Twin Cities Property Finder · David Olson, Broker · MN #BK3603584 · Whitefish Property Finder · MN #40646463 · Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida
The city of Minneapolis, Minnesota contains 11 unique communities, each with their own distinct neighborhoods.
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.
& Trails
Among all of these separate areas are countless parks and recreation opportunities. Ranging in size from massive, regional parks to small, neighborhood treasures, residents of Minneapolis have plenty of options when it comes to life in the outdoors. The following article will look at each of the 11 communities and the most notable parks found within.
The Calhoun Isles community is comprised of 9 neighborhoods, each offering unique parks for visitors to enjoy. With 14 parks including some of the most famous destinations in the state, as well as a smattering of smaller, natural parks located throughout, Calhoun Isles provids ample opportunities for residents to embrace the outdoors. Known for their scenic beauty and lakeshore amenities, the parks within the Calhoun Isles community represent some of the best parks that Minnesota has to offer. They include: Lake Calhoun Park: One of Minnesota’s most popular destinations, Lake Calhoun Park is 518 acres of scenic beauty. Servicing the Cedar-Isles-Dean, East Harriet, ECCO, Linden Hills, and West Calhoun neighborhoods, the park features the magnificent Lake Calhoun, a local favorite, as well as a wide variety of amenities. Lake Calhoun Park is home to an archery range, wildly popular beach, biking/walking path around the lake, boat docks, a fishing pier, picnic facilities, soccer and softball fields, and sand volleyball courts. During the summer months, Minnesota goes out on the lake to play. With swimming, boating, sailing, fishing, and even logrolling available, Lake Calhoun Park is a wonderful destination for a sunny, summer day. Described as one of Minnesota’s most beautiful lakes, the Lake Calhoun Park is a must-visit destination.
Lake of the Isles Park: A 208 acre park located north of Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles Park services the Cedar-Isles-Dean, East Isles, Kenwood, and Lowry Hill neighborhoods. A wildly popular tourist attraction and scenic destination, Lake of the Isles Park is an engineered lake that attracts an average of 5.5 million visitors a year from all over the world. This is largely due to its beautiful waterfront and rich amenities. Connected to Lake Calhoun through a lagoon as well as trails, Lake of the Isles Park offers visitors biking/walking paths, fountains, a soccer field, a fishing pier, and the beautiful lake itself. During the winter, Lakes of the Isles Park also opens a hockey rink and an ice skating area. Cherished by the nearby neighborhoods and the state of Minnesota as a whole, Lake of the Isles Park is a popular wedding destination and afternoon getaway location.
More places to get outside
Cedar Lake Park: Cedar Lake Park is part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park. At 288 acres, this park services the Bryn Mawr, Kenwood, and Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhoods. Located on Cedar Lake, the park offers great fishing and swimming opportunities. Residents enjoy visiting the three separate beaches as well as fishing for northern pike, muskie, and bass on the fishing pier. The park also offer visitors a biking/walking path, picnic area with grills, and cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
Bryn Mawr Meadows Park: A large, neighborhood park located within the Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Bryn Mawr Meadows Park is deeply connected to the history of the surrounding area. Established in the early 1900’s, Bryn Mawr Meadows Park has seen a number of improvements over the years. As time has passed and the park has expanded thanks to better infrastructure and its inclusion in the Luce Line Regional Trail. The park offers 51.56 acres of open space and amenities for visitors to enjoy. Amenities include biking/walking trails, a broomball rink, cricket field, picnic area with outdoor grills and restrooms, a playground, soccer and softball fields, tennis courts, and a wading pool. A staple of the Bryn Mawr community, Bryn Mawr Meadows Park is cherished by all.
Bassett Creek Park: Bassett Creek Park offers visitors lots of open space in addition to several amenities. They include a biking/walking path, playground, soccer and softball fields, sports facility, and tennis and volleyball courts. With so many active amenities, Bassett Creek Park is ideal for residents who are seeking a destination to play a sport or compete in a league. Additionally, the park’s trails connect to larger, regional trails such as the Cedar Lake Regional Trail and the Luce Line Regional Trail. These trails extend for miles in all different directions, and connect visitors to other parks and cities within the metro area.
More parks
Theodore Wirth Regional Park: Theodore Wirth Regional Park is the largest park in the Minneapolis park system. The home of a multitude of activities and numerous events, Theodore Wirth Regional Park is a central location within the city of Minneapolis. Amenities include archery, biking/walking paths, a decorative fountain, disc golf, a fishing pier, multiple gardens, a golf course, picnic facilities, restrooms, soccer fields, tennis courts, and more. Additionally, the park features a chalet ideal for weddings or parties, pavilion, and a beach area for visitors to enjoy special events or time out in the sun. In the winter time, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, and it is a popular location for cross-country skiing on the trails, sledding/snow tubing on the park’s sledding hill, or snowboarding at the Wirth Winter Recreation Area. At over 720 acres, this park connects to the Harrison, Willard Hay, and Bryn Mawr neighborhoods. A great destination for all ages and interests, Theodore Wirth Regional Park is one park that you do not want to miss.
