Parks & Trails
The Twin Cities lake communities have extensive park systems and trails. From lakeside paths to hidden nature preserves, there is no shortage of outdoor space to explore.
For the Dogs
Bringing a four-legged friend? Mahtomedi's first off-leash dog park is on the way at Southwest Park, and three established favorites in Oakdale, White Bear Township, and Stillwater hold down the fort in the meantime. Our Dog Parks in the East Metro guide rounds them up with addresses, verified details, and a map.
Trail Guide
Looking for the detailed list? Our Walking & Hiking in Washington County guide rounds up the paved rail trails, lakefront paths, and bluff-top hikes across Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake, Stillwater, Lake Elmo, Forest Lake, Hudson, and the St. Croix Valley, with verified lengths, surfaces, and parking notes for each one.
Right Now — Fall Trails
October is the payoff month for park lovers. The summer crowds are gone, the air is crisp, and the leaves are at peak: the DNR's forecast has the Twin Cities metro and St. Croix Valley at peak color this week, with the river valley hardwoods holding through late October. Lake Elmo Park Reserve, the Brown's Creek and Gateway trails, and the bluffs along the St. Croix are all prime right now, and the park reserves stay open through fall for hiking, biking, and leaf peeping. The MEA teachers' convention break on October 15-16 makes for a long weekend to enjoy it. Mahtomedi's floating boardwalk at Katherine Abbott Park is still under construction this season, and the city's off-leash dog park at Southwest Park is under construction too, with no opening date announced yet. Get out while the color lasts.
Notable Parks
- Lily Lake / Mahtomedi Beach — Community beach and park on Long Lake. Popular with families in summer.
- Matoska Park (White Bear Lake) — Tree-shaded shoreline park with the historic Erd-Geist gazebo and an easy lakeside walk off downtown.
- Pioneer Park — Trails, picnic areas, and connection to the community trail system.
- Tamarack Nature Preserve — Quiet wooded trails and wetland areas. Good for birding.
- St. Croix National Scenic Riverway — A national park service site covering the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers — offering boating, fishing, hiking, and scenic views along one of the region's most beautiful waterways. Just a short drive from the Twin Cities lake communities.
- Minnesota DNR LakeFinder — Look up any Minnesota lake for detailed info on fish species, water clarity, lake size, maps, and fishing regulations — an essential tool for planning your next outing.