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The Great Outdoors
IN MINNEAPOLIS-SAINT PAUL, we embrace our four distinct seasons. Nothing beats a brisk walk on a fall afternoon or the magic of that first snowfall. We take to the outdoors no matter what the temperature, in-line skating, golfing or running well into November, and ice fishing and snowmobiling all winter long. Our two cities were built around nature, so no matter what month it is, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast to enjoy.
If you visit Minneapolis-Saint Paul in the fall, you’re just in time to enjoy crisp, refreshing weather and beautiful fall foliage. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the state’s largest public garden, is a gateway to more than 1,000 acres of rolling hills, prairies, trees and gardens. Stroll along the paths and take in the fall colors (or come by in the winter and cross-country ski the trails). Or, head to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, one of four urban refuges in the nation, and try to spot the beavers, eagles, deer, fox or coyote at home in the park.
Golf enthusiasts take swings well into October at any of the hundreds of courses around the state. With championship architecture, serene greens, native vegetation and posh clubhouses—many Twin Cities courses present private club quality at public course prices—our golf getaways really sink the putt.
Most locals have skates on their feet as soon as they learn to walk, which is why ice-skating is a favorite form of winter exercise, and rinks (also heavily used for hockey games and broomball tourneys) pop up all over the area by late November. Skate in the midst of downtown Saint Paul at the temporary Landmark Plaza rink or head to Roseville’s Guidant John Rose MN Oval, the largest outdoor skating facility in the world with a 110,000-square-foot skating rink, hosting world champion speed-skating events.
And while Minneapolis-Saint Paul might not compare to Aspen, downhill skiers and snowboarders can end their search for powder at Buck Hill in Burnsville, Wild Mountain in Taylor’s Falls, Afton Alps in Hastings or many other nearby ski hills. If you’re not too psyched about downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular options. Several area parks offer miles of trails to explore, equipment rental to get you started and cozy visitor centers in which to warm up.
Search our database of activities & attractions.
GARDENS
LAKE HARRIET ROSE GARDEN
4124 E Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, 55409
(612) 370-4900
Established in 1908, the Lake Harriet Rose Garden is the second oldest garden of its kind in the United States. The roses typically begin to bloom in mid-June and last through late September.
MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM
3675 Arboretum Blvd, Chaska, 55318
(952) 443-1400
The Arboretum features more than 1,000 acres of public gardens with annual and perennial displays.
GOLF
BAKER NATIONAL GOLF COURSE
2935 Parkview Dr, Medina, 55340
(763) 694-7670
BUNKER HILLS
Hwy 242 & Foley Blvd,
Coon Rapids, 55448
(763) 755-4141
CHASKA TOWN COURSE
3000 Town Course Dr, Chaska, 55318
(952) 443-3748
CLEARY LAKE GOLF COURSE
Cleary Lake Regional Park, 18106 Texas Ave,
Prior Lake, 55372
(763) 694-7777
EDINBURGH U.S.A.
8700 Edinbrook Crossing,
Brooklyn Park, 55443
(763) 315-8550
GLEN LAKE GOLF & PRACTICE CENTER
14350 County Rd 62, Minnetonka, 55345
(763) 694-7824
KELLER GOLF COURSE
2166 Maplewood Dr, Maplewood, 55109
(651) 766-4170
STONEBROOKE GOLF CLUB
2693 County Rd 79, Shakopee, 55379
(952) 495-3171
THEODORE WIRTH GOLF COURSE
1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, 55422
(763) 522-4584
THE WILDS GOLF CLUB
3151 Wilds Ridge, Prior Lake, 55372
(952) 445-3500
PARKS & RECREATION
AFTON ALPS
6600 Peller Ave S, Hastings, 55033
(651) 436-5245
Acres of fun year-round with skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, golf and mountain biking.
www.aftonalps.com
BUCK HILL
15400 Buck Hill Rd, Burnsville, 55306
(952) 435-7174
Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing just minutes from Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
www.buckhill.com
BUNKER BEACH
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Hwy 242 & Foley Blvd, Coon Rapids, 55304
(763) 767-2895
Over 25,000 square feet of fun with wave pool.
BUNKER PARK STABLE
Bunker Hills Regional Park
550 Bunker Lake Blvd, Coon Rapids, 55304
(763) 757-9445
Hay rides and horseback riding for all levels.
CARPENTER NATURE CENTER
12805 St. Croix Tr, Hastings, 55033
(651) 437-4359
Year-round recreation and environmental education programs. Hiking trails, visitor center with exhibits, prairie, forest, savanna and apple orchard. Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Free admission. Some program fees.
www.carpenternaturecenter.org
CHAIN OF LAKES
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
2117 W River Rd, Minneapolis, 55411
(612) 230-6400
The Chain of Lakes on the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway consist of Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake. Situated in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis, the lakes are popular for boating and canoeing—and are encircled by paved trails for bicycling and walking.
