The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Brooklyn Park

This 200-acre park is the largest in the city, with a multi-use loop trail that runs for several miles. Watch for birds and other wildlife around the lake and marshes!

Coon Rapids Dam, located between Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids, was built by Northern States Power Company in 1913-14 for hydropower generation, operating until 1966. The surrounding 446-acre Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is a year-round recreational hub, with scenic views, hiking trails, picnic pavilions, fishing, and boating. The park connects to the Mississippi River Regional Trail, offering biking opportunities between Minneapolis and Ramsey.

The Coon Rapids Dam sits on the Mississippi River between Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids. The dam was built by Northern States Power Company in 1913–1914 for hydropower, operating until 1966. Today, visitors can explore the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, open from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, with the Visitor Center open Monday through Friday based on staff availability and on weekends from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The park offers activities like fishing at Cenaiko Lake, picnic pavilions, a boat launch, snowshoe rentals, and trails for biking, walking, and running. Seasonal concerts are every Thursday night at 7:00 pm during warm seasons. Enjoy the natural side of the park too like edible wild onions, blood root, and wildlife like ospreys, peregrine falcons, carp, and minks.

Construction of the Coon Rapids Hydroelectric Power Dam began in the early 1900s with the aim of providing electricity to Anoka and Hennepin Counties. The dam is almost half a mile long and about 19 feet tall. This point offers impressive views of the roaring waters.

The Mississippi River begins in Minnesota at Lake Itasca and flows 2,348 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. This particular spot offers close-up views of the usually calm water, providing a peaceful place to take a break.

North Mississippi Regional Park is a long-reaching park along the Mississippi River. There are bike paths that travel the length of the park and offer great views of the river, bridges, islands, and dense woods. If you hop off your bike and sit by the riverside, you may just encounter some of the park's beaver population or spot some unique birds.

This park, a 200-acre natural preserve, is the largest in the city. It features a well-maintained paved trail that encircles Palmer Lake, winding through lush trees that provide shade for a portion of your hike. The lake and marshes are home to numerous wildlife species.

This 67-acre park offers a picnic area, wading pool, and a pleasant walking path. As part of the Urban Bird Treaty, the park has been enhanced with the addition of native plants to create a more welcoming bird habitat. With serene views of the Mississippi River, it's a peaceful place for a hike.