Trying to be more intentional about exploring parks around Minneapolis this year, and Hidden Falls…read moreseemed like the perfect place to start. We usually default to Minnehaha Falls across the river, but I'd never actually explored this side--which looks to be really sprawling with new townhomes and modular single family homes. We parked near the dam and walked along the trail to reach the stairs leading down to Hidden Falls. Heads up: the walk down is a little precarious since there's no railing for most of the stairs, but it's not very steep and the trek itself is pretty short. The falls themselves were a bit disappointing at the moment--more of a trickle than a waterfall--but it is early in the season. That said, the forested park area it winds through was really nice, and made the visit worth it regardless. I can already tell this place is probably stunning in the summer when everything is green and flowing! Even with the lower water level, it was a great way to explore somewhere new and great to see there were so many people already exploring the park with it being chilly still!

Beautiful park near the city. Grabbed some take out and found an empty picnic table in the middle…read moreof the day - lots of parking! Watched a few boats launch, saw some geese, enjoyed watching people along the shore. Picnic tables near the water at the North Entrance. Check it out!

[Note: this facility is multi-purposed. My review is about the fitness amenities (gym, locker…read morerooms, fitness room). There are also conference rooms, an auditorium and other event spaces here that I won't be discussing.] The City of Saint Paul owns and operates several recreation centers. I was looking for an indoor walking/running track and a fitness room and came across the "Saint Paul Getting Fit" program, through which I can buy a membership to use any of the facilities for--get this--$30 *annually* (http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?NID=2940). Not per month, per year. So with the cold weather on its way, I went to my nearest recreation center, the Wellstone Center (also known as El Rio Vista Rec Center) and bought a membership. The lady at the front desk was very nice and helpful. There was open gym going on for volleyball and basketball, as well as a big festival in the auditorium. She was handing out passes, taking gym fees, and helping me sign up for my membership, without so much as blinking. Do not hesitate to call the front desk line if you have questions, she will help you out. (Tangent: when I first heard about the Getting Fit program, I called the main St Paul Park & Rec office. The person I talked to didn't give me any information, and couldn't even tell me which Rec Centers had walking tracks. Very underwhelmed). The locker rooms are on the lower level. Small, but fine for my needs. It's BYO-Lock, and they do have small and larger lockers. There are also two shower stalls in the ladies locker room, for your reference. The fitness room is also on the lower level, and is fairly small. There were three ellipticals, two treadmills, a multi-function weight machine, two sets of free weights, two bars for bench press (one standard, one was a really cool self-spotting machine), and a couple other pieces of miscellaneous strength-training equipment. The treadmills are really nice--newer, with good options for programmed and manual work outs. As a cooldown, I went upstairs to use the walking track. Myself and the SO were the only ones using it on a Sunday afternoon. The track is smallish (11.5 laps = 1mile) and is probably only about 6 feet wide, but it does the trick. It's suspended over the gymnasiums, so I had a good time watching the local teens playing volleyball and basketball. Overall, I was very impressed with this facility for the price I paid to use it. Their fitness amenities don't have a ton of capacity, but there also aren't many people using it (There were 2 other people in the fitness room, and no one on the walking track). The facility is clean and well-maintained. The staff is friendly and helpful. And it's, overall, a fantastic amenity for the West Side community.

The Wellstone Center is a multi-use facility. My review is primarily for event rental…read more I love the Wellstone Center. I have attended a few different training events here. I find that they offer a variety of rooms and room sizes for rent, and they appear to set their prices at a reasonable rate. They offer assistance with setting up and with the A/V equipment as well. The location is easy to find and the parking is good, too. As far as other uses for the center, I understand they have really great fitness amenities and the membership here is very affordable.

Lake of the Isles is a lake in Minneapolis, it's connected to Cedar Lake and Bde Maka Ska. It's…read morepart of the Chain of Lakes. It's a park area. There's a walk area, and around the lake there are fancy homes.

This is my favorite lake in the twin cities, especially during the fall when the leaves are at peak…read moreintensity of fall colors! I especially love paddle boarding here because it's usually a short walk from street parking to the lake. The views are spectacular and the wildlife is fun to watch. The walking paths around the lake are always well maintained and it's about a 3 mile loop around, with great views the entire time.

Lovely trail to walk this fall. Very popular so very busy…read more If you don't want crowds during these covid times probably not the best location. So popular that parking can be an issue. They have a long lot and thankfully someone else was leaving when I arrived so I could park in the lot to meet my friend for our outdoor walk and talk. Nice variety of nature- woods, lake, etc. Clear marked trail and nice spot during a less busy time.

Sadly, no bikes allowed :( It's a nice wooded area full of…read moretrails and educational experiences. Great for youngens.

Alright this review needs an update. Pretty crazy how this river has gotten clean over the past 15…read moreyears. No more barge traffic and no as much heavy industry above the city using the river like a toilet. No more labs but I have a couple of mutts and they love that frolic in the water. If I lived closer, this would be my #1 dog park. I usually get in 2+ miles of walking when I go here with the hounds. I don't have a problem paying for the parking since the city can offer this park. Does it get flooded when it is spring/a lot of rain? Sure but for the most part it is a great romp for the pooches and yourself. A nice incline down to the river requires a climb back up. The old trees that are down and the one thick old ones growing gives the walk a nice shaded feel and helps shelter out the noises of the city.

Sometimes there are not very well behaved dogs and uneducated owners. Beware. The water area needs…read moreto be fenced off as that's a total hazard. It's a nice large space for dogs to run though.

The staff is amazing and the venue is just breath taking. Has a country club feel without the…read morecountry club price. Food was amazing. We held our wedding there and the staff blew us away. I will upload pictures once I get them back from my photographer, because the pictures on the website doesn't do this place justice. If you're thinking of holding an event here, I would recommend meeting the staff they will blow you away with their level of customer service and high standards for your event.

Como Park Everything…read morehappens here. Location of Hmong July 4 tournament every year. Only Como could contain the July Hmong tournament. 2nd largest in USA next to Fresno. For one location, this is pretty big. Hmong can do better. Hmong have money, they should buy and build a location like NC did. Highly recommended

Ah such a lovely park in the heart of the city…read more A walking and biking trail around the entire lake, a zoo, golf course and a historic trolley station nearby are all available. The Pavilion, in it's current format is a wonderful space where musicians and more perform. I've even gone to a yoga class at one point that was a perfect stretching exercise. Both the Pavilion and the golf course offer food and drink. The golf course being off of everyone's radar because people think golf. But here too is a great balcony, overlooking the 9th hole. Super relaxing.

A Gem: Fort Snelling State Park…read more Rating: I visited Fort Snelling State Park on Memorial Day and I was blown away. Not what you'd expect from the name I know, but this is no ordinary park - it's better. From the moment I walked in I was struck by the natural beauty of the park. If you love the outdoors this is the place for you with plenty of hiking and exploring to be had. The staff do a great job of keeping the park clean and up to date. One of the highlights of my visit was the bike trail. I brought my bike and it was a great decision. The trail is well maintained and has great views of the surrounding area. Plus the park is close to several other trails so it's a great place to start a longer ride. I'm already planning on coming back to use this park as my starting point for future bike adventures. Overall I highly recommend Fort Snelling State Park to anyone looking for a beautiful outdoor experience. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, casual biker or just someone who loves the great outdoors this park has something for everyone. From the natural beauty to the location and trails Fort Snelling State Park is a gem that needs to be found.

I absolutely love the Pike Island hiking trail. At nearly 4 miles, it is a hidden gem that is a top…read morenotch green space tucked amidst an urban setting. The hike is a loop, with a flat trail and great views of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers.