NW Metro’s Best Summer Outdoor Activities!

Our summers always seem way too short so it’s great to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Here are some of the the NW Metro’s best summer outdoor activities to keep you having fun this summer while exploring the NW Metro.

Elm Creek Park Reserve – Maple Grove, Dayton & Champlin MN

The Elm Creek Park Reserve has almost 5000 acres of beautiful outdoor space with walking trails, playground, swimming pond and more!

The Eastman Nature Center is located within the Elm Creek Park Reserve, and provides a viewing area where you can see birds, squirrels and even deer come to feed. They have many fun outdoor activities scheduled for kids.

Mississippi Gateway Regional Park – Brooklyn Park MN

Formerly known as Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park – the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park in Brooklyn Park has a nature center, walking trails, and of course the very exciting walkway over the dam – where you can walk from Brooklyn Park to Coon Rapids!

Central Park Maple Grove MN

Maple Grove is know for it’s extensive trail system and opportunities for outdoor activities. Central Park in Maple Grove has an amazing playground, interactive fountain and walking trails around the large pond.

Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

The Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive is a 7.3 mile loop in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. At the beginning of the drive is the Bur Oak Visitors Station, with pit toilets, outdoor interpretive signs and several walking paths. There is a huge replica of an eagles nest that you can enter via a wooden ramp.

Traveling the dirt road loop in your car will take you through prairies, wetlands and a forest, varied and beautiful scenery greets you at every turn. We saw about 50 swans in the wetlands on our drive. There are several viewing station where you can park and enjoy the view.