Twin Cities Property Finder · David Olson, Broker · MN #BK3603584 · Whitefish Property Finder · MN #40646463 · Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota is home to a wide array of parks.
Parks and trails are a big part of what people love about living here. Here’s a quick guide.
Here’s an honest look, whether you’re selling or buying.
City of St. Paul
Ranging from massive, regional parks, to tiny, neighborhood offerings, residents and visitors alike have plenty of options to explore. With amenities available for those seeking both active and passive forms of outdoor recreation, there are seemingly endless opportunities to have fun in the sun. The following article provides a brief overview of the most notable parks found within each neighborhood in St. Paul.
The Como neighborhood is home to several parks which include:
Como Regional Park: Como Regional Park is one of the most famous parks within the entire city of St. Paul. To this day, Como Regional Park remains one of the best recreational options for families of all ages. Visitors of the park enjoy the baseball field, BBQ grills, benches, biking trails, fire pits, fishing pier, hiking trail, lake, pavilion, picnic area, playground, restroom facilities, shelters, cross country skiing trails, downhill skiing & snowboarding, softball field, swimming pool, and the Como Zoo & Conservatory. Como Zoo is the biggest draw to the park as it features 125 species of animals, a lush conservatory, and a beautiful Japanese Garden.
More places to get outside
Tilden Park: Tilden Park is a popular destination due to its passive nature. While the park doesn’t feature very many amenities, it is known for its peaceful atmosphere and large, open space. Perfect for a casual stroll or a family picnic, parents can enjoy time together while their kids play on the playground.
Orchard Park: Orchard Park is a small park located within the Como neighborhood. While nowhere near the size of the nearby Como Regional Park, Orchard Park’s smaller size caters it to younger families or those desiring a quieter neighborhood locale. Amenities at the park include picnic tables, a playground, a soccer field, two tennis courts, and a sledding hill in the winter. With just the right balance of amenities, Orchard Park is suitable for all ages.
Stinson Park: Stinson Park is one of the smallest parks in the area. What it lacks in size it makes up for in character. An open, green space with a newly built playground, Stinson Park is popular with visitors of all ages. Whether sharing a picnic, playing fetch with the dog, or simply watching the kids play on the playground, families will appreciate the peaceful, relaxed nature of Stinson Park.
More parks
The Conway-Battle Creek-Highwood Hills neighborhood has a large number of parks. Some of the most notable include:
Pig’s Eye Regional Park: Pig’s Eye Regional Park is the largest park in the neighborhood and encompasses a significant portion of the neighborhood area. Known as a fabulous bird-watching area, the park is home to one of the largest urban egret and heron rookeries in the entire Midwest. Visitors will enjoy catching glimpses of these birds in addition to the occasional eagle.
Henry Park: Henry Park is a medium-sized nature preserve located east of the Pig’s Eye Regional Park. Visitors enjoy the peaceful ambiance and natural setting.
Good to know
Bluff Preserve: The Bluff Preservation Area stretches across the Conway-Battle Creek-Highwood Hills neighborhood. A nature-lover’s haven, Bluff Preserve remains undeveloped and is a sanctuary for a plethora of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a wide array of birds and woodland animals while enjoying space away from the busy city.
Highwood Hills: Highwood Hills Park is one of the more traditional parks found within the area. While many of the parks in the Conway-Battle Creek-Highwood Hills neighborhood are undeveloped and offer passive amenities, Highwood Hills is active in nature. The park contains a small picnic area, soccer field, playground, two half-court basketball courts, and a full-court basketball court.
Battle Creek Regional Park: Battle Creek Regional Park is another large, community park found within the Conway-Battle Creek-Highwood Hills neighborhood. Known for its numerous amenities and outstanding recreation center, Battle Creek Regional Park is a great option for all ages and interests. Visitors to the park enjoy the baseball field, basketball courts, football field, bocce ball court, hockey and ice skating rinks, horseshoe pit, playgrounds, sledding hill, soccer fields, softball fields, and tennis courts. Additionally, the attached recreation center adds several more amenities including a craft room, fitness center, kitchen, gymnasium, meeting rooms, and a warming room. With so much activity available for all ages and interests, Battle Creek Regional Park is a wonderful resource for the Conway-Battle Creek-Highland Hills neighborhood and the surrounding area.
