Had some extra time to spare before an event nearby and it was reasonably nice outside (aka, forties 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. read more

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Walked around here for the first time today.. and wow, I wish I had found this place sooner! I have driven past here many times but did not realize that it is the perfect over lunch walk around a lake. It is perfect because you get water front walking, woods walking, you can see the changing of the leaves. There are multiple places to park as well and you don't pass many cars at all. There is also a cute little waterfall (very mini) but nonetheless, some lovely nature for in the middle of the day. Will definitely be back there! read more

Normandale Lake Park - sunset time - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Wonderful lakeside park. It's great to have a walking path that is separated from the biking path so you don't have to worry about being run over by bikers. read more

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Normandale Lake Park sits in a lovely and quiet neighborhood in Minneapolis MN. I was fortunate enough to have been here for an ultra marathon event. Normandale Lake Park is a nice local area community park that highlights a large lake and a walking path that surrounds it. There's a large enough parking lot to accommodate about 50-75 cars at any given time. I believe one lap around the lake is less than 2 miles around. The scenery was nice and most of the course was shaded with some greenery. I enjoyed the waterfall part of the park. It was nice to be able to look forward to passing it each time I came across it. The park itself was not large but not small either, but large enough to be Able to have fun and enjoy the park on a nice balmy Saturday in June 2024. I didn't get a chance to get into the lake though, as I thought it maybe have something in the water that may make me sick or worse. So I just stuck to the paved path around the lake and it was a good day and evening to be in this slice of Minneapolis MN. There was a few people who use the park while the ultra marathon was going on, which is definitely okay. It was nice to see different things during my event and accomplishing what I wanted to do in Normandale Lake Park. The highlight of the park loop I must say was the mini waterfall crossing on the west side of the park. It was definitely something to look forward to on each lap. Made me smile too. The clear poetry of the water rumbling against the rocks made me think of why I get to do these kind of events rather than sit at home. I do enjoy it and thankful of the landscape that Normandale Lake Park provides. The overall experience of Normandale Lake Park was inspirational and amazing. I got to Experience the full breadth of park, the lake, the atmosphere, the clean air, and the thrills this place had to offer everyone including me. I enjoy nature to the fullest and being here at Normandale Lake Park was a treat in itself. I arrived here around 7:15am by walking from the Hampton inn - East Bloomington nearby on a Saturday morning in June 2024. I left the area the next morning via Uber on the way to the MSP airport. The part itself is maintained by the local county or city parks department and they do a good job. There are a few benches around the loop path that provide park goers with something to sit on if they are tired or want to sit down and enjoy the picture perfect vistas of Normandale Lake. There is restroom facilities on site, so you don't have to go outside the park before returning. For the most part though, the entire experience here at Normandale Lake Park was pretty much awesome and great. I'm glad that it did not rain that day. I was there because it would've been a blessing and some disappointed because it was raining. So, if you are in the area and enjoy the outdoors, consider coming to the Normandale Lake park, where the air is fresh you would enjoy the wild open Spaces this slice of Paradise has to offer. Nature at his best because definitely is a place where it is free and you can roam without judgments. Any community parks are considered Hidden gems to me. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for an ultramarathon event held annually at Normandale Lake Park in Minneapolis, MN. Normandale Lake Park is physically located at 8401 Chalet Road in Minneapolis, MN. Like most local community parks out there, there are no admission fees to enter or exit, which is awesome and amazing! Come as you are and you'll be okay. As far as parking goes, there is a centralized parking lot for many people to park and enjoy the area. You could always park any available street parking also if the lot is full. Not sure about the public transportation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but you can also look that information up and get here to enjoy the beauty and splendor of Normandale Lake Park. For sure, though, the waterfall was awesome and a nice way to see the park. I wouldn't say that a park is huge, but it is very sizable and you can probably walk the lake at within 45 minutes or so. Definitely one of Minnesota's finest local parks and I encourage you to come visit if you're in the area. I will definitely recommend coming here. Quite a nice place and a beautiful way to enjoy the day in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Support local! A+ read more

Beautiful park with an enchanting river! The trees are so colorful and breathtaking, something that I am not used to down in the South. There are also a ton of trails, which are wide and clean. Perfect for walking, running, biking, etc. I also saw several people walk their dogs!! In the lake, there are several ducks too, which was a nice view to see. If you continue on the main trail East, you'll run into a big amphitheater, which is a great place to take a rest if needed. There are also lots of seating options like benches too! I walked half of the loop, and it took about 30 minutes! With every part of the trail, I was mesmerized by the nature around. Very relaxing!! read more

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A great walking spot! I love this trail for easy access nature/city walking. It's the best of both worlds and very easy to get to and park at. I love it in the summer and winter and often meet up with friends as it's in such a convenient location. read more

The beginning of a few really nice parks along the same road. This one is more of a walking trail with a really nice panoramic view lake. It's an easy park for any biped and I highly recommend it. The parking across the street closes at 6, just FYI. read more

