Nestled in the heart of Minnesota lies Westopolis, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking the perfect balance of relaxation, recreation, and natural beauty. This vibrant area, encompassing St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, offers an abundance of green spaces, parks, and preserved areas, making it an ideal spot for all kinds of summer outdoor escapes. Whether you’re looking to hike, picnic, bike, or simply unwind in nature, you’ll find no shortage of stunning locales to explore.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best outdoor destinations in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, highlighting must-visit parks and nature spots where you can relax, recharge, and reconnect.
Outdoor Adventures for Everyone
Westwood Hills Nature Center
Families and wildlife enthusiasts alike will appreciate Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park. This 160-acre site features marshes, wooded hills, and restored prairies. The Interpretive Center includes live animal exhibits and interactive displays, while three miles of scenic trails offer plenty of opportunities for birdwatching or photography.
During winter, visitors can rent snowshoes or try Norwegian kicksledding. Warmer months bring opportunities for fishing on the lake. The Nature Center also offers outdoor classrooms and event spaces for weddings or conferences.
Bass Lake Preserve
If you’re searching for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, Bass Lake Preserve is a gem worth discovering. The 52-acre preserve includes the George Haun Trail, a scenic 1.4-mile loop that winds through oak savannahs and prairie land. Visitors can also take advantage of the tennis and pickleball courts, available to rent from April through October.
Parents will love the adjacent Bass Lake Park, home to the interactive Biba Smart Playground. Kids can play engaging games using a free app while parents relax at the picnic shelter. During the winter months, the park transforms into a fun-filled ice rink for skating enthusiasts.
Minnehaha Creek Preserve
The crown gem of the Minnehaha Creek Greenway is the Minnehaha Creek Preserve, a 1.5-mile section of the system that flows through St. Louis Park and is part of a larger system that is 22 miles long. Recent restoration efforts have improved wildlife habitat, restored wetlands, and added new paths, including more than a mile of ADA-accessible boardwalk. Creekside Park has a kayak and canoe launch, picnic areas, and plenty of free parking. Many species of wildlife, such as wood ducks, herons, turtles, and deer, can be seen while paddling along. Make sure to plan your paddling trip well before you go!
Brookview Park
Brookview Park, the largest park in Golden Valley, is a hub of activity for all age groups. Spanning 33 acres, it features multiple playgrounds, spacious walkways, and game courts. Sports lovers will enjoy the basketball, volleyball, and lit tennis courts, while families can rent the large or small pavilions for gatherings. Concerts in the Park every Monday evening during summer add an extra layer of charm.
General Mills Nature Preserve
The General Mills Nature Preserve is a hidden gem within St. Louis Park, offering 27 acres of tranquility and natural beauty. The half-mile interpretive trail includes signage that highlights the preserve’s history and ecosystem, making it perfect for self-guided exploration. This site originally began as part of a conservation effort and now serves as a stunning reminder of community care and environmental restoration.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park
This sprawling 759-acre park in Golden Valley is an adventurer’s paradise. Theodore Wirth Regional Park has it all, from miles of mountain biking trails to golf courses. The Trailhead serves as a hub for seasonal equipment rentals and features Mill Valley Market, an inviting eatery.
The park is also home to Quaking Bog, which offers a beautiful wetland experience via floating boardwalks. For more beach-like relaxation, visit Wirth Lake Beach, complete with picnic areas and a sand volleyball court.
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary
Step into serenity at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary, the oldest public wildflower garden in the United States. Located in Theodore Wirth Regional Park, this sanctuary offers woodland, wetland, and prairie habitats, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The garden features over a mile of winding trails and nearly 60,000 visitors annually.
Visitors can explore the Martha Crone Visitor Shelter, which includes educational displays about the area’s rich biodiversity.
Picnic-Perfect Parks for Family Fun
Louisiana Oaks Park
Ideal for larger groups and sports enthusiasts, Louisiana Oaks Park has soccer and baseball fields alongside a network of paved trails. The park’s rentable building includes modern amenities like free WiFi, making it a versatile spot for special occasions.
Lilac Park
Lilac Park combines history and greenery. Known for its unique beehive-shaped fireplace crafted from local limestone, this park is a charming spot along the historic Lilac Way. With paved trails and picnic areas surrounded by blooming lilacs in spring, it’s perfect for a leisurely outing.
Oak Hill Park
A summer favorite, Oak Hill Park offers activities for visitors of all ages. Kids love the Splash Pad, while sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the softball and basketball facilities. The park includes picnic shelters and a WiFi-enabled facility, making it perfect for gatherings like birthdays or reunions.
Unique Outdoor Experiences
Schaper Park
Schaper Park in Golden Valley offers more adventurous fun. It features Minnesota’s first outdoor fitness challenge course designed for teens and adults. This obstacle course includes walls, ramps, and a 40-yard dash with timing technology for an added challenge. The inclusive playground ensures fun for visitors of all abilities. A nearby entrance to the Luce Line Regional Trail makes this an ideal spot for bikers and hikers.
Wolfe Park
Wolfe Park is a St. Louis Park favorite for community events and relaxing afternoons. It also has an interactive Biba Smart Playground, while the Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheater hosts live music in the summer. Other park features include a fishing pond and picnic shelters, making it a versatile space for everything from casual afternoons to weddings. Wolfe Park is also home to pickleball courts that are always in use, and there is a sand volleyball court as well.
Plan Your Westopolis Escape
Escape the everyday hustle and immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding Westopolis. Our vibrant community boasts an array of exceptional outdoor destinations in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, offering the perfect antidote to modern stress. Whether your ideal escape involves peaceful contemplation by a shimmering lake, invigorating hikes through verdant trails, or joyful gatherings amidst scenic landscapes, you’ll discover a park or preserve tailored to your desires.
Beyond personal rejuvenation, our outdoor spaces serve as wonderful venues to reconnect with loved ones and build lasting memories. Gather friends and family for a leisurely stroll, a fun-filled bike ride, or a playful afternoon of outdoor games. Share laughter, stories, and the simple joy of being together in a beautiful natural environment.