Bryant Square Park: Bryant Square Park is home to several community events within the CARAG neighborhood. As the only park located directly within the neighborhood limits, Bryant Square Park holds a special place within the CARAG community. It is home to the Bryant Square Park POPS (Public Outdoor Performance Space), an amphitheater that is used for concerts, movies, theatrical productions and more within the park. The park also offers visitors a basketball court, hockey/ice skating rink, warming house, playground, soccer and softball fields, and a wading pool. The large playground is a particularly popular amenity among kids. With its convenient location, numerous events, and rich amenities, Bryant Square Park is a great option for the whole family.
Painter Park: Painter Park is located adjacent to the CARAG neighborhood. A small, neighborhood park at approximately 3 acres in size, Painter Park is located within the Lyndale neighborhood and is adjacent to the Painter Recreation Center. With a basketball court, playground, soccer and softball fields, tennis courts, and restrooms, Painter Park is an ideal location for active outdoor recreation. Perfect for neighborhood pickup games or young families with kids, Painter Park is a well-balanced option.
Good to know
Cedar Lake Park: Cedar Lake Park is part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park. At 288 acres, this park services the Bryn Mawr, Kenwood, and Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhoods. Located on Cedar Lake, the park offers great fishing and swimming opportunities. Residents enjoy visiting the three separate beaches as well as fishing for northern pike, muskie, and bass on the fishing pier. The park also offer visitors a biking/walking path, picnic area with grills, and cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
Park Siding Park: Park Siding Park is a small park tucked away in the Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood. Located near a trail that was once a railroad, Park Siding Park is a great destination for walkers/bikers to take a rest break, or for young families to enjoy an afternoon at the park. The park features a playground, picnic area, and outdoor grill. While only 1.39 acres in size, this quiet park is a great destination for those desiring a more peaceful setting.
Kenwood Park: Kenwood Park is a neighborhood park located exclusively within the Kenwood neighborhood. At nearly 33 acres, Kenwood Park is not the largest park available, but it does offer several great amenities. These include picnic areas with grills, a playground, restrooms, a softball field, walking paths, and the city’s largest bank of public tennis courts. Additionally, the park is located on sloping hilltops, giving visitors great views of the chain of lakes.
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Thomas Lowry Park: Thomas Lowry Park is located exclusively within the Lowry Hill neighborhood. A scenic wedding destination, the park features brick pathways, a grape arbor, and seven cascading pools with well-maintained landscaping. The serenity and peace of the park make it extremely romantic and ideal for passive outdoor recreation. During the months of July-August, the park is in full bloom and attracts a number of visitors.
Mueller Park: Mueller Park is a small, neighborhood park with several amenities. Visitors can enjoy the ½ basketball court, picnic area, playground, and wading pool. While not offering as much activity as the nearby lakes, visitors often enjoy the peaceful nature of this centrally-located park.
The Camden community is home to a wide array of parks and outdoor recreational spaces for residents to enjoy. There are 11 main parks throughout the community in addition to multiple small, natural areas. The parks include:
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Cleveland Park: A 1.4 acre park that was developed in conjunction with its neighbor, the Lucy Laney at Cleveland Park Community School, Cleveland Park is the only park located within the Cleveland neighborhood. Utilized by the school as well as the surrounding neighborhood, Cleveland Park offers visitors a baseball/softball field, basketball court, picnic area with grills, restrooms, and a wading pool. A perfect location for young families, those desiring to play a sports game, or anyone looking to have a picnic on a sunny afternoon, Cleveland Park is enjoyed by the entire Cleveland neighborhood.
Folwell Park: As one of the largest parks located in North Minneapolis, Folwell Park has become a parks and recreation center for those living within the Camden community. This is largely due to its extensive events and amenities. At nearly 27 acres, the park hosts baseball/softball fields, basketball court, biking/walking paths, football/soccer fields, playground, tennis court, and a wading pool. Additionally, the park is home to the Folwell Recreation Center. The center offers a community kitchen, computer lab, craft room, gymnasium, meeting room and multipurpose room. This wonderful park is a fabulous resource for the Folwell community and provides programming for the local youth year-round.
