The refuge is a great place to explore nature. There are many trails to hike both short and long…read more The Visitor's Center has a wonderful display and activities. There is also a viewing area where there are bird feeders. A favorite is the turkeys that stop by! The staff here are helful and friendly. They also plan community events that are always fun and educational.

Hooray, I finally came here when the visitor center was open! I've been a couple of times in the…read morepast just to do some hiking on the trails, but I'd never gotten to see the inside as the hours are somewhat narrow being just Wednesday through Sunday. It looked really grandiose from the outside, so I'm unsurprised the inside was quite modern and comfortable. It's comprised of many available seating areas where you can sit and relax (I especially recommend the seating facing the bird feeders, though there's also a cozy fireplace), or simply wander and explore the exhibits they have up with information on them about the history of the refuge, the work its done and is doing, and the animals that inhabit it. This is important work! I'm so glad they're doing it. Unsurprisingly there is a gift shop with expected trinkets such as stickers, pins, patches, plushies, postcards, jewelry, hankerchiefs, and lots of books. So if you'd like to support the refuge and get a little something for yourself, that's a great way to do it. There is additionally an art gallery with revolving local Minnesota artists that take inspiration from nature, an auditorium playing a looped track, and plenty of space for kids to play (including corn hole and giant puzzles). There is a conference room (downstairs) and a community room (upstairs), and considerable office space (not open to the public, obviously). Two water bottle refill stations. Clean bathrooms (separated by gender, but there's also a bonus unisex, accessible one). These folks do LOTS of events throughout the year, most of them completely free to attend (some require RSVP, others don't), so I recommend keeping an eye out for something that interests you. Plenty of free parking is available on site. There are picnic tables around the visitor center, as well as an outlook with binoculars. If you go down along the left side the visitor center, it will take you to the trails if you're here to do some hiking. :)

Located in Science Building to the right as you enter. Small area but full of information and…read moreactivities for the kids. It shares the space with Science Museum, no cost for National Park exhibits, but it does cost to go inside the actual Science museum. You can walk around lobby and see some additional cool stuff for free. The restrooms are clean. Parking can be rough & somewhat confusing. We parked over by Square near Public Library (also worth a visit). The square area park is also very nice with some sculptures of beloved "Peanuts" characters. The 5 "Star" Rating is mainly based on interaction with Ranger Nathaniel. He was awesome, very informative and showed us on the map areas that would be of interest based on our conversation. All his suggestions were spot on "Thanks Nate". We found the Heron Rookery. Ranger Nathaniel was fantastic & made our visit very rewarding.

Out of the way visitor center in the lobby of the science museum. I'd never have even noticed it…read morewas here if it wasn't for the sign. It's a small one-room exhibit that had a couple exhibits for kids and adults might enjoy reading some of the information about the river. I wouldn't make a special trip to check it out but it's okay if you're already in the area.

Great views, easy hike, and lots of fun things to learn on the trails right in the heart of Taylors…read moreFalls. Currently the visitors center is closed for the season but the trails are still accessible. We did the glacial potholes trails which was full of rock climbers. Great views of the St Croix River. Probably spent 15-20 minutes at this trail. Then we did the Walter F Mondale trail till we decided to turn back. Lots of nature to see including hawks, robins, chipmunks, squirrels, etc. Lots of great photo ops too! Probably spent 30-45 minutes on this one. Also they have port a potty's at the parking lot which is helpful while the restrooms are closed for the season.

This is a great nature park. I've loved it every time we have come (beware it's extra busy when…read morethe leaves change color!). I visited this most recent time with a four year old who absolutely loved clambering and climbing around the unique rock formations. The park had some great views over the river which come fall are even better. I am awaiting the day we get to make use of the campgrounds!

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.

The Yelp Elite event was absolutely fantastic. This community is amasing to be apart of with som…read moremany incredible events, freebies, and activities. Mikhala is always coming up with a wide range of events around the Twin Cities and partnering with local businesses. My first event with this group was the Twin Cities Yelp Elite'ers at the Fair!

Avoid the Twin Cities at all costs. Poorly planned / coordinated May - October construction season…read moremakes getting around impossible. Too cold November - April.

Fun place to walk the dogs and to try a new park. Plentiful parking, a nice building to learn more…read moreabout the area. Easy trails and fun to see the water pouring over the dam. There were some spots that fisher people had left miles of line and hooks - not great for walking dogs. I picked those up and put them in the line and hook receptacle which was an easy walk from all the fishing leftovers I picked up. Please do better if you're fishing than doing the cut and run. There are parks on both sides of the river if you're up for an adventure. Not too much foot traffic when I was there, but lots of bikes, most with bells to alert me they were coming which is appreciated.

The staffs is super helpful, the reason for the low rating is the upkeep is on the poor side the…read moreweeds along the fence rail makes fishing horrible , let alone trying to look through it . And speaking of fishing , this place "USE" to be phenomenal, now it's all fish out , tons of snags, with all those budget and constructions , there's very little to poor fishing area , the docks are old , too bad they never use some of that money to build a stone pier that extend from one side to the other below the dam. Worst now is that the STOP the road from reaching the other fishing dock so it's a very long walk from both side of the parking lot. So much of the land scapes are looking more like over grown weeds then a work of art . I do have to give them credits for supporting the troops.