With its scenic riverfront location and abundance of green spaces, Saint Paul is a city tailor-made for outdoor recreation. From historic urban parks to sprawling natural areas, Saint Paul offers over 180 public parks encompassing more than 3,000 acres of land. The parks provide plenty of opportunities for play, relaxation, and connecting with nature within the city.
| Park Name | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Como Park | 400 acres, zoo, conservatory, sports fields, playgrounds |
| Rice Park | Urban oasis, holiday lights, summer events |
| Harriet Island | Riverfront views, festivals, fishing piers |
| Raspberry Island | Urban wilderness, trails, river views |
| Mears Park | Lively ambiance, live music, winter ice rink |
| Highland Park | Scenic overlooks, trails, recreation center |
| Indian Mounds Park | Historical burial mounds, nature trails |
| Hidden Falls Park | Rugged terrain, waterfall, biking trails |
| Battle Creek Park | Woodlands, wildlife, winter sports |
| Phalen Park | Largest lake, water activities, trails |
| Bruce Vento Sanctuary | Prairie grasses, birdwatching, hiking trails |
| Crosby Farm Park | Historic farmstead, meadows, events |
| Lilydale & Cherokee Park | River confluence, skiing, canoeing |
Here are the top 12 parks in Saint Paul that are worth a visit:
Como Park
Name and Location: Como Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: Como Park has been a destination for recreation and gardens since the late 1800s. The free zoo and conservatory opened in the early 1900s.
What to Expect: Strolling gardens, a free zoo, conservatory, lakes, picnic grounds, trails, a pool, and attractions like the historic carousel.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily year-round from 5am-11pm. Free admission and parking.
The crown jewel of Saint Paul’s parks, Como Park encompasses 400 acres of beautiful public space surrounding Como Lake. Visitors will find the free Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, walking paths, picnic areas, sports fields, playgrounds, and more. Take a ride on the historic Cafesjian’s Carousel, stroll through elaborate gardens, or rent paddleboats and kayaks on the lake. There’s always something fun happening at Como Park, no matter the season.
Rice Park
Name and Location: Rice Park in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: Rice Park has been a public square in St. Paul’s downtown since the 1840s. It hosts community events and summer concerts.
What to Expect: Benches, lush gardens, and historic monuments in an urban oasis. Family activities in warmer months.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily. Metered street parking available nearby.
Located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, Rice Park serves as a lovely urban oasis and gathering place. The park dazzles during the holidays with twinkling lights on towering trees during the Winter Carnival. Visitors flock to the park during summer for food trucks, live music at the pavilion, and free events like yoga in the park. The tranquil park provides a nice respite from the bustle of downtown.
Harriet Island
Name and Location: Harriet Island in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: This Mississippi River island has been a popular recreation spot since the 1880s, with beaches, events, and river views.
What to Expect: Trails, picnic areas, riverfront access for walking and fishing, concerts and festivals in the pavilions.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily. Free entry, small parking fees in lots.
Harriet Island Regional Park occupies a scenic island on the Mississippi River and offers scenic riverfront views. Visitors come here to walk along the river, have picnics, and attend festivals and concerts at the bandshell. The park also features fishing piers, boat launches, and a public beach. Watch boats passing by on the Mighty Mississippi as you stroll hand-in-hand along the rippling river.
Raspberry Island
Name and Location: Raspberry Island in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: Located on the Mississippi River, this small urban island has been a recreation space since the 1880s.
What to Expect: Nature trails, river views, and access for fishing along its shores. A peaceful spot for walks.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily. No fees or permits required to visit.
Accessible via the Wabasha Street Bridge, Raspberry Island makes for an ideal urban wilderness escape without leaving the city. The long, narrow island park has walking trails winding through woods and scenic views overlooking the Mississippi River. Have a picnic on the northern tip of the island or launch your kayak to explore the shores. Watch eagles soar over the river as you take in the serenity.
Mears Park
Name and Location: Mears Park in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: Mears Park has welcomed community gatherings in downtown St. Paul since the 1850s.
What to Expect: A grassy urban square for relaxation, chess, and outdoor entertainment. Home to summer concerts and events.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily. Metered street parking available nearby.
Nestled in Lowertown Saint Paul, Mears Park provides a neighborhood hangout with a lively ambiance. People gather to play chess, enjoy free live music and performances, join outdoor fitness classes, and let kids run free at the playground. In the winter, the park transforms into a popular ice skating rink. Surrounded by trendy bars and restaurants, Mears Park comes alive on warm summer nights.
Highland Park
Name and Location: Highland Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: Created in the late 1800s, Highland Park is known for its wooded hills, golf course, and recreation facilities.
What to Expect: Trails, picnic grounds, playgrounds, sports fields and courts, swimming pool, and golf course.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily from 5am-11pm. Some amenities have fees.
Known for its towering trees, lush hills, and scenic overlooks, Highland Park spans across 155 acres above the Mississippi River. The park features trails, picnic areas, tennis and basketball courts, a recreation center, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Tour the historic Highland Park Water Tower and take in panoramic views of the river valley and skyline. It’s a perfect spot for a family picnic or leisurely stroll under a canopy of greenery.
