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Best Ways To Utilize Minnesota's Parks & Rec Department

Minnesotans are notorious for enjoying the outdoors, even during our frigid winters. Luckily, our parks systems throughout the state are phenomenal, especially so in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Department is a great resource for finding ways to utilize the local outdoors (and indoors) any time of year. From equipment rentals and weekend events to lessons and camps, you're sure to find a way to be entertained.

Minneapolis Parks & Recreation
2117 W. River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 230-6400
www.minneapolisparks.org

Each year, the non-profit The Trust for Public Land rates 60 cities around the United States to see how well their city parks are meeting the needs of residents. For the last two years in a row, Minneapolis has garnered the top spot. Not only are our city parks leading in the country, we are the only location to receive a perfect score. For ideas on how to utilize our fabulous parks, along with the Minneapolis Recreation Department, read on!

fall colors running pike island
(credit: CBS)

Trail System

Outdoor enthusiasts can use Minneapolis' paved and unpaved trails in a variety of ways to enjoy nature and get some exercise, no matter what the season. Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing among the wooded trails of Theodore Wirth Park in the winter. Walk and smell the spring flowers along the unpaved trails of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. Run or rollerblade the nearly three-mile distance around the Lake Calhoun trail in the summer sun. Or take in the changing colors of fall along the paved bike trails of St. Anthony Parkway.

Dog Parks

Your four-legged friends also have plenty of ways to make use of Minneapolis' park system. The city has seven off-leash dog parks to let dogs run free in a completely fenced-in area. Downtown dogs can check out the Loring Park Dog Park while canines in Southeast Minneapolis can stop by the falls on their way to Minnehaha Dog Park. Be sure to visit the Minneapolis Parks & Rec website to learn how to secure dog permits before heading to the off-leash parks.

Related:  Best Places For Outdoor Yoga In Minnesota

Rain Generic
(credit: Jupiter Images)

Indoor Playtime For Kids

When Minnesota parks are buried in snow, check out the indoor play options and classes for parents and young ones through the recreation department. There are plenty of drop-in playtimes scheduled at rec centers throughout Minneapolis that let kids burn off steam while parents can interact. If you're looking for organized parent and child activities, try toddler dance classes or family art classes which can be found on the Parks & Rec website.

Events

Powderhorn Art Fair
Powderhorn Art Fair (credit: powderhornartfair.com)

Throughout the year, Minneapolis Parks & Rec host events to suit a wide range of interests, ages and activity levels. For example, the Monarch Festival is a free event that celebrates the butterfly migration to Mexico with music, food, crafts, dancing and lots of butterflies. The Gridiron Gallup features Minnesota Vikings players and cheerleaders during a 5K run/walk and kids run. The annual Red, White & Boom! is a downtown Minneapolis riverfront celebration of Independence Day that attracts more than 75,000 people each year.

Related: Best Place To Rent A Boat In Minnesota

Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. She is also a public relations and event planning professional. Her most important job is mother to her young son and daughter, who are her partners-in-crime when checking out the family entertainment scene in the Twin Cities. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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