The Tastiest Parks in Saint Paul

Hyland Hills Ski Area

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (22)

"Went skiing on New Year's day. Upon arriving, we had to get tickets - which is outside. They only had one window open, on such a busy day but the line moved quick enough. Gear rental was very well organized and the staff were super helpful in fitting the gear correctly. I was very pleased with the up to date equipment that was in good shape (better organized and better gear then the other ski places in the metro). I guess the chalet is newly remodeled. It was very nice, had some food options, and clean restrooms.The chair lifts went quickly, and even with the people present there was plenty of room for us beginners to have fun. The terrain park area seemed to be full of Xbox pre-teen brats but we didn't have any business being over there. We stuck to the easier slopes.Had a great time, and by paying on-line for our tickets on the Three Rivers Park District website we saved $23 bucks. (You must do this two days in advance or more). Great deal, great time, great service, great equipment. I can see eventually out-growing this place since the runs are so small and easy, but for newbies it really is a great place! This may be our families new New Year's Day tradition!"

Indian Mounds Park

★★★★★ 4.7 (9)

"It amazes me that burial grounds exist so close to downtown.These six little mounds are a couple thousand years old, and sit atop a nice bluff. You can tell a lot about a people by how they treat their dead. I think there were more, but early settlers didn't know what the F was up and leveled several of them before figuring it out.What a peaceful place to snow shoe and take in the views of the river and the skyline of St. Paul and the regional airport (whose plows were active on the runways, their beeps could be heard from where we were) and the massive train yard down by the river is fun to watch.Can't wait to come back in the summer with bikes and take in the greenery."

Thompson Park Activity Center

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"We recently moved from NY and we're loving the Park system in St. Paul. This park has everything you could want: a decent sized lake great for walks, tons of tables for picnicking, areas you can reserve for functions, and a playground so fun I've been known to bring my daughter just so I can spin on that spinning thing and remind myself how old I am."

Thompson County Park

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"Spacious park with walking trails, playground, fishing dock, senior center, and a pavilion. Tons of space to grill and picnic"

Harriet Island

★★★★☆ 4.3 (16)

"Should you visit this park? If you're in the twin cities and have a pulse, I'd say yes. 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)."

William O'Brien State Park

★★★★☆ 4.4 (23)

"The first few times I hiked here, I was left feeling kind of ho-hum. The trails near the visitor center and along the st croix are nice but are fairly flat and not all that exciting. BUT I decided to embark on an 8 mile hike one morning from the parking lot off Ostrum Trail north. Best decision ever! What wonderful trails! Rolling (sometimes steep) hills, beautiful prairie and trees! It's a GREAT challenge if you are into hiking on something other than flat grass. Returning this weekend to catch the beautiful fall colors. If you visit here, go to the ostrum trail parking lot. It's a small dirt lot. You still need a permit to park there but it's totally worth it!"

Bunker Hills Activities Center-Anoka County

★★★★☆ 4.3 (8)

"It makes me mad that as an Anoka County resident that I have to pay to get in here....so I don't. I illegally park in the residential area across the street then walk in. The trails are really well maintained and the park is lovely. The dog loves her walks here as do I."

Wild River State Park

★★★★☆ 4.3 (17)

