I'm going to have to return to this park again when I have a bit more time to explore. I stopped by for a quick hike and was a bit stymied when my GPS took me an unnecessary two miles over to the west entrance (past the unrelated marina) when I'd been intending to use the east one. The west entrance has a good-sized free parking lot nearby the gazebo. This structure has picnic tables, fire pit, water fountain, and restrooms (however, the latter two are seasonal... in November the fountain was shut off and the restrooms were locked, which kind of sucked for me who was in need of both... thus why I made my stay somewhat short). The trails for the most part are all paved, unless you take the unofficial ones beaten down along the riverway (which seem to be most utilized by fishers from what I could glean). So that's great for bicyclists or people pushing baby strollers or rollerbladers, but wasn't exactly the vibe I was looking for. Depends on what your desires are recreationally. There was one lake area under restoration that was therefore inaccessible for now; always nice to see when resources are being invested to keep our parks nice. Lots of trees, plenty of shade, even when most of the trees have lost their leaves in preparation for winter. I think I'll come back when some snow has fallen, because I'm sure it would probably be quite gorgeous. read more

Love this park! Beautiful sand trails by the river and also paved trails. Highly recommend checking it out. There are many places to park along the road, but I love the parking lot by the picnic shelter, too! read more

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This park has been my happy place this fall. It doesn't have much treeless open space, and as this is a city park there is no camping. But there are lots of trails around two lakes and along the Mississippi River, and there is no other place within the city limits of St Paul, or Minneapolis, which feels quite as away-from-it-all. Most of this park consists of a dense woodland surrounding two lakes between the river and Shepard road, with wide, paved paths snaking throughout. I suspect most MinneapolisStPaulitans would be surprised that there is this much parkland in that space, but here we are. On the southwest side, there is a field where I've seen some outdoor theater in the summertime, and they also have a picnic shelter that has a huge fire pit. But I just like to come here for a nice, unchallenging walk in a beautiful forest that feels way, way further away from fast food joints than it actually is. Note that cyclists and pedestrians must share these trails, which are paved and pretty wide but I can imagine cyclists getting a little frustrated dodging lots of people when more pedestrians are on the trails. Also note that there are two entrances; the southwest entrance is down Crosby Farm Road and has quite a bit more parking than the lot by the northeast entrance. read more

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My wife and I were in St. Paul and a beautiful trail to walk on. Lots of great flower and fauna. My favorite thing is taking a walk with my wife and this was a great 3 mile walk with a perfect person. There are a few trails here, but the 3 mile trail was perfect. Highly recommended! read more

There are paths in different directions and a lead in to the walking path along the road, so there is still lots for me to explore. With a nicely decorated parking lot even with Porta Potties it's a nice place to park in the shade and contemplate your next move. I'm a nature lover but even if you're not there is a wide paved walking path in the not too deep wilderness. One time I came here in November in late afternoon and must admit it was somewhat scary considering the characters giving me suspicious looks out of the wooded area, so I'm not sure what all goes on here when few are around, so let's just stick to hiking during the the brighter months in the day. read more

Crosby Farm Regional Park - Cute goats resting. - Parks Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Having lived in St Paul for nearly two years, I could have literally kicked myself for not having stumbled upon this lovely park any later than I did. I came down here on three separate occasions, mapping out the different trails prior to writing my review. Here's why you should come here. 1.) Lots to look at: The wetlands trail freaked me the eff out. Walking on a wooden path just hovering over the water, what the heck? But where else do you get to do this? Nowhere--that's where. I totally wished I had some mild anti-anxiety pills with me the first time I went, but by the third trip it was just another part of the journey, and it's kinda cool. The leg where your going throught the floodplain is just plain serene. I didn't feel like I was in the city at all. As a matter of fact, it kinda felt like the Shire. Peaceful. Zen. No wonder I keep coming back. The Mississippi River Trail is encapsulated within Crosby Farm Park so I inevitably end up hypnotized by the river. 2.) It's clean with access to restrooms and drinking fountains. 3.) It's fun for all! Picnikers, hikers, bikers, dogwalkers, joggers, you name it. read more

This park is a hidden gem in the Saint Paul area. Its main feature is the walk along the Mississippi, featuring a paved path as well as a well trod dirt path closer to the water. It also features ample bicycling and walking paved paths through the flood plain forest near the river. Check it out as a great place to go for a walk. It has a pavilion with grills, bathrooms, and a fire pit as well. read more

