The Minnesota State Fair is packed with things to see and do, but even the most ardent fair-goer appreciates a change of pace. Roseville is just a couple of miles north of the fairgrounds on Snelling Avenue, and offers varied choices in a quieter setting. Whether you prefer bicycling, a nature hike or wetting a line, you’ll find late-summer activities to choose from in Roseville.
Go Fishing
It’s easy to fish from shore at Bennett Lake, with its pier and a walking trail that surrounds the lake. The shady south shore is the best spot in late August to try for northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stocks this lake with walleye fingerlings. The lake is within Roseville’s Central Park, and plenty of free parking is available by entering the park at 2495 Victoria St. N.
Take a Hike
The Harriet Alexander Nature Center is a preserve with 52 acres of woods, prairie and marsh accessible by trails and boardwalks. The interpretive center, 2520 Dale St. N., provides hands-on learning about bees and honey, native prairie plants and animals, and migrating songbirds you will see and hear on your hike. The center’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. It is closed on Mondays.
Check Out the New LIbrary
If a late summer shower brings you indoors, visit the Roseville branch of the Ramsey County Library. The largest and busiest library in the suburbs of St. Paul, it reopened in July 2010 after major renovations including a 30,000-square-foot, second-story addition. Its many new features include spacious seating and study areas, large children's and teen rooms, a coffee shop and browser-friendly DVD displays. The library, at 2180 N Hamline Ave., is open seven days a week.
Ride a Bike
Roseville has more than 60 miles of paved trails and bike paths along major roadways. Download a free trail map from the city’s website. History buffs can plan their route along residential streets featuring gracious homes from the early 20th century. Visit the Roseville Historical Society website to download its Heritage Trail guide to route your ride past a 1906 pet cemetery, a tablet marking the halfway point between the North Pole and the Equator and a 1900 reservoir later used as a firing range by the St. Paul Police.
Get in the Swim
After a few hours of walking around the fairgrounds, cool off and relax with a swim at Lake Josephine, 3027 N. Lexington Ave. The swimming beach, while not large, has plenty of clean sand and is near deep water for good diving. The beach is open from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Note that lifeguard service ends for the season on Aug. 15, but you are welcome to swim on your own.
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