Bohanon Park: Bohanon Park is the central park within the Lind-Bohanon neighborhood. At 8.53 acres, it offers baseball, cricket, and softball fields, a basketball court, hockey rink, ice skating rink, picnic area, playground, restrooms, a sports facility, tennis court, and a wading pool. The park is located adjacent to the Jenny Lind Elementary School making it popular with visitors of all ages.
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Carl Kroening Interpretive Center: The Carl Kroening Interpretive Center is a very unique destination located on the eastern side of the Lind-Bohanon neighborhood, along the Mississippi River. The center is a combination of park reserve and interactive museum where visitors can enjoy murals and wildlife displays, while learning about the historical Mississippi River area and its habitats. Situated among natural prairieland and forests, the Kroening Interpretive Center is a huge hit among all ages. Its very interactive nature and immersive exhibits make it ideal for kids camps or birthday parties, but the park also offers miles of guided trails for nature exploration.
Perkins Hill: Perkins Hill is a small park located near the center of the McKinley neighborhood. The park features a basketball court, picnic area, and a playground. At 3.76 acres, the park is not very sizeable, but its status as the only park in the neighborhood makes it central to the local community. Ideal for anyone desiring a peaceful afternoon, Perkins Hill is a special place in McKinley.
Creekview Park: A 7.3-acre park located near the local Olson Middle School the Creekview park is encompassed by the larger Shingle Creek Park. The park features a skate park, ballfield, playground, and picnic area. Additionally, it is home to the Creekview Recreation Center. The center features a community kitchen and computer lab, craft room, gymnasium, meeting room and multipurpose room.
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Shingle Creek Park: Shingle Creek Park runs throughout the Shingle Creek neighborhood. At nearly 75 acres, Shingle Creek Park is located along the west bank of the 12-mile riverbed sharing its name. The park provides ample open space for visitors in addition to baseball and soccer fields, a basketball court, ice rink, hockey rink, skate park and a wading pool. Guests enjoy the abundance of wildlife and active outdoor recreational options. The park services the Shingle Creek, Lind-Bohanon, and Humboldt Industrial neighborhoods, meaning that many of the park’s amenities are found within other neighborhoods. The Shingle Creek neighborhood section of Shingle Creek Park features ballfields, a 3 story play structure, and lots of open space in addition to containing Creekview Park and all of its amenities. Additionally, Shingle Creek park has a walking path along the banks of the creek that connects it with the nearby city of Brooklyn Center. The sheer size and number of amenities found within Shingle Creek Park make it a very popular destination for the whole neighborhood.
Victory Park: Victory Park is found on the northern end of the Victory neighborhood. While only 2.35 acres, the park offers a basketball court, picnic area, playground, soccer field, tennis court, and a wading pool. The numerous amenities offered at Victory Park make it a central location for the neighborhood community. A popular destination on a warm, sunny day, Victory Park is cherished by all. Additionally, during Memorial Day, the park and the nearby parkway come alive with a concert and time of remembrance.
Victory Memorial Park: Victory Memorial Park borders the west side of the Victory and Cleveland neighborhoods and wraps around the Victory neighborhood to the north. Eventually it crosses the northern side of the Webber-Camden neighborhood. A narrow 3.8 mile parkway encompassing Victory Memorial Drive, the parkway features lush trees and commemorative markers for the area’s World War 1 servicemen placed throughout. Guests can enjoy the beautiful landscaping and reflect on the lives of those who fought for our country. Victory Memorial Park ends at Webber-Camden’s Webber Park.
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Ryan Lake: The Victory neighborhood is also home to the only lake in North Minneapolis, Ryan Lake. Ryan Lake is a small, fishing lake. At 19 acres, the lake reaches a depth of 36 feet and offers scenic beauty with a peaceful atmosphere. The lake is a good fishing destination for bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch. A unique amenity for the region, Ryan Lake is located in the upper north corner of the Victory neighborhood.
Webber Park: The largest park in the Webber-Camden neighborhood, Webber Park is rich with amenities. The park includes a basketball court, biking/walking path, gardens, picnic area with outdoor grills, playground, public library, restrooms, and tennis court. Additionally, the park is home to a natural swimming pool. This pool is the first public swimming pool in the US to have a natural filtration system where plants in a nearby pond filter the water as opposed to chemicals. The unique amenities offered at Webber Park make it a central location for the neighborhood as well as the surrounding area. Visitors thoroughly enjoy being able to access the library, go for a swim, or explore the outdoors, all in one location.
The Central community of Minneapolis, Minnesota is located in the heart of the downtown area. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and busy city streets, a collection of parks and natural areas give residents and visitors alike scenic areas for rest and recreation. While there are not parks located in every neighborhood, there are still plenty of parks accessible to all.
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