Parks & Zoos
Minneapolis is home to many excellent bike paths and walking/hiking paths, recreational lakes for swimming, boating, canoeing, or fishing, and more. And it doesn’t have to be warm out to enjoy our parks—there are options for outdoor ice-skating and winter hikes. Enjoy Minnesota’s wildlife at nature centers or view exotic animals at one of the city zoos.
Things to Do
Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo provides a wide array of animal exhibits and activities that can be enjoyed in any weather. Located just south of the Mall of America
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
We at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory hold everything we do against the expectations laid forth in our mission statement. Every animal exhibit, plant exhibit, education class and youth camp is driven by this statement and our commitment to the community in which we live.
Battle Creek Regional Park
Battle Creek Regional Park is accessible from several parking lots and trails. Park is open 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Boom Island Park
Amenities include: Biking path, boat dock, grill area, picnic area, playground, walking path
Bde Maka Ska Park
Amenities include archery, beach, biking path, boat dock, fishing pier, picnic area, soccer field, softball field, volleyball court, walking path, and a well.
Lake Harriet Park
Amenities Include: Bandstand, beach, biking path, boat dock, fountains, fishing pier, garden, picnic area, playground, and walking path.
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park
Scenic lake-shore area with a swimming pond, fishing pier & playground, plus hiking & biking trails.
Lake Nokomis Park
Popular park providing sailing, paddlesport rentals, concessions, a community center & playground.
Lake of the Isles Park
Path-lined park offers areas for ice skating, canoeing & picnicking, plus an off-leash dog park.
Loring Park
Amenities include: Bandstand, basketball, bike path, fountians, fishing, garden, picnic area, playground, public art, tennis, wading pool, walking path.
Minnehaha Regional Park
Amenities include: Bandstand, bike path, fountains, disc golf, garden, picnic area, playground, public art, volleyball court, wading pool, walking path
Mississippi Gorge Regional Park
Amenities include: Prairie area scattered with oak trees & offering biking & hiking trails, picnic shelters & fishing.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
More than 1,200 acres of gardens and tree collections, prairie and woods and miles of trails. The Arboretum was borne out of the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center and established in 1958, with the Men’s Garden Club of Minneapolis, Minnesota State Horticultural Society and other community supporters.
Northland Arboretum
A non-profit organization dedicated to getting the community involved in and aware of nature. Have a peaceful walk on our nature trails, or take your mountain bike for a ride. Winter time? We’ve got that covered too! You can cross country ski on our spectacular groomed snow covered trails.
Westwood Hills Nature Center
Westwood Hills Nature Center is a 160-acre natural area featuring marsh, woods and restored prairie. The preserve is beautiful throughout the seasons and provides homes for many animals including deer, fox, mink and owls.