"Typically well-kept Minnesota State Park. I spent a weekend at a backpacking site in September, 2021. I arrived in the early evening on a Friday and the office/shop facility was still staffed, so that was nice. I chose a site ("Buck Hill") that would require a long hike, but even though it was distant from where my car was parked, it was at the southern edge of the park where there was plenty of noise from traffic and non-camping humans that just live a few hundred yards away, plus there's a highway right across the river. I was even visited by police officers who had been called to the area because someone reported hearing "domestic disturbance" noises in the vicinity! Another thing about the site I chose is that it's along the Deer Creek Trail, which is mainly designed for horses during the warmer months. It's not as nice to hike around there on foot; much of the trail has a sandy, beachy surface, and you have to be on the lookout for piles of poop the whole time. But it's probably awesome for going on a horse-walk. And I can't forget to mention that from my site, the view of the St. Croix River was spectacular!In addition to the front office, there is a Visitor's Center with an indoor section, a balcony with great views, and a cool botanical exhibit around the exterior. I wish the signs posted along the trails were more informative; many of them don't indicate where you are, so they're no better than the map you probably have in your hand. But there are lots of nice nature walks to be had here. The options for camping are much broader than what I experienced, but because I was so isolated and the trails in my area were so horse-y, I didn't get as good a look-around as I'd like. But there are drive-in sites, some with electricity, canoe camps, horse camps, and many other facilities that make this park looking into for lots of camping situations. If you're going to camp along the St. Croix, you should definitely check this park out."

Fort Snelling State Park

★★★★★ 4.6 (42)

"The big cities in America that have a state park within its vicinities are usually solid. It's funny that MSP airport, Target Field, and the IDS Building are in the same city as this lush, meandering, very green space. Unless the weather is bad, I can't imagine why anyone would want to drive here when it's VERY bike-able."

Pine Point Regional Park

★★★★☆ 4.3 (6)

"During our staycation, we took a stroll in the Pine Point Park which is behind the Outing Lodge. We got a little lost but found our way back using the Gateway bike trail. The maps are somewhat helpful so be sure to pack in some bug spray if it takes you longer. The trails are maintained but still kinda of buggy. We got a little late back but that was okay since we weren't on any schedule. It seemed like many trails criss-cross each other so you won't be lost for long."

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

★★★★☆ 4.4 (272)

"A must-stop while you're in Minneapolis! I went on a day when the museum was closed, but you can still walk around the garden to take in all of the sculptures. There's a lot to check out, but I found you could see everything and take all the photos you want in about 45 minutes or so.Pro tip: Since I went on a weekday when the museum was closed, no one got in the way of my photos! If you're looking for the perfect picture consider doing the same!"

Inver Grove Heights Community Center

★★★★☆ 3.8 (12)

"This is a great place to bring the family on a cold day! The diving board is nice because they're multiple levels for the kids. Very inexpensive! Indoor water park area is average, but the hot tub is nice for the adults! The waterslide is cool too."

Lyndale Park Rose Garden

★★★★★ 4.8 (28)

"Minneapolis hidden gem! The rose garden is right off Lake Harriet. It is among gorgeous houses lake views. Free parking is available along the lake. There is also a pay lot. It is a great spot for photos or to walk your dog. I loved enjoying the beautiful weather and admiring all of the flowers!"

Wassermann Lake Reserve

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Perfect little park reserve with a lot of info about the area. Picnic tables are placed in great areas, trails are nice, fishing dock is great (and includes a canoe/boat placement), and of course they have a nice sized area for events with covering and bathrooms."

Linwood School Forest & Community Park

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Great park/forest that offers: picnic tables, benches, boardwalks, hiking trails & x-country ski trails. There is a dirt parking lot at the north end of the park, off of 227th Avenue. 210 acres which makes this Linwood's largest park. Please respect the "no trespassing" signs that border the park. Lots of dog walking out here-per the signs dogs should be leashed but I witnessed lots of unleashed but pleasant dogs. We had a great hike today on many of the trails-just be sure to bring insect repellent & sunscreen & water. There are no bathroom/water facilities at this time."

Masonic West River Park

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"This is a great spot to begin an adventure in Hutchinson, Mn. You can visit the animal sanctuary or walk trails, go fishing, or even launch a canoe or kayak. During the winter when the river freezes, people can be seen skating. The park is beautiful year-round!"

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

★★★★☆ 4.4 (136) • $$

"Wonderful way to spend a summer day! Quite a range of vegetation, from native trees to ornamental flowers. They have a beautiful visitor's center with a very nice restaurant!"

