The best parks & outdoor spots in Hennepin County

“Hyland Lake Park Reserve packs looping paved paths through tallgrass, a massive play area, Richardson Nature Center, summer watercraft rentals and winter cross-country ski trails, plus disc golf with skyline views... perfect for a quick Savage escape when you need fresh air fast.”

From the Savage newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Wood Lake Nature Center is Richfield’s backyard escape, with marsh, forest, and prairie habitats, a floating boardwalk, and trails perfect for a quick loop before dinner. Bring your curiosity, leave the pets at home, and keep an eye out for turtles, deer, and foxes.”

From the Edina newsletter, October 3, 2026

“Big tournament energy meets backyard convenience at Zane Sports Park, with multiple soccer fields plus baseball and softball diamonds for whatever lineup you muster. Rally the crew, grab a ball, and stretch those legs next door in Brooklyn Park... it’s your easiest win this week.”

From the Maple Grove newsletter, August 21, 2026

“From cliff-shot hole #17 on the 18-hole course to swimming in the sand-bottomed lake, Bryant Lake Regional Park is peak summer. Rent a canoe, SUP or paddleboat, hit the wooded trails, then pretend your picnic planning was intentional all along.”

From the Eden Prairie newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Sprawling dog park featuring ponds, a baseball field, plus a playground, picnic tables and walking trails.”

“Excelsior Commons is your lakeside multi-tool for a summer evening, with playgrounds, two swimming beaches, tennis courts, baseball fields, and a bandshell hosting the Summer Concert Series. Pack a picnic, let the kids roam, then settle in for music by the water... easy local win.”

From the Lake Minnetonka newsletter, October 8, 2026

“Need a low-key spot to get outside without making a whole plan? River Park has a playground that keeps the kiddos occupied and a legit basketball court for quick pickup games, perfect for after-work energy dumps, weekend shootarounds, or when you just want fresh air and zero hassle.”

From the Coon Rapids newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Need a low-stress loop close to home? 1 for hiking, plus on-leash dog routes and shoreline wildlife spotting that makes the metro fade for an hour.”

From the Eden Prairie newsletter, October 9, 2026

“Brooklyn Park Historical Farm brings a 19-acre living history site to life from 1905 to 1920, with hands-on chances to dig in the gardens, explore nature, and visit the animals. Sneaky-good way to unplug this week, learn some market farming history, and let the kids (or you) play in the dirt.”

From the Coon Rapids newsletter, October 7, 2026

“When cabin fever kicks in, Clifton E. French Regional Park Playground is the easy win with a sprawling play area right on Medicine Lake, plus paved loops for a quick spin and a legit beach for post-play cooldowns. Pack snacks, unleash the chaos, enjoy the views.”

From the Maple Grove newsletter, October 2, 2026

“Burnes Park is the low-stress answer when everyone needs out of the house, fast. The splash pad is on, the playground keeps kids busy, and there are softball fields, a basketball court and two tennis courts, with grills and picnic shelters for an easy dinner and leashed dogs welcome in certain areas.”

From the Lake Minnetonka newsletter, September 24, 2026

“When you need fresh air without a full-on adventure, Lake Minnetonka Regional Park brings the goods with a chlorinated, sandy-bottom swim pond, a big nautical-themed play area, paved bike and hike trails, a fishing pier and even the historic Schmid Farmhouse ruins to explore.”

From the Lake Minnetonka newsletter, October 1, 2026

“Swim at the beach, stroll the lighted trails, or rent a kayak and slip onto Medicine Lake at Clifton E. French Regional Park. Biking loops, an accessible fishing pier and patio performances make it an easy reset this week when you need fresh air without leaving Plymouth.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Park with picnic tables and a public restroom, plus a Frisbee golf course, and playground.”

“Between lobbing discs through the trees, a quick roller-hockey session, and letting the kids conquer the playground, Central Park is basically your easy button for summer. Grab a picnic pavilion with friends this week and call it an afternoon well spent.”

From the Brooklyn Park newsletter, August 13, 2026

“When the temps climb, Andrews Park has a legit splash pad that’s free, kid-approved, and close enough for a quick afternoon reset. Grab an ice cream from the snack shack, snag a shelter reservation with friends, and let the sprays do the tiring out for you.”

From the Coon Rapids newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing fall color, a sandy-beach swim, or winter snowshoe miles, even ice fishing, Fish Lake Regional Park delivers in a wooded, lakeside package.”

From the Maple Grove newsletter, October 7, 2026