Was in the area as we are in the market to buy a home, and any home we buy needs to be close by to…read morea public park! So after the open house, I came here to scope it out. Ultimately, this park is what it is: a green space that is surrounded on all sides by roads. Two of those roads are residential streets, another is a busy road, and the last is a highway. You're not going to be able to escape the road noise by going here. That said, at least there is somewhere green to take a short hike or be able to walk your dog with a small lake to admire. The park has a number of features to explore beyond just hiking. There is a large playground with quite a lot of climbing equipment, some slides, a zipline, a spin-a-majig, and swing set. There's a picnic area underneath a large sprawling gazebo structure. A mini golf course (open seasonally). A pool with water slides (open seasonally). An ice arena. A bandshell. A community garden space. And of course the Veterans memorial. All the trails are paved, though the pavement is heaving/cracking in a few places so it could be in better repair. Totally fine for hikers and bikers, but I definitely wouldn't take a pair of rollerblades or skateboard along these paths. There's also a considerable amount of goose poop pretty much everywhere, so watch your step! LOL. Two parking lots are available. The one by the pool/ice arena is massive. The one by the playground and mini golf is smaller but still quite a number of available spots.

This park definitely doesn't get as utilized as much as it should!…read more It has a nice trail, although shorter but very peaceful and easy to walk in different paths. There's a space for gatherings with a sheltered space, playground, volleyball, mini golf and more! They even have a local farmers market on the weekend here too! Went here for a walk with my dogs and surprisingly peaceful and minus some spots on the path that needs to be repaired and careful walking because it's not flat, it was a pleasant evening walk.

It's a bit confusing where to park... I know Apple maps randomly took me to the boat ramp parking…read moreafter passing by two other perfectly good small parking lots that connected to the trail. Which, since I wanted to just hike around in the autumn sunshine, I turned my car around and went back to. There was a port-a-john in the lot I parked in, which I appreciated. A little ways walk I also located a large gazebo-like structure with picnic tables. Didn't seem to have restrooms and the water fountain had already been turned off for the cold season. The trail is paved all the way around, which I suppose is nice for bicyclists, but not what I'd prefer as a hiker as it is hard on the feet and doesn't feel very nature-y. I also thought that in late October, this spot would be gorgeous, but for whatever reason all the trees had either already shed their leaves or were just kind of a sickly yellow color. Oh well. It was neat hiking along the river on either side; plus I got to watch a train go over the tresses on the north end. Not a super long walk, maybe an hour's worth if you go all the way around. Oh, there's also a small fenced-off section serving as a "dog park" but it didn't look very appealing or well-maintained... Also, people who drive their cars through here seem to want to speed above the limit... which is like weird because why not cruise and enjoy the scenery? Plus, the trail crosses the road in numerous places, so if you're speeding, you're more liable to hit someone. =/ It just doesn't feel well designed.

When my boys were little they attended a fossil camp that visited Lilydale for fossil hunting. The…read moreboys are teenagers and they still fossil hunt. Nice paved parking lot, wide walking path. We follow the path and walk up the big hill. Near the top of the hill to the left is the premiere location for fossils. Usually the boys hunt while the rest of us continue up the path taking in the nature. Great little get away during Covid.

Whitetail Woods is such a great park system tucked near the University of Minnesota agricultural…read moreresearch farm. It's one of my favorite nature spots close to the Twin Cities. Even though it's not far from the metro, once you're out on the trails it really feels like you're deep in nature. It's quiet, peaceful, and you can't hear any city noise. There are plenty of trail options with different lengths and scenery. You'll find trails around the lake, wooded paths, prairie areas, and a mix of paved and natural surfaces. It's also very dog friendly, which is a big plus. They've done a great job with the amenities too. There's a nice play area for kids, restrooms, and well-maintained paths. One of the best things about this park is that it rarely feels overcrowded.