Normandale Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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A beautiful oasis with a healthy lake near the office strip in Bloomington. The area is loaded with wildlife if you look closely and stop to observe strange noises. There are two parking areas, one on Chalet and the other 84th to serve for the Bandstand. Your fellow walkers and runners are friendly so go ahead and nod or greet as you'll probably get a greeting back. In the Spring watch out for the attacking Red Wing Blackbirds. (Don't worry they only swoop in front of you but they may go after your dog). Check out the waterfall and caution during rainy times as the marshy area may flood the walking path. read more

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This place is fantastic! I love coming here whether I'm walking, running, or rollerblading. The paths are large enough to fit multiple people and the views are beautiful. It doesn't feel like I'm in a large city at all! There are many benches along the pathways to sit and enjoy the water and restrooms located conveniently in the park. They have many outdoor activities throughout the summer (fireworks, concerts, etc.) which are pretty enjoyable. I would definitely say take a walk around the lake, you won't regret it. read more

Normandale Lake Park - Normandale lake park. - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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This trail is perfect for running/walking. It isn't as crowded as other lakes and there are plenty of parking lots with access to the trail. It's a perfect 2 mile loop with water fountains and restrooms located at the bandstand. There are bridges, waterfalls, wildlife, and plenty of shade. This is my favorite spot for running and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice loop. read more

Normandale Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I love coming to this lake for a good run. I usually come here 3-4 times a week. According to my Apple Watch, it is about 1.80 mile around the lake. I usually do two loops around going opposite directions. The trail is pretty flat with slight elevation gain from time to time. It's usually quiet. I've been here early in the mornings, late afternoons, as well as late evenings and it's never crowded. I like that it's not crowded. I hate going on a run when I always have to dodge around people. The path here is big enough to fit multiple people, so it's never an issue. I also feel very safe here, no matter the time of day. They have plenty of spaces to park in the lots, bathrooms, bubblers, benches, picnic areas, as well as a bandstand for events. I recommend coming here if you're looking for a nice and quiet nature walk or run without the noise. read more

Staying at a nearby hotel and have ran the trail around the lake a few times now. The trail is nearly 2 miles around and the lake provides plenty of scenery to look at and pass the time. Perfect place for a walk/run or to simply take in the nature. read more

Normandale Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I love this park/lake combo. It is so close to many office buildings but when you cross the street and get on the path, the trees make the buildings disappear. This is a great place to escape you r stress of your normal day. I like to come here to unwind and get some exercise. The people seem friendly around this lake/park. Many waves, nods or a hi. The park itself is beautiful and there are places where there are multiple paths to keep bikes, skaters separate from the walkers/joggers. Everything is paved to walk on. Not a bunch of open water or muddy areas so I believe that is what keeps the bugs down. If I go to the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge after a rain, I would be eaten alive. I do not notice it here. There is a lot of wildlife. The lap around the lake is about 2 miles around. It may look longer but it isn't that long. This place also has some cute picnic areas next to the Bandstand. I will be back! See you there! I have a wave and Hi for you! read more

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This is a smaller lake that I love to go to. It's just under 2 miles of walking around the whole lake. It's quiet but a beautiful lake. It's right next to the Hyland Park Reserves so if you're feeling adventurous, check that out too. The other great thing about Normandale Lake is that they have events going on during the summer during the week, so there's always something going on! If you enjoy a movie or music at the park, check it out each summer! Weblink http://www.ci.bloomington.mn.us/cityhall/dept/commserv/parkrec/programs/artnpark/artnpark.htm read more

It was a nice 1.8 mile loop around the lake. Pretty and not too busy. We were able to get a picnic table right away, even though only a couple were there. read more

Very nice park with many walking paths around the lake. read more

Normandale Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

First time doing a trail run through here. What a treat! Especially on an unexpected sunny and 50some Thanksgiving Day. We did a ten mile loop, but there are options for more or less. Great challenging workout. Probably slippery in the winter so watch your footing. read more

Nice little lake to run around if you're in one of the nearby hotels. Even after a big snow the night before, the asphalt path had been cleared. Thanks City of Bloomington! read more

Normandale Lake Park is a nice walking area, and the waterfall is a definite attraction. One thing I will add as a caution, especially for those with small children, is that the east end of the park by the waterfall has started to take on a memorial garden / cemetery- like appearance in recent years. The most recent addition toward this trend is a small stone path leading to a large tombstone-like rock sculpture, complete with etchings recording the name, year of birth and year of death of the memorialized party. When I was there last, several young children were asking their parents "are we in a cemetery?" and "is someone buried there?". All condolences to the family of the deceased, who was clearly a huge fan of the park, but a creation like this - and a similar cutaway and bench a hundred yards away for a different deceased party, kind of casts a funereal tone on any nature walk through this part of the park. read more