Silverwood Park

Embark on an easy hike around Silverwood Park, a gentle 1.4-mile (2.2 km) loop that takes approximately 34 minutes to complete. You'll experience a mix of mature woodlands, open prairies, and the serene shoreline of Silver Lake, with a minimal elevation gain of just 36 feet (11 metres). As you follow the path, keep an eye out for the unique outdoor sculptures and poetry installations that blend art seamlessly with nature, creating a thoughtful and engaging experience. The route features both paved and natural-surface sections, offering varied terrain for your stroll.

This trail is accessible throughout the year, making it a reliable option for a quick outdoor escape in any season. Even in winter, the paved sections are plowed, ensuring you can still enjoy a walk. You will find numerous benches strategically placed along the route, many offering pleasant views of Silver Lake, perfect for a short rest. A visitor center is also available, complete with a coffee cafe if you wish to grab a warm drink before or after your hike.

Silverwood Park stands out for its unique integration of art into the natural landscape. Beyond the sculptures and poetry, the park offers a chance to connect with nature in an inspiring way. During the warmer months, you can extend your visit by renting canoes and kayaks to explore Silver Lake from a different perspective, adding another dimension to your outdoor adventure.

The North Lakes loop offers a delightful racebike experience, guiding you through a landscape rich with water features and green spaces. You'll glide past the calm waters of Long Lake Park and the extensive Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park, enjoying the open countryside and lake views that define this area. The route's generally rolling terrain provides a pleasant, consistent ride, making it a fantastic option for those who appreciate scenic, moderate road cycling.

Planning your ride on this 36.2-mile (58.3 km) loop is straightforward. With an elevation gain of 669 feet (204 metres) and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 22 minutes, it's a manageable outing for many. The best time to cycle is during the spring, summer, or fall when the weather is mild, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural beauty. Access points are plentiful around the various parks along the route.

This circular route stands out for its focus on the natural environment, particularly the numerous lakes and parklands in the Mounds View area. It provides a quiet alternative to more crowded urban routes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local ecosystem. The moderate difficulty of North Lakes cycling elevation gain makes it accessible for regular cyclists looking for a rewarding tour.

The Mississippi River and Rice Creek West Trail Loop offers a varied touring cycling experience, weaving through serene woodland along Rice Creek before opening up to more developed areas and connecting with the mighty Mississippi River. You'll navigate rolling hills and some challenging inclines, especially in the valleys of the Rice Creek floodplain, making for an engaging ride. The route, which is a moderate 27.9 miles (45.0 km) with 694 feet (212 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes to complete.

This loop is easily accessible from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, linking several local parks like Long Lake Park and Silverwood Park, which often provide amenities such as parking and restrooms. While no specific permits are required, planning your visit during spring or fall can enhance the experience, particularly for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Beyond the diverse terrain, the trail is a fantastic spot for wildlife observation, especially during migration seasons when you might spot eagles, herons, and pelicans. Its connectivity between the Rice Creek West Regional Trail and the Mississippi River Trail makes it a notable route for exploring the region's natural and urban interfaces.