Anderson Gardens

★★★★★ 4.7 (3)

"What a great, unexpected and absolutely beautiful little spot in town! If you're looking for a short walk around while looking at some flowers, check out Anderson Gardens!!!"

Otsego Regional Park

★★★★★ 5 (4)

"Beautiful, clean park with nice river views and paved trails. Nice bathrooms and picnic areas and benches."

Springbrook Nature Center

★★★★★ 4.9 (27)

"Springbrook Nature Center has really come a long way. The nature center today is very well kept up and is very clean. They have a children's play area right by the main building which the kids there seemed to love! They also have an amphitheater around the building too.The trails themselves are great. They are many different lengths of trails depending on how long you want your walk or run to be. The long path that goes around the whole park is the best one though. It is absolutely beautiful and you get to see all the best parts.There is a lot of wildlife here! On this particular visit, we saw a family of 4 deer twice while walking on the trails. Truly a fun thing to see.Fun place to come with family or friends, even by yourself! Great place for kids and adults alike. And the best part is that is wonderful nature center is totally free."

Dodge Nature Center

★★★★☆ 4.4 (10)

"5 out of 5! This is a wonderful, naturally impressive little park on the edge of West St Paul. It's probably one of the better parks just because I doubt too many people know about it. Highly highly recommended."

Lake George Regional Park

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"Lake George is a wonderful local park with plentiful picnic areas and gazebos you can rent for family gatherings, a boat launch, swimming area, and lots of trails to walk. It's one of Anoka County's better parks. Be advised that there is a fee to enter, or you can purchase the park pass, which is well worth it. It gives you access to all of Anoka County's parks. The beach can get quite busy during hot summer days."

Woodland Trails Regional Park

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"This is a great trail park to take walks. I give it four stars though, because there is no playground for kids to play, and the wood logs that they have set up for kids to jump around are not safe and I have seen kids fall and get hurt. That aside, there's a nice covered shelter there, the trails are nice and clean and paved, they have plenty of maps everywhere along the trails and the nature is beautiful."

Hansen Park

★★★★☆ 3.5 (4)

"I've been coming to Hansen Park for years now. I even set up events at the shelter, so I've been over every inch of this park. It has a nice new playground, a few ball fields, a challenging disc golf course, the hockey rinks and a casual skating rink in a field, paved paths, and a creek going through it. These are great activities to kill some time out doors. The disc golf course is definitely a challenge with their solid cage types. The terrain also makes the holes difficult. During the spring time it can get a bit muddy however. The trails are paved and there are 2 loops, the main one is nice and well maintained. The other not so much. While they recently replaced the western half of the loop, the north and east side are wood chip with a decrepit boardwalk through the marshy part. I wouldn't take a bike down there. It's mainly for walkers. The shelter is nice and split into 2 parts, the activity room and the fireside room. There is a gas fireplace in that room and also serves as the warming house in the winter. If you do end up reserving the room, beware, there is a $20 deposit on the key to the place. The price has been driven up unfortunately and that is my main beef with reserving the shelter now days. $20 for a key after you've already paid for the place is a bit ridiculous."

Pioneer park

★★★★★ 4.7 (3)

"This was a fantastic park! We were on our Sunday drive and decided to try out a new park in Stillwater. Not far from downtown, decent parking (although no lot and make sure to put the brakes on the stroller when on a hill...ahem. yeah.) what a beautiful place! A nice shelter where the Boy Scouts were celebrating, a couple of birthday parties and other grills, a bandshell and lovely views of the St Croix River. Two cute playgrounds, one for specifically the pre school set, although our 2 year old did great on the other one as well. The equipment was bright, safe, and different...cute little houses for the kids to play, little wooden benches, that kind of thing. Although the playground wasn't gated it was too far from the street to be nerve wracking. and bathrooms. Right by the playground! Who knew? I didn't notice a ton of picnic tables (but I wasn't looking either) but there was loads of gorgeous green space to set down a blanket, and lots of benches. Welcome summer!"