DAKOTA COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT
8500 127th St E, Hastings, 55033
(651) 438-4660, (651) 438-4671
Opportunities include hiking, biking and archery.
ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE
13080 Territorial Rd, Maple Grove, 55311
(763) 424-5511
Hiking trails and nature center. Off-leash dog exercise with permit.
EMMA KRUMBEE'S APPLE ORCHARD
US Hwy 169, 501 E South St, Belle Plaine, 56011
(952) 873-3006
Featuring a restaurant, bakery and country store, plus you-pick apples and pumpkins. Also offers wagon rides through the orchard.
FRENCH REGIONAL PARK
12605 Co Rd 9, Plymouth, 55441
(763) 694-7750
Park offers swimming, hiking, picnicking and play area. Open seven days a week
LAKE MINNETONKA
P.O. Box 105, Excelsior, 55331
(952) 404-2504
Eleven miles long and six miles wide, Lake Minnetonka is a popular destination 15 minutes west of Minneapolis. Public and private beaches, recreation rentals, boat cruises and many shopping and dining options, with festivals, arts and entertainment year-round.
www.lakeminnetonka.com
MINNEHAHA FALLS
4801 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis, 55417
(612) 230-6400
One of Minneapolis’ favorite attractions. The 53-foot waterfall is an all-season spectacle, as visitors can view it up close and even walk behind it. Family-oriented activities such as picnics, games, concerts and athletic fields. See Twin Cities Area Map for location.
MINNESOTA RIVERBOTTOMS TRAIL
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
2117 W River Rd, Minneapolis, 55411
(612) 230-6400
Located in Bloomington, this single-track trail winds through the forest along the Minnesota River. Intermediate-level hills and sand dunes, fallen tree branches and river mud and muck offer ideal terrain for mountain bikers.
MINNESOTA ZOO
13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, 55124
(952) 431-9500 24/7 information line
(952) 431-9200 Business line
(800) 366-7811
Located just minutes south of Mall of America, the Minnesota Zoo is home to over 2,000 exotic animals from all over the world. Open 363 days a year. Group and package rates available. www.mnzoo.org. See Twin Cities Area Map for location.
THREE RIVERS PARKS DISTRICT
3000 Xenium Ln N, Plymouth, 55441
(763) 559-9000
Award-winning places to play. Wherever you are in the Twin Cities, you’re just minutes away from facilities for picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, golfing and camping; extensive trails for hiking and biking, as well as program sites for nature, historic and farm education. Rental equipment for boating, golf and more.
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org
WILD MOUNTAIN SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA
37200 Wild Mountain Rd, Taylors Falls, 55084
(651) 465-6315
Great skiing and snowboarding for families of all ages. Terrain park and half pipe. Lessons for all ages and abilities.
www.wildmountain.com
RECREATIONAL RENTALS
TAYLORS FALLS CANOE RENTAL
37200 Wild Mountain Rd, Taylors Falls, 55084
(651) 465-6315, (800) 447-4958
Specializing in one-way canoe trips. One-hour
to seven-day trips available. Free shuttle back to your car. Rentals available until early fall.
www.wildmountain.com
SCENIC BYWAYS
MINNEAPOLIS PARK & RECREATION BOARD
2117 W River Rd, Minneapolis, 55411
(612) 230-6400
The Grand Rounds, part of the National Scenic Byways system, is a system of trails, paths and roadways in a totally unique urban setting. It creates a loop over 50 miles long around the city with views of Minneapolis by bike, ’blades, foot or vehicle.
LEBANON HILLS REGIONAL PARK
Located just south of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Lebanon Hills’ 2,000 acres stretch several miles through Eagan and Apple Valley, bordered on one end by the Minnesota Zoo. As Dakota County’s most heavily used park, Lebanon Hills in the winter is groomed for ski-skating (you’ll have to try it to find out what it is), cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking. Miles of trails wind around lakes and through hilly woodlands. The beginner skier can enjoy easier trails, while 12 miles of intermediate and advanced trails weave throughout out the park. For the daredevils, one 2.4-mile loop even offers a downhill run. Nearly three miles of ungroomed snowshoeing trails are offered, while almost eight miles of packed trails are perfect for winter hiking. The park’s environmentally friendly visitor center—think recycled structural materials and a living roof—is open year-round, offering snowshoe and ski rental, park maps or just a place to take a load off in front of the large fireplace. 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, 651-554-6530.