I love this park! Whitetail Woods is a relatively new part of the Metropolitan Parks System, but…read moreit has quickly become a favorite. It is close to the cities, yet when you're walking/hiking/snowshoeing, or whatever, it feels very isolated. Part of that in nature feel is because it is primarily surrounded by federal or state wildlife area and a U of MN researh farm. We first discovered if for snowshoeing and it continues to be one of our favorites for that activity. There's hiking trails you can walk on, or you can explore your own path. The terrain is varied with flat plains, lots of hills, plus swamps. Though we love it best in Winter, it is beautiful for hiking during any season. There's enough variation in terrain that you can get a good workout. Though it has become more popular as people have discovered it, it is still large enough that you do not feel overrun. There are also camper cabins if you would like to stay overnight. Highly recommend as an outdoor escape.

Took a nice walk around Thomas lake park and enjoyed the scenery. It has well paved paths that are…read morewide. There are many benches along the path, some overlooking the lake which make for a nice rest. There are ample parking spots available and a park pavilion down one of the paths. Only drawback was all of the poop that has been left behind by pet owners.

Pros- lots of green, clear trails for walking, running , lots of entrances and exits. Lots of…read morebenches and places to rest . I saw at least one large playground. Can't wait to bring the rest of my family. No cons.

This park continues to be my favorite go to in the area, just beautiful! It can get super muddy…read moreafter it rains and hard to walk on. Go on sunny days with clear skies and you'll benefit from some beautiful reflections :)

Come out and visit the Trail Head at Theodore Wirth!…read more It has a fantastic community space and outdoor recreation center. Totally makes winter in Minnesota even better. I'm new to discovering The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Regional Park, but believe me when I say I'll be back many more time. In the winter, they offer cross-country skiing and lessons. (You can rent a full set of gear for about $30- no need to have your own to experience skiing! They also have à la carte options for cheaper if you only need poles or boots, etc.) Besides skiing, outdoor winter activities also include snow tubing, snowboarding, snowshoeing.... You name it. (I haven't been in fall or summer yet, but I also hear great things about their mountain biking and trail running options.) Inside The Trailhead, there's food and drink concessions, ample seating, lockers, bathrooms, and even rooms for rent. The last time I was there, a family was hosting a young child's birthday party in the multi-purpose room. Altogether, there is an amazing assortment of services here to come and check out. Can't wait for next ski season!

HIDDEN GEM IN THE CITY…read more I've lived on this parkway for 3 years now and I don't think I've shut up about how amazing Theo Wirth is since! The City Chain of Lakes get all the hype, but you know what's even closer to downtown, in the heart of the city, with: a lake xc ski trails fat bike / mountain bike trails endless walking paths beach with volleyball courts public golf course and so much more?! Yeah, that's right - my neighborhood park! You can do about every outdoor activity you can think of here. Plus, the Trailhead is the main hub for all of it, with a restaurant, tons of indoor seating, gear rentals year-round, and an amazing nature space in the heart of the city. This is the perfect park to embrace any season in Minne!

Neighborhood park in Apple Valley, bordered by Pennock & Gossamer Way. This park has trails in the…read morewoods and a nice playground.

A lot of cool things for kids at this park. The wading pool is big and has some fun features. The…read moreplayground has enough space and play opportunities for when it gets busy. My kid loves the imitation camper and car. It would be a nice spot for a picnic with the family.

Tired of driving around the parking lots by Minnehaha Falls, feeling lucky if somebody leaves and…read moreyou can pay the machine for that spot to park? Drive up the hill (just up 46th Avenue So)-like you're headed for the Veterans Home. On top of the hill is the Wabun Picnic Area & Disc Golf. It's not far from the bicycle trails! It offers clean bathrooms, beautiful mature trees, good views, nice playground & wading pool for the kiddos, ChargePoint Charging Station for electric vehicles, and disc golf. Yes, it is a walk to Minnehaha Falls (0.5 miles, about an 11 minute walk) but it's well worth it!