Home to Minneapolis and over a million residents, there is a lot of development inside the 563-square mile Hennepin County. Yet, within its borders, there are miles of paved bike trails linking multiple lakes and scenic river valleys. There are also 441 parks that accommodate a variety of interests and activities.
Sporting Fields
Dotted throughout the Minneapolis metro area, there are many public sporting fields to help hone teamwork and provide an outlet for anyone with a competitive streak. The city provides soccer and tennis nets, grooms baseball and softball diamonds, and also maintains wading pools in the summer at various locations. Near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and easily accessible by public transportation, the sporting enthusiast can enjoy many team-oriented activities at Bossen Field. The soccer nets, basketball court and ballpark diamonds are open to leagues or the recreational user, and pickup games are not uncommon. There are also modern public restrooms on site. In the summer months, there is also an open wading pool as an alternative to nearby Lake Nokomis.
Off-Leash Dog Parks
Owners of four-legged friends know their pet's fitness is crucial to a healthy, happy life--both for the animal and for themselves. Hennepin County has numerous off-leash recreation areas for dogs. Owners must obtain an off-leash permit for most of the parks--like the off-leash area at Minnehaha Falls, which offers acres of wooded trails and river access where dogs can socialize and swim. Some off-leash areas, such as the dog park located on Lake of the Isles in Uptown Minneapolis, have separate enclosures for big and small dogs to avoid any rough-housing injuries.
There is also an unofficial dog park on 28th Street in Minneapolis near the international airport where no permit is needed, but owners assume all risk and responsibility for their pets. At all dog parks, owners are required to dispose of any pet waste, so remember to bring plastic bags for pick-up.
Sculpture Parks
For those looking to strengthen both mind and body simultaneously, some parks in Hennepin County offer educational or art exhibits. Near downtown and next to the newly-renovated Walker Art Museum, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden lets visitors tap into their creative side while walking in a lush, green landscape. There are multiple pieces to explore, ranging from the iconic cherry water fountain to a multi-story, clear carp built by internationally-renowned architect Frank Gehry inside a small conservatory. The sculpture garden also connects with foot and bike paths that will take pedestrians up and over busy city roads and into other near-by parks or the attractions of one of Minnesota's largest cities.
Wildlife Refuges
For anyone looking for something a bit more rustic, the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area can provide nearly 50 miles of trail along the Minnesota River Valley and into the outer suburbs, like Shakopee. Some sections of the trail are paved, but most is a natural trail better suited for mountain-biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. The landscape ranges from wetlands to oak forests and is a haven for some of the state's wildlife. Visitors can also hole up for the night at the campground maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and can even hitch up their horses on-site for the night.
Conservation Park Systems
Hennepin County is also host to the Three Rivers Park District, which strives to promote environmental stewardship through education and a 27,000 park system that highlights natural resources. Located in the watershed that feeds the Mississippi, Minnesota and Crow rivers, 7 million guests visit the park reserves, regional parks and trails and special-use facilities throughout all seasons each year. Recreational options at the 19 regional parks 10 regional trails and range widely from picnicking, hiking, swimming, biking, boating, fishing, paddling, inline skating, horseback riding, downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, golfing, disc golfing, camping, geocaching, archery, and downhill or dog sledding.
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