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The Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood contains several parks. The most notable include:
Swede Hollow Park: Swede Hollow Park is known for its serenity and natural beauty. With scenic valleys as well as a graceful, trickling stream, visitors enjoy the tranquility provided by the park. While largely undeveloped, the park’s green space, benches, and biking and hiking trails make the park a perfect option for passive outdoor recreation.
Indian Mounds Regional Park: Indian Mounds Regional Park holds both scenic and historical significance for the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood. Home to six Native American burial mounds, the Indian Mounds Regional Park area was discovered in the 1800’s. Since then it has been a well-renowned location within St. Paul. Amenities at the park include BBQ grills, benches, biking and hiking trails, a picnic area, a playground, public art, restroom facilities, a shelter, and a softball field in addition to the historic Native American burial mounds. A place of quiet reflection, passive recreation, and community gatherings, Indian Mounds Regional Park is a cherished location within the community.
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Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary: The Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary is a scenic location full of natural beauty. Located along the Mississippi River and near the downtown area, the nature sanctuary features limestone and sandstone bluffs, spring-fed wetlands, excellent bird watching opportunities, rich Native American history, and outstanding views of the downtown skyline and Mississippi River. Visitors can appreciate the beauty on their own or make use of the outdoor classroom and educational markers.
Lower Landing Park: Lower Landing Park is located just outside of the downtown St. Paul area. Situated along the Mississippi River, the park’s open greens and numerous benches provide visitors with views of the river and Lambert’s Landing. With steamboats and river tows making their way along the river and through the landing, visitors can reflect on a time past and appreciate the serenity of the present.
The Greater East Side neighborhood contains several parks. The most notable include:
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Sackett Park: Sackett Park is frequently utilized by the adjacent Boys & Girls Club. The park’s defining characteristics are a large open space ideal for football, soccer, frisbee, and so on, as well as a softball field. With so many active options, Sackett Park is a great destination for the whole neighborhood.
Ames Lake Park: Ames Lake Park connects park visitors with some of the larger, regional destinations. Visitors first enjoy a beautiful pier that curves around Ames Lake. This pathway is ideal for walkers and cyclists, and connects to the Bruce Vento Regional Trail as well as Phalen Regional Park. This connection makes Ames Lake Park a destination that can be enjoyed alone or in conjunction with these larger areas.
Prosperity Heights Park: Prosperity Heights Park contains almost 10 acres of open space. Whether it be enjoying a game of catch, taking a casual stroll, or sharing a family picnic, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at Prosperity Heights. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s pond and trails.
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There are many parks found within the Hamline-Midway neighborhood. Some of the most notable include:
Dickerman Park: Dickerman Park is one of the older parks found in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood. Stretching over a ¼ mile along University Avenue, Dickerman Park is most known for its mature trees and green spaces. In fact, some of the trees are over 100 year old. Kids enjoy playing in the open spaces along the midway while parents share a casual stroll.
Newell Park: Another one of the older parks found in St. Paul, Newell Park was first dedicated in 1908. Since then it has become a popular destination within the Hamline-Midway neighborhood and a place where families can gather. Amenities within the park include a basketball court, BBQ grills, benches, a fire pit, a pavilion, picnic areas, a playground, restroom facilities, a shelter, and a softball field.
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Hamline Park: Hamline Park is known for its good mix of amenities and four distinct sections. Each individual section is separated by trails. Visitors can walk or bike from one section to another in order to experience all of the park’s amenities. The northern section is popular with kids and young families for its playground. To the east, visitors will find tennis courts. Venturing south, visitors come across a basketball court, bike racks, and another playground. To the west, visitors enjoy ample open, green space with picnic areas and BBQ grills.
Horton Park: Horton Park is the ideal location for having a picnic. With picnic tables, benches, plenty of shade, and lots of open space, Horton Park is both peaceful and cozy. Guests enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the park’s mini arboretum.
Griggs Park: As one of the more active locations in the neighborhood, Griggs Park is popular for those who enjoy being active in the outdoors. Visitors enjoy the baseball field, basketball court, picnic area, playground, skating rink, sledding hill, soccer fields, and softball field. With activity year-round, Griggs Park consistently remains a popular choice.
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