Our annual Fourth of July spot! They normally do fireworks July 3rd so it's nice to come here…read morebefore everyone is busy on the fourth. The area is very nice. We get a nice spot by the lake to set up chairs. Bring bug spray because it can get wild with the mosquitos! There's tons of food trucks and booths but the lines were looooong. There's a waterfall that's nice to take pictures at. Parking can be tricky and traffic can be crazy. Stop by for a walk around the lake if you find yourself in the area.

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

The facility looks to have a lot to offer. It is really clean and well kept. There is a cozy room…read morewith a fireplace where cutling up with a good book would be perfect. I went and attended a buck thorn wreath making class. What fun! I had never done anything like that before. The instructor and volunteers were great. I hope to attend more activities that are offered.

On a misty summer day, we were looking for a place to walk in nature that had a canopy of trees…read moreover the path. This one was perfect. It was about a 2-mile wood-chipped path around a beautiful lake. The entire area was gorgeous and well kept up. Although we didn't have kids with us, we noticed a large, brightly colored playground area that children would love to explore.

I have such a nice time at this park. I go here to study. To relax. To take in the scenery…read more It is a bit crowded but that's because it's such a nice environment. I enjoy finding quiet nooks at the park

Love this place!!! There seems like so much to do in the summer and winter. Today we had some time…read moreto kill exploring Minnesota more and thought the paddle boats would be fun. Normally I can't get on a Pb due to weight limits but the duck/swan hold 1400 pds or so. They are easy to drive and it's a nice scenery. If you are hot and want to get wet you can go under the fountain (which we did!) the workers were super friendly!

My daughter and I went to a special event about ice harvesting at Richardson Nature Center in…read moreBloomington. There were many hands-on activities for people of all ages. We appreciated the informational displays, the helpful staff and volunteers, and the hands-on activities. It was interesting to see how heavy the ice blocks were and how challenging it was to lift them with ice tongs. The ice men in the old videos make it look effortless. We appreciated the hot chocolate and the commitment to recycling and composting at the museum.

There are many easy to follow trails and some nearly hidden paths in this vast Bloomington park…read more There are meeting sites in the wooded areas with a huge fire pit. Some steep hills and grassy areas and links to more trails to the rest of the park system. There are often school groups learning nature and we are welcome to ski trails in the dead of a Minnesota Winter, which can be lengthy.

An extremely popular spot for group activities. It's not unusual to various nature curious groups…read moreand school and preschool students exploring the exhibits. There is a large fire pit in a meeting area near the headquarters. Hit the trails and take a gander at the map provided to prepare for how long of a hike you want. All the trails loop around and come back but you may end up out longer than anticipated as the only problem there are few trail markers along the way, not like the state park system. The park system is connected and you could cross into another territory. Look for the various ponds and lakes nestled in valleys and thickly wooded areas. Trails are always in good shape and there are steep hills. There is no charge to enter the park and plenty of parking.

The Richardson Nature Center is a part of the greater Hyland Lake Park Reserve, situated at the…read morenorth end. It includes a large indoor community space building, an outdoor nature playspace for kids, as well as a mile or so double-loop around three lakes. The southern loop goes through wooded area, whereas the northern loop will take you through the prairie. Both are gorgeous in their own right/ways. Along the loops you will find benches to take a breather, as well as occasional docks to admire aquatic life. These trails also connect with longer trails that continue further into Hyland, if you're looking for a longer adventure. Inside the nature center building are interactive exhibits for youngsters, activity rooms, pamphlets on monthly events that utilize said rooms, and even a small gift shop with toys/books for kids and snacks. I bought a cute little plush fox to accompany on my hike and support the park. Additional facilities include restrooms, water fountain/water bottle refill station, trash/recycling, and picnic tables if you care to relax and have lunch (which I also did). The hours of operation for the nature center are 9am-5pm Mon through Sat and noon to five on Sun. The restrooms are open the same hours the park is, which is 5am-10pm. The natural play area seemed quite popular while I was visiting on a Thursday late morning; lots of families had brought their small children to run, jump, and climb around. Even so, you likely won't ever have to worry about finding a place to park, as the lot (which is free) boasts approximately 120 spots. I really enjoyed my time here. The place is well cared for and a resource for the community to connect with nature.

It was my first time skiing in the first time in 11 years. I was a bit nervous, but it was so fun!…read moreThe ski pass is a bit on the pricey side for what the slopes are, but they are definitely a great beginner/intermediate level skier. Rentals were easy, and the staff are super nice and helpful. There were a bunch of older ladies that give you good tips and help for choosing boots and ski poles! I'd 100% come back.

Skii is good, but the real hidden gem is the spicy sausage and kale potato soup. I love soup, and…read morethis is really good soup, also the mac and cheese is good. Soup is like homemade

A beautiful spot for walking with many dining and shopping locations located off the path. There…read moreare paddle boats and mini golf in the summer and ice skating in the winter.many options for parking attached

The Summer owes us nothing!…read more Centennial Lake's showcases the beauty MN has to offer in the Summertime. It has a beautiful lake surrounding by greenery, food and shopping outlet including Pins, Yogurt shops, RH rooftop up the street, and fun for the family. You can mini-golf or rent a swan boat for $30 for 45 minutes or swing on their beautiful lakes or get some work done in the Gazebo seating area. This is a popular destination for Farmer's market, taking photos, and even weddings. Never a dull time here, its so peaceful and relaxing. I've even had a few dates here (wink wink).

Very friendly staff. Nice organized and well sorted indoor little skate park. Vending machine with…read morecold drinks inside park area in back. Whole skate snow and ski shop in front. Nice to see kids being treated nicely here that want to learn and become better. Highly recommend! My son and his friend love it here.

Friendly and approachable staff, my 2 young sons really enjoyed their lessons and camp. They are…read morevery patient with new riders and the pricing is very reasonable for the quality lesson. Thanks Tanner and Josiah!

When I'm in town this is my go to spot to walk, you pass people of all generation's everyone is…read morevery nice, most say hi and smile or nod their heads. During the week you have a lot of works from near by industrial buildings walking along with the community folks, weekends there's more dog walking from deeper in the community over all it's a very nice park to visit.

Good park for small walks or sporting events. Tennis courts and fields were well taken care of.read more

Madison Lake is a great lake full of friendly people and boaters! It has a great, low-key vibe and…read moreis the epitome of Minnesota nice!