Indian Mounds Regional Park
Name and Location: Indian Mounds Regional Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: The park protects 6 prehistoric American Indian burial mounds, dating back over 1,000 years.
What to Expect: Hiking, informative displays about the mounds, and views of the Mississippi River valley.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily from 6am-10pm. No entrance fees.
Step back in time at Indian Mounds Park containing burial mounds built by indigenous people over 2000 years ago. A visit to the mounds makes for a reflective walk through nature while pondering Saint Paul’s long history. The park also has nature trails, ponds, picnic grounds and a fishing pier to enjoy on your visit. Look for birds, turtles, frogs and other wildlife as you explore the peaceful park.
Hidden Falls Regional Park
Name and Location: Hidden Falls Regional Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: Hidden Falls spans 250 acres of Mississippi River bluffs and woodlands in the river valley.
What to Expect: Scenic trails through wooded ravines to Hidden Falls waterfall, picnic areas, and views from bluff tops.
Visitor Information: Open daily 5am-10pm. A vehicle permit is required for entry.
Get your heart pumping at Hidden Falls, spanning 250 acres of rugged wooded terrain surrounding Hidden Falls Creek. Hike miles of trails up and down steep ridges and ravines overlooking the cascading waterfall. Mountain bikers also flock here to careen down the challenging downhill trails. The regional park provides a chance to get a true wilderness experience without leaving the metro area.
Battle Creek Regional Park
Name and Location: Battle Creek Regional Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: Located along the Mississippi River, Battle Creek park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
What to Expect: Camping, fishing, swimming beach, trails to hike and cross country ski, and winter tubing hill.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Vehicle permit required. Fees for camping, swimming, and winter activities.
Battle Creek Park encompasses over 500 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and open fields in Saint Paul’s Highwood Hills neighborhood. Hike through wooded ravines over trickling streams to the park’s namesake, Battle Creek. Spot local and migratory birds in the park along with deer, foxes, coyotes and more wildlife. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also popular activities to enjoy in this natural oasis during winter.
Phalen Regional Park
Name and Location: Phalen Regional Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: Phalen Park centers around a historic lake and has been a recreation destination since the early 1900s.
What to Expect: Lake access for fishing and boating, picnic grounds, trails, playground, golf course, and winter activities.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily from 5am-10pm. Vehicle permit required. Some fees for activities.
Phalen Park contains the biggest lake within Saint Paul city limits, offering plenty of chances for water recreation. Cast a fishing line off one of the many piers, cool off at the swimming beach, or rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats during summer. Jog or pedal around the lake on more than five miles of scenic trails that surround the sparkling waters. Relax on a picnic bench under shady oaks after working up an appetite exploring the massive park.
Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary
Name and Location: Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: Preserving natural land along the Mississippi River, it is an important stopover for migratory birds.
What to Expect: Wooded trails, interpretive signs about flora and fauna, birdwatching, and river access.
Visitor Information: Open daily from dawn to dusk. No admission fees or permits required.
Nestled in the Lower Phalen Creek area, this nature sanctuary protects native prairie grasses and is an important stopover habitat for migratory birds. Hiking trails wind through tallgrass prairie, woodlands, and wetlands. Look for beavers, muskrats, painted turtles and other wildlife as you traverse the rustic trails and boardwalks. Enjoy birdwatching or just take in the peaceful scenery along the creek.
Crosby Farm Regional Park
Name and Location: Crosby Farm Regional Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: Crosby Farm preserves historic farm structures and landscapes from the late 1800s.
What to Expect: Historic homes and buildings to tour, farm animals, gardens, trails, arts and cultural events.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Vehicle permit required for entry.
Step back in time at historic Crosby Farm Park. Walk across the farm’s rolling pastures and explore restored prairie, farm buildings, and gardens resembling a 19th century farmstead. Attend a barn dance or harvest festival and experience an authentic taste of farm life in the past. The park also has hiking trails through meadows filled with wildflowers in warmer months.
Lilydale & Cherokee Regional Park
Name and Location: Lilydale & Cherokee Regional Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
History and Significance: This park protects unique bluffs, hardwood forests, and prairie along the Mississippi River.
What to Expect: Hiking and biking trails, fishing access, picnic grounds, nature center, and scenic overlooks.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 6am-10pm. Vehicle permit required. Some areas closed seasonally.
This sprawling 528-acre park contains the scenic confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Hike or cross-country ski along the river through hardwood forests or across open bluff prairies. Rent canoes and kayaks to paddle across Fllicker Lake or float calm rivers. Spot herons, eagles, and other wildlife along the shores. With its beautiful river scenery, Lilydale & Cherokee Regional Park is one of the area’s best urban wilderness escapes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking historical sites, scenic nature, or outdoor adventures, Saint Paul delivers an incredible diversity of park experiences. From Harriet Island’s riverfront trails to Hidden Falls’ rugged ravines, Saint Paul’s top parks provide plenty of ways to play. Have a picnic at sprawling Como Park, catch a performance in Rice Park downtown, or hike to Indian Mounds’ historic burial mounds. With so many options, you’re sure to find a new favorite park to explore again and again.