Edinborough Park

★★★★☆ 4.1 (73)

"I used to come here every single day for years.. as a swim coach! Honestly, for what this place is, it is perfect. It is indoors, a great place to take kids to hang out and play, a great place to take kids to swim and run around if the weather isn't great. The pool is a little bit scary at times because there are no windows to the outside world and the air can at times become stagnant.. but pools built like this are tough in general. The staff here is always friendly and kind. The janitors keep this place super clean and put together, just a great place to come with the family to hang out!"

Nicollet Commons Park

★★★★★ 4.7 (6)

"Great park with water rushing through the park right outside Ames Center. I saw this place on a pinterest and we have been there two days in a row. It's a bit of a hike from our place, but worth it for kids and adults when it's so hot and sticky out.Splash pad with the automated voice telling you when they are going to come on.Fountains and rock structures to climb on, sit and splash around on.Great place for summertime splashing. Plenty of places to sit, benches, lawn, rocks. I only wish it was closer.A few places to eat and of course the ice cream man."

Powderhorn Park

★★★★★ 4.5 (20)

"This park is underrated. It's surprisingly big, with a nice lake and some quality paved, walking trails. Minneapolitans all should go."

Purgatory Creek Park

★★★★★ 4.6 (5)

"This park was really a pleasant surprise. I accidently found it and I was so glad I did - looked like it had a great walking trail around it but then you can also cross the lake and go out to explore a little on this 'island' in the middle. Such a cool place to explore and see some fun animals. I meant to make it to the sunset but was not close enough to it - I am guessing they are amazing."

City of Edina

★★★★★ 5 (4)

"Kind of a sleepy suburb, but an all around charming place. If I had to pick one or two things worth seeing, I'd say it's the RH Rooftop restaurant and Centennial Lakes Park."

Paradise Park

★★★★★ 4.8 (4)

"A woman working at the Chisago Lakes Area Information Center recommended this park for my 3-year-old, and was this ever a fabulous recommendation! This park has everything, including:+ swings+ slides galore (see pics)+ kid-friendly tire zip line (not too high off the ground)+ play structures+ volleyball sand pit+ large grassy area and hills+ sandy beach and lake+ picnic tables and benches+ bathrooms+ skate and bike park across the streetParadise Park is a totally appropriate name. The only downside to this park is the mosquitoes, but you can't escape that in Minnesota, can you?"

Central Park

★★★★☆ 4.4 (8)

"Central Park is my favorite park in Roseville. There is a small lake with a path that goes around it, making it perfect for biking, walking or running. They also have a few softball fields, a volleyball net and a bocce ball court. Plus, they have they have plenty of playground space for the little kids.What sets this park apart from other parks is the Frank Rog Ampitheater. The ampitheater sits on the shores of the lake and has the lake fountain as its backdrop. Every summer the ampitheater hosts live music on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. They also have outdoor movies and a jazz fest for Rosefest in June.This park is awesome in the summer, but it is great in every season, even winter!"

Lexington Athletic Complex

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"Name says it all-on Lexington in Blaine, chock full of athletic fields of all types: baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, tennis, pickle ball. There is a great playground area here, just park in the convenient parking lot. Picnic tables near the playground area (under the lovely oak trees), as well as a covered picnic shelter."

Silverwood Park

★★★★☆ 4.4 (34)

"Such a cool park to walk in, with lots of sculptures, beautiful trees and plants and really well maintained paths. The peninsula is super cool and has a picnic pavilion with grills. Parking is plentiful with at least two lots I saw and two different entrances. Today the frogs were super loud, we saw two deer just chilling, and we could hear the red wing blackbirds are back. Definitely a great popular place to visit in the area."

Wabun Picnic Area

★★★★★ 4.7 (6)

"Not only is it sprawling picnic fields, but it's also a frisbee golf field and it connects you to the rest of Minnehaha falls park!"