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!

We like to make the trek from the twin cities to this park in Red Wing. There is a lot of parking…read moreat the trailhead and once you get going, it isn't too long of a hike up the hill and you are rewarded with really nice views of the town, the surrounding county, the river, as well as being able to see deep into Wisconsin. There is a lot to look at from the northern vantage point. Then, you can head south along a ridgeline and get to the southern vantage point and the views there go on for miles as well. It is definitely kid-friendly, as my 4 year old walked the whole thing and my 2 year old walked a bunch of it, too. Just make sure to take a few breaks and bring some snacks.

Very nice place for a quick hike of different distances and levels of difficulty…read more Plentiful parking spots on the streets if need it. We'll pave and well navigate with signs, directions, and directions. We hike the Midland Trail and the South for an easy to moderate hike. We went the west outlook point. Well designed trails and stairs for everyone to come and enjoy. Overall yes, would come by if in the area for a nice breezy hike. The overall view point from the top overlooking downtown red wing is spectacular. Pictures cannot do justice to.

Best way to spend my birthday out snowshoeing with friends! The trails here are very scenic with…read moreviews of the Mississippi, and lots of wildlife to boot. Definitely worth the trip especially if you are visiting nearby Red Wing. My only criticism would be that the maps along the trail didn't have a "you are here" marker, but that went away once I figured out each intersection being assigned a letter. Will have to come back in the warmer seasons for a hike and/or camping trip!

Beautiful trails, very nice campsite and gorgeous bathroom/shower facilities! It was our first time…read morevisiting and we enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere. A very easy and beautiful drive from Rochester, perfect for a weekend getaway!

"I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay, wastin' time..." (Otis Redding)…read more If you've got time to waste, I can think of no better place to fritter it away than at this scenic, activity-filled park. Bay Point and Ole Miss Marina are located along the banks of the Mississippi, where one can listen to trains roaring through town while taking in gorgeous views of the city, Barn Bluff, barges floating down the river, and perhaps even the Pearl of the Lake replica of an 1800's paddleboat. Viewing the Boat House Village to the side of the park is a unique experience, as this is one of only a few remaining gin-pole installations in existence. Note the forty-ft-tall poles which hold the houses in places as the river rises and falls. Dig into a potluck feast with your family in one of the park's covered picnic pavilions. Aunt Jenny's tater-tot hotdish disappears quickly, so don't dilly-dally queueing up! Burn off those chocolate revel bars afterwards by taking a few laps around the park, while kids hang out upside-down on the playground. For visiting fishermen, Bay Point is one of the two main boat launches in town (the other located at Colvill Park). There is ample parking nearby for trucks with boat trailers, and bathrooms for breaks in between catching lunkers. Overall, this park is the perfect place to park yourself whether you're a fisherman, walker, eagle enthusiast, dog, or kiddo...or you're just looking to waste some time! I give it 5 tugs on the steam whistle!

Great place to chill and read or sit and watch the boat and train action on the river. There are…read morepicnic pavilions and play areas for kids. It can be a base for a bike excursion of scenic Red Wing ( if you bring your bike). People often fish off the rocky point. Eagles frequent the area. A soothing yet energizing place.

Great parks, grounds and community center! Tons of lovely options for kids and adults. Plus the…read morefarmers market is top notch.

What a great park for all ages! So many different areas to play, covered and shaded areas, access…read moreto water foundations. We did not bring our dog but saw dogs there. It is clean and well kept. Plenty of parking. We'll be back!

Trails were well groomed. Morning it wasn't as busy. Once afternoon hit, it was much busier. At…read moreWelch rest area they had a stand to greet people and had music. Nice touch.

WONDERFULLY maintained trail. Enjoyed my time running here, starting in Red Wing and going 10 miles…read moreout and back. Was moderately busy on a weekend - mostly bikers. You do need to make a 5$ donation if you are biking that gives you a sticker to put on your bike while riding. No light posts so I wouldn't recommend going at night. Will be back!!

Parking, cleanliness, presentation was 5 stars. However, the condition of some of the animals had…read moreme a little concerned. The bear we saw was pacing and panting back and forth. I'm not a zookeeper by any means, but considering the heat and kids screaming, maybe stress and hot! The same was for the mountain lion. He actually was pawing at his enclosure door to get out of the sun, but seemed unable to do so. Other animals were even seen pawing at empty bowls, which again, assuming this to be for water. I grew up on a farm, not a zookeeper, but the animals looked very uncomfortable.

This was unexpected. Like, really unexpected. We drove here after camping at a state park nearby,…read moreand the roads made us think we were headed towards someone's backyard and we might be the only ones there. We could not have been more wrong! Buses full of field trip kids! So many granny nannies! Plenty of older kids, including a few groups of teenagers! This is a legit nature center, quality playground, and perfectly nice little zoo. I don't know what it's like to live down here, but apparently the locals love this place. That said, it wasn't too crowded at all, and the bathrooms were clean. Parking was easy. We stayed for about an hour, but plenty of people looked like they had packed lunches and intended to stay all day.

It is Probably the smallest pork I've ever seen, but I've been coming here since I was little, so I…read morehave a lot of Nostalgia for this park. Things are in generally good condition, But some things can be iffy. The park also has a creek, which is good fun for minnow fishing.

Two acres of nice park along Highway 63, built by volunteers 1987. It has a non-functional…read morerotating Dutch windmill, playground, bathrooms, picnic tables, trees for shade on sunny days, grassy field, a creek running through it. It appears CLEAN and well cared for-the flowers are cared for and the bathrooms clean. It's a welcome place to stop. Psst...there's a secret bench hidden in the trees, surrounded by hostas-be sure to check it out!

This is probably not a destination park, but if you find yourself near Hastings with the need to…read moreget out of your car for between 10 and 60 minutes, chances are you'll enjoy Vermillion Falls Park. There's a nice sized parking lot and the falls is literally two minutes away. WIN. If you have teens who like some light hiking and picture taking, they will love this place. The teens I was with happily took pictures of both the falls and the graffiti and I enjoyed the wildflowers. Several picnic tables, and port a potties.

Beautiful park and water falls with paved paths and great signage, even in winter. I had to be…read morecareful with some ice on the trail, especially near the falls. It is an easy walk from the parking lot. The gorge is very pretty, and the falls are absolutely breathtaking! Well worth a stop when you are in Hastings.

I think it is great when there is a community park with so much to offer for free for families to…read moreenjoy. There are many trees, grills, tables available for shade, cooking, and eating. The office will even loan you a cart on wheels to haul the stuff you need from your car to the beach or picnic part. You can even change into your swim clothing on site as there is a men's and woman's bathroom. They also have water spigots available to wash off your feet or children after you come up from the lake.