Elm Creek Park Reserve
This 4,900 acre park is a favorite of residents throughout the Twin Cities. The largest park in the area, it offers outdoor activities throughout the year. It is not uncommon to see eagles, deer, beavers or loons while hiking its 19 miles of trails. While hiking, stop at the Eastman Nature Center and check out the interactive displays on local wildlife or watch a nature presentation at the outdoor amphitheater. Other popular summer activities include mountain biking, swimming in the man-made swimming pond and practicing your aim at the archery range. The winter recreation area offers cross country, down hill and telemark skiing and snowboarding. Snowshoeing is another popular activity. The park has designated trails for skijoring, a sport that combines cross country skiing with dog sledding.
Elm Creek Park Reserve
12400 James Deane Parkway
Maple Grove, MN 55369
763-694-7894
threeriversparks.org
Fish Lake Regional Park
Canoeing, boating, fishing and swimming are the favored activities at this beautiful park which is built around a 244 acre lake. Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and paddle boats can be rented for $4 to $6 per half hour at the lake's boat rental. You can also check out the 7.4 mile trail that stretches to the nearby Elm Creek Park Reserve. Picnicking areas are located near the swimming beach and boat launch.
Fish Lake Regional Park
14900 Bass Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55311
763-694-7818
threeriversparks.org
Eagle Lake Regional Park
This 230 acre park straddles the cities of Maple Grove and Plymouth. During the summer outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking its nearly 2 miles of trails which connect to municipal owned trails for those who prefer a longer trek. A fishing pier and picnicking area is available off 63rd Avenue, which runs through the park. Canoeing is also allowed along the northern end of the park. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are the two most popular activities in the park during the winter. The park has three groomed trails, including the 2.5K Pike Lake Trail, the 2.6K Eagle Lake Trail and the 0.6K training trail, which is the least difficult. The park's gentle slopes are especially appropriate for children or beginning skiers. There is also a designated snowshoe area. Information about the park and its skiing trails is available at the ski chalet located near the parking lot off Bass Lake Road.
Eagle Lake Regional Park
11000 Bass Lake Road
Plymouth, MN 55442
763-694-7695
threeriversparks.org
City of Maple Grove Trails and Parks
The City of Maple Grove has developed an extensive system of parks and trails for hiking and biking around the lakes and forests that surround the city. More than 35 miles of trails are available; they can be located on the interactive map found on the city's website.
Article Written By Cheryl Schroeder Basile
With three decades of experience, Cheryl Schroeder Basile has been a writer, editor, public relations specialist and marketing professional in finance, education, travel, government and nonprofit organizations. She has written for more than 100 print and online publications, and holds a journalism degree from the University of Minnesota.
