This is a great place to get access to the Lebanon Hills park in Dakota county. They have a nice…read moreplace for grilling and lunch at the entrance. They also have a dock out into Holland lake that gives you a great view of the lake. Hiking, horse riding, and ski trails all start here. Jensen lake is off to your right as you enter the trail system, and the Visitor Center is off to your left. If you are not familiar with the trail system, bring a map you print from home.

When you live in Rochester and you have a boat--this is one of the nicest places to get it wet for…read morea couple hours as you don't always have time to drive north ---We have used this lake many times just to get out of the house and drop a line--and I have caught a few fish but always thrown them back. There is a waterski show on the lake typically every wednesday night during the summer. It gets busy with tubers, skiers, and fishing. It is a small lake but the summers are short in MN so you need to get your boat out every chance you get even if it's just for a few hours.

In the dead of winter, the art shanties are a fun activity at Lake Harriet. Always new and…read moresurprising shanties that come from the creative minds of the artists. You can dance, dress up and sing, learn about what lives below the ice, be a cat, cast a spell with Taylor Swift lyrics, and help aliens understand humans. This event epitomizes how Minnesotans don't let freezing temps keep them from enjoying the lake and expressing their creativity.

Minnesotans really know how to throw events no matter rain, shine, or winter. Reflecting on this…read morepast winter reminded me of the surreal experience of standing on top of this frozen lake having moved from a two season state. If you've never been when it's frozen over I would highly recommend coming during their kite festival which also happens during the art shanty exhibits. If you show up to the kite festival on a whim, no worries, the park will have kites for sale. I would highly encourage coming with footwear that has good traction or added cat tracks to get secure grip on the ice.

This is such a great spot to take kids since there is a playground but right across the street you…read morehave a lot of walking trails and I think it's really well paved out and you can choose which trail to take depending on the distance you want to walk. They have plenty of parking and it's an activity you can do all seasons.

I liked this lake a lot. I think the size of the beach and the proximity of bathroom facilities &…read morenearby playground is perfect for toddlers and young kids. I also like how less crowded it is compared to other bigger beaches/lakes.

First time visiting Edgewater Park, and it's such a scenic little escape tucked around Colby Lake…read more Met up with an old friend for a walk and chat, and the paved trail around the lake was perfect--peaceful, tree-lined, and surrounded by gorgeous homes. We noticed tennis courts, basketball courts, and spots for fishing too. There's easy onsite parking and convenient onsite restrooms. Nice touches like an AED on-site show the park is really thoughtfully maintained. Perfect safe walking spot. Already looking forward to my next visit.

Nice park, friendly Busy neighborhoods and golf course. I have beautiful day expect the small…read moreparking to be full so you park on the sides. In the area for kids was full of kids playing coming and leaving. Even the parents seemed nice. Walking about the lake will take you some time so be ready for that. I couldn't finish it because the kids got tired and bored.

If you are looking for a place to picnic, enjoy the summer sunshine at the beach or take your kids…read moreto an amazing play structure you have found a home. Weaver Lake is on of the gem three river parks in Maple Grove that has ample space for people to spread out, picnic tables, great places for groups, outdoor sporting areas and is a tremendous place to get away regardless the season. The park has designed ice area for winter but I am from California so I don't want to curse myself in fall :) This place is beautiful, bring your family, a loved one or come collect your thoughts, you won't be disappointed.

A fun playground with a slide that goes down to the beach. There is a little bit of everything for…read morepeople to enjoy outdoor time as well as clean bathrooms. Take yourself there with a nice picnic and enjoy!

Lake Minnetonka can be a vast, scary landscape where Big Boats like to play. No place for a dainty…read moreand classy vessel like the Silky Pig. She prefers a more bucolic environment, free of tidal waves and Auto-Tuner. Eagle Lake, a mere fifteen minutes from the middle of the city, is big enough to be exciting (tubing!) and small enough to keep Silky safe. If you head out around two or three you might catch a glimpse of Club Pontoon, the floating suburban party that rocks out to Jimmy Buffet every weekend off of Maple Grove's leafy coast. Also, turtles!

This is a pretty fun laid back Lake. We found a really good spot, but there were only small fish…read morethere. The real fun beginning when my boyfriend found the bridge and we began fishing from there. We were catching fish left and right. Mid-size fish though!!! But all of a sudden when we left expected it, I got a really good bite, and ALMOST caught the biggest fish of the day. Hahaha it was at least a 5lb Northern. Good place, great paths, great fishing!

Lake Minnetonka is a beautiful lake. There's a lot of bays and generally a lot to explore. Looking…read moreat all the lake houses is always a good time. There's some restaurants and businesses near the main lake. There's big island and swimming areas. Not sure I personally trust the lake water but for sure "purify yourself" if you wish. We went on a Saturday early afternoon & it was pretty busy. Lots of boats on the water. It's generally chill. We were on a private boat but they do have boat tours and yacht party's which are really fun.

Nice, clean lake. Smaller than anticipated still worth the visit if in the Minneapolis area…read more Boaters and fishing on the lake that day.

The city revamped this beautiful park two years ago and it is one of the favorite destinations in…read moreEden Prairie. The Amphitheater seating is reflected in a smaller seating area surrounding a smaller, more flexible space for concerts and kid-friendly productions as well as private parties. The enormous playground is multi-level and has play structures for everyone from toddlers to teens. Today a group of tweens was climbing the web structure, laughing and playing and challenging each other to get to the top. The different playground levels are all accessible by slides and steps and ramps and the wood chip base is interspersed with flexible, bouncy "miracle turf," the springy rubber paths perfect for differently-abled children. There is a large swing with safety straps, spinners, acoustic drums, bells, and a rolling rain maker - thousands of BBs encased in plexiglass that shower endlessly with the turn of a wheel. My grandson calls this the Big Playground and spent well over an hour running and shrieking and playing on this gorgeous spring day. There are plentiful picnic tables, actual restrooms in the park building, lots of parking, and easy access to the trails to walk around Staring Lake. (Tip: it's pronounced "Starring," something residents know but newcomers may not. Don't ask me, I said "Staring" for years after moving here ...) Bring a snack or bring lunch and relax while your kids burn off all that energy!

Park and trails are lovely. Unfortunately the fishing pier is surrounded by lily pads, rendering it…read moreimpossible to fish from. My son was very disappointed.