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This is an absolutely gorgeous park. At the entrance, there's a large area for picnics with a huge enclosed fire pit. There are several paths that lead into the forest and in the summer the foliage is so thick that you can't see the ground. The trails are great for walking or bike riding and, if you're lucky, you'll catch glimpses of the occasional wildlife. Trails here are winding and run parallel to the Mississippi in certain areas. From that point it's just a matter of heading right down to the beach and finding a good spot for relaxing or fishing. If you haven't tried it, the fishing is superb here. Good sized catfish, pike and bass. We often enjoy bringing along our tiny charcoal grill in the summer, finding a leaning tree to sit on and having a mini barbeque while we cast out our lines. There's a ton of easily accessible beach space (you can pretty much walk along the shore through all of it) so the chances of you feeling crowded by other fishers or dog walkers is very, very slim. Honestly, there is nothing more relaxing than coming here with someone you love and just enjoying the breeze off the river on a soft summer day. If this winter ever ends, I'm sure I'll find myself here soon. read more

Crosby Farm Regional Park - I snagged this right off the beach here. Beautiful day, beautiful park and great fishing. - Parks Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Woo huge park with lots of benches, a covered fire pit, trails, a the Mississippi, and everything else you could want out of a park. I've gone here for lunch a couple times and thought it was awesome each time, the entrance is hard to find, but it's a really nice stop once you get there!!! read more

Crosby Farm Regional Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Stumbled across this treasure this weekend with the family. What a beautiful park. If you like the woods and the river, you'll like Crosby. Named after a historical farm that once sat on the location, this park has picnic tables beneath a shelter, decent bathrooms, and a large fire pit. In addition, you can walk the paved trails (or dirt trails along the Mississippi River). There's also biking trails (Mississippi River Trail system). We sat along the river's sandy edge and watched worms (Army worms, perhaps) drop down on strands into the river and be gobbled up by fish. It was amusing. We met a fellow hiker and her dog and had some nice conversation with her. It's hard to believe, when you're in the park, that you're right next to St. Paul. It feels like you're in another, magical world. There's a path along the river; one through the woods, and another that is a wetland trail. Your children will love this place. One word of advice: stay on the paths. As this is the Mississippi River flood plain, the woods are filled with wood nettle, a plant that will give you a stinging rash if you walk through it. read more

What a great place to spend a few hours on a sunny day! We brought a picnic here today, walked the trails, and saw tons of wildlife around the marshes including two deer, a beaver, ducks, woodpeckers, and other neat birds. You can also watch airplanes taking off from MSP from certain spots. The picnic pavilion here boasts (what I think is) mid-century modern architecture. It features a great big fire pit with a chimney, restrooms, a water fountain, and electricity. read more

Any place that has goats for months at a time is a place for me. They bring in these goats to help control the grass (I believe but I'm not positive) and the scenery is gorgeous and I have only good things to say about this park! read more

Awesome park right on the bank of the Mississippi. It used to be an actual farm, go figure, but now it's a wonderful place to jog, bike, take your pooch for a walk, and picnic. We plan to snowshoe next winter. There's over 5 miles of trails back there and lots of wildlife-viewing opportunities. read more

This is a well maintained park in the heart of St. Paul. You might drive right past it as I did for years without realizing what a gem it is! Take the kids, the dog, friends or yourself for a walk, ride, run. It's shady and the trails don't seem that well marked except for the main drag, but I've never gotten lost. And the port-a-poty at the parking lot has saved me a time or two! read more

Awesome improvements in the entry by I35E, more parking, improved entry to the park. We took the dog. Keep them away from the ponds as they don't ice all the way (especially this winter!) read more

Love this place. Has both paved and unpaved trails. Access to river. All kinds of beauty and nature. Only reason it didn't get more stars is that the mosquitos are so bad in summer you can't go down there. read more

I like to run at Crosby when I need a change in my routine. The trails are usually well kept and rarely crowded. I would get bored running it daily, but is nice for a break. read more

Wonderful, secluded little spot to bike, walk, or run. Cannot believe I didn't know about it before.

Open spaces and varied pathways in this escape near the Twin Cities. Well worth the time for a nice hike near the river, especially when you live nearby and don't have time to travel far for some time with nature. read more

Great little winter hiking spot. We are lucky this is smack in the middle of our city! An easy walk for all ages. Trail maps available.

Very nice park tucked into the city...1/2 mowed the other 1/2 wild. Floods frequently.