With summer break approaching and Minnesota’s brisk, snowy winter finally retired until next year, it’s time to welcome the new season by exploring some fun outdoor activities to enjoy in Park. As it is located just on the suburbs of the Twin Cities, there are many bustling adventures to explore right outside of Park.However, this list will primarily focus on the best outdoor activities you can do right here in our great city. Best of all, the activities named are all totally free.
Little free libraries
Scattered all across Park neighborhoods are little free libraries open to the public. Whether you’re a book lover or not, checking out these libraries is always exciting, since you never know what you’re going to find. Take a walk and see how many of these libraries you can find, check out some cool books and donate some you don’t read anymore. This can also be a really great way to connect with the community and check out what other people in the neighborhood have been reading.
Play chess in a park
Maybe I’m biased as a chess lover myself, but this is my personal favorite activity on the list. Mixing the brain-puzzling game of chess with the great outdoors of Minnesota is a super great combination. There are several chess tables located at Park Place Plaza, or right near Costco Wholesale, but the great part about chess is that it can be played anywhere and at any park of your choosing. It’s also notable to mention that other games like checkers can be played at any checkered table as well.
Westwood Hills Nature Center
Westwood Hills Nature Center inhabits natural areas of forest, marsh and reserved prairie. It’s also the home to many beloved Minnesota woodland creatures. The Nature Center is free to enter, open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Overall, Westwood Hills is a super enriching experience and one I would definitely recommend.
Take a fishing trip
Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, so there are lots of fishing opportunities around the city. Lamplighter, Wolfe and Westwood Lake in Park are all a part of the “Fishing Neighborhood Program,” where residents without licenses are still able to enjoy the art of angling. Lamplighter Lake, located right next to the Park Middle School is a beautiful lake. Fishing trips are also a great time to pack up some lunch and enjoy eating outside and having a summery picnic.
Bike Trail
Bike trails are scattered all over Park, with the most popular being the Regional bike trails. Available to travel by bicycle or on foot, trails are the perfect way to enjoy any summer day. All of the trails in Park are great tools to get outside and connect with nature. Plus, exploring them is also a great way to get some exercise in. My personal favorite bike trail is the Cedar Lake trail, which takes you along the railroad, past Brownie and Cedar Lake, where you’re able to get onto sister trails that follow those lakes.
