Recommended Parks to Visit Near Lakeville MN
If you have plans to visit the southeast metro area and are looking for something to do outdoors there are a few parks near Lakeville MN that our chiropractors would recommend. Beginning in Lakeville, MN, I would suggest checking out Antlers Park on Lake Marion. This spacious park has something for everyone, including a very nice beach, picnic area, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, playground, and a pier for fishing. There is also ample space to reserve if you are looking to host a party or event such as a graduation or birthday party. While you are at Antlers Park you can take a ride along the lake to Casperson Park Boat Launch and Bike Trail. Casperson Park has bike trails along Lake Marion for over 1,500 feet of shoreline. Along the bike trail, there are multiple difficulty levels of mountain bike trails for beginning, intermediate and advanced bicyclists. If biking is not how you want to spend your day, there is also the boat launch where you can launch your fishing boat, kayak, or longboard for a day on the water.
The Largest Park in Dakota County Near Lakeville MN
If you head slightly north of Lakeville into the Apple Valley/ Eagan you will find another great park. Lebanon Hills Regional Park is the largest park in Dakota county. It is nearly 2,000 acres and offers miles of trails that are used for outdoor recreation all year-round. There are more than 50 miles of hiking trails for enjoying the scenery and many hidden geocaches to find along the way. There is also an archery range where you can test your skills. The park also has almost 10 miles of mountain biking trails, the best single track in Minnesota. There are also paved trails for inline skating and bike riding. If you need to cool off after your daily activities you can also cool off at the beach on Schulze Lake. Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are also fun ways to spend time on the water. Lebanon Hills also has a variety of winter activities that include cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and sledding. If you have a four-legged friend with you, you can also check out the nearly 16 acres of woodlands at Dakota Woods Dog Park as well. Don't want to leave? Spend the night in one of their cabins, or pop a tent in the campground and enjoy a relaxing night under the stars.
The Minnesota Zoo
Perhaps the most popular spot in the area for outdoor activities is the Minnesota Zoo, located in Apple Valley. There is a large variety of animals at the zoo as you would expect, but the Minnesota Zoo always has something a little extra special for people to enjoy. Over the summer months, they have animal play days and daily activities which include a World of Birds show, monk seal training shows, a cow milking demonstration, tropical reef shark feedings, and penguin feedings. They offer group overnights, behind-the-scenes access, educational camps, travel programs to destinations near and far, and many other opportunities to learn about and interact with the animals. As the summer comes to a close and fall begins, the zoo hosts a jack-o-lantern spectacular where you can stroll through an exhibit featuring over 5000 illuminated pumpkins. In the winter months, they host an adult night out with a tropical beach party theme. It is complete with live music, drinks, food, games, and indoor trail access. The Minnesota Zoo has something for all ages and is sure to entertain and impress.
As you can see the south metro area has a wide variety of outdoor activities for various age groups and it truly is where nature meets the twin cities!