the refuge, the work its done and is doing, and the animals that inhabit it. This is important work! I'm so glad they're doing it. Unsurprisingly there is a gift shop with expected trinkets such as stickers, pins, patches, plushies, postcards, jewelry, hankerchiefs, and lots of books. So if you'd like to support the refuge and get a little something for yourself, that's a great way to do it. There is additionally an art gallery with revolving local Minnesota artists that take inspiration from nature, an auditorium playing a looped track, and plenty of space for kids to play (including corn hole and giant puzzles). There is a conference room (downstairs) and a community room (upstairs), and considerable office space (not open to the public, obviously). Two water bottle refill stations. Clean bathrooms (separated by gender, but there's also a bonus unisex, accessible one). These folks do LOTS of events throughout the year, most of them completely free to attend (some require RSVP, others don't), so I recommend keeping an eye out for something that interests you. Plenty of free parking is available on site. There are picnic tables around the visitor center, as well as an outlook with binoculars. If you go down along the left side the visitor center, it will take you to the trails if you're here to do some hiking. :)

Excellent! I stumbled here as our normal dog park was under construction. Located next to a giant…read moresoccer field, I felt totally safe as lots of matches were being played on a Sunday afternoon with families all around. We checked out the large dog park and my understanding is that there is a smaller one next door. Both parks contain agility courses should your dog enjoy that and it's also what makes this park unique. In addition, there is a large common space with a gazebo type shelter for owners to sit and free water for the doggies. Down the hill you will find two paths where one leads to water (don't worry dogs can't get in as there is a fence) and a giant uphill climb and the other is a more flat circular loop. I enjoyed all the wildlife, the greenery and the open space. My doggies enjoyed it too! Parking is excellent!

The park wasn't too crowded with dogs, and people seemed to "clean up" after their pets well.read more

Was a 5.. sorry. No loger that great. Choppin' it in half…read moresoon. Airport construction soon turning it into a smaller MUCH LESS WOODS park, which Sucks! Cranky people with small dogs complaining.. One psycho let her dog kill another one & bailed like coward! (Poor pup was injured; later, did not make it. Very Sad!).. Was messed up!! Need a porta potty & garbage! Still a nice park for your pup. Be careful. Airplane NOISE .. Yes! We still go.. Just has changed.. still better than Richfield (worst, the Hood, muddy, very few trees, traffic!), or Mendota Heights (MH is fine, just, boring, empty, & very few trees).

We came to the park to plane watch this day. There was a lot of open space dogs to roam and play…read moreand also enough for everyone to have personal space. The view of the runway was nice and there were terminal 2 planes flying over us. I definitely prefer the aircraft viewing area though.

I like this place in a pinch. If I'm running around with the hounds and they need to get a quick…read moresniff on and I'm close by, this is where I go. It's fairly long, a small dog area and it is great for the owners who have the dogs who like to retrieve as it is a great spot to launch that tennis ball.

Great park, friendly and responsible pet owners. Seems to be an easy way to help dogs socialize…read morewithout having to drive too far

A Gem: Fort Snelling State Park…read more Rating: I visited Fort Snelling State Park on Memorial Day and I was blown away. Not what you'd expect from the name I know, but this is no ordinary park - it's better. From the moment I walked in I was struck by the natural beauty of the park. If you love the outdoors this is the place for you with plenty of hiking and exploring to be had. The staff do a great job of keeping the park clean and up to date. One of the highlights of my visit was the bike trail. I brought my bike and it was a great decision. The trail is well maintained and has great views of the surrounding area. Plus the park is close to several other trails so it's a great place to start a longer ride. I'm already planning on coming back to use this park as my starting point for future bike adventures. Overall I highly recommend Fort Snelling State Park to anyone looking for a beautiful outdoor experience. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, casual biker or just someone who loves the great outdoors this park has something for everyone. From the natural beauty to the location and trails Fort Snelling State Park is a gem that needs to be found.

I absolutely love the Pike Island hiking trail. At nearly 4 miles, it is a hidden gem that is a top…read morenotch green space tucked amidst an urban setting. The hike is a loop, with a flat trail and great views of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers.