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Parks & Nature
What to do: Hike both sides of the St. Croix River in Minnesota and Wisconsin, canoe, kayak, fish, camp, rock climb and view unusual glacial potholes.
Contact: 651-539-4500, interstate.statepark@state.mn.us
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Location: 307 Milltown Road, Taylors Falls
County & Regional Parks
County Park email addresses:
Washington County: parks@co.washington.mn.us
Ramsey County: parks@co.ramsey.mn.us
Bald Eagle-Otter Lake
Regional Park
Description: 885 acres including Bald Eagle Lake, Otter Lake and Tamarack Nature Center. Hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (rentals available), boating, picnicking (one shelter), off-leash dog area, and activities at Tamarack Nature Center. Dog park is located at 5793 Otter Lake Road (nearest intersection is Otter Lake Road and Meadowview Drive).
According to the DNR, Bald Eagle is the most popular muskie lake in the east metro area.
Contact: 651-266-0300 or co.ramsey.mn.us
Location: 5800 Hugo Road, White Bear Township - Bald Eagle Section or 5750 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township – Otter Lake Section
Big Marine Park Reserve
Description: 1,800 acres of excellent natural resource features, including the St. Croix Valley/ northeast ground moraine and high-quality upland and wetland wildlife habitat. Boat launch, fishing pier, and swimming on Big Marine Lake; paved hiking trails, cross-country skiing on packed trails, picnic shelters, nature programs and play area.
Contact: 651-430-8200 or co.washington.mn.us
Location: 17495 Manning Trail N., Marine on St. Croix
Battle Creek Regional Park
Description: Playground, picnic areas, off-leash dog area, Waterworks family aquatic center, biking, walking, mountain biking and cross-country ski trails.
Contact: 651-266-0300
Location: 2300 Upper Afton Rd., Maplewood - East Section. 75 Winthrop St, South Saint Paul –West Section
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Description: This 1,600-acre regional park offers a wide spectrum of recreation opportunities. Bunker Beach water park has a large wave pool, swimming and water slides; Bunker Stable offers horseback riding; the park features a playground, biking, hiking, archery, golf, camping, cross-country skiing and picnic facilities. The Activity Center (550 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW) includes four meeting and event rooms that can accommodate up to 300. Contact: 763-324-3300 or anokacountyparks.com
Location: 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover MN
Island Lake County Park
Description: 22-acre picnic area on the east side of the lake, 41-acre golf course and teaching center on the northwest side of the lake and a 30-acre natural area on the southwest side of the lake. Guarded swimming beach, picnic area, shelters, ballfield, two sand volleyball courts, boat launch, fishing pier and trails, playground, shoreline fishing.
Contact: 651-748-2500 or https:// www.ramseycounty.us/residents/ parks-recreation
Location: 3611 N. Victoria St., Shoreview
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Description: 2,165 acres; 80 percent of acreage set aside for preservation and protection. Gently rolling hills with a variety of landscape, including forest and prairie. View wildlife, canoe, camp, fish, picnic shelters, swim, cross-country ski under 5.5 miles of lighted ski trails, Nordic Center with restrooms and vending machines, snowshoeing, dog walking trails, mountain bike, archery, boat launch, orienteering course, equestrian trails, hiking, play area. No recreational equipment rentals.
Contact: 651-430-8370 or https://www.co.washington. mn.us/492/Parks
Location: 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo
Lake Gervais County Park
Description: Picnic area, unguarded swimming beach, play area and fishing pier.
Contact: 651-266-0300 or co.ramsey.mn.us
Location: 2420 Edgerton St., Little Canada
Lake Owasso County Park
Description: 430-acre park, primarily composed of wetlands. Playground, unguarded swimming beach, boat launch, picnic tables, shelters, playground. Small wooded “islands” intersperse the large wetland area. The eastern half of the park consists of agricultural fields, woods and evergreen plantations. Hiking trails with wildlife
