Woodbury, Minnesota is a beautiful suburb located just east of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, top-ranked schools, and abundance of parks and trails, Woodbury has consistently been voted one of the best places to live in Minnesota.
With over 80 parks spanning nearly 3000 acres of land, Woodbury offers its residents and visitors ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. From small neighborhood playgrounds to sprawling athletic complexes and nature preserves, Woodbury’s parks system has something for everyone.
In this article, we will highlight 12 of the best and most popular parks in Woodbury. For each park, you will find details on the location, size, amenities and recreational activities offered. Whether you’re looking for sports fields, wooded trails, picnic shelters or places to walk your dog, you’re sure to find a perfect green space in Woodbury.
1.Bailey Lake Park
Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood in western Woodbury, Bailey Lake Park encompasses 13 acres surrounding the peaceful Bailey Lake.
With a playground, basketball court, tennis court, picnic shelter and grills, this park offers plenty of amenities for visitors. The highlight, however, is the scenic path circling Bailey Lake. At just under half a mile long, the paved trail is popular with walkers, joggers, bikers and those looking to enjoy views of the lake and abundant wildlife.
Bring your binoculars – Bailey Lake is a top spot for birdwatching. Keep your eyes peeled for trumpeter swans, blue herons, mallard ducks, red-winged blackbirds and more. The park also maintains a small fishing pier if you’d like to try your luck catching sunfish, crappie, bass and bullheads.
With so much natural beauty and opportunities for recreation, it’s no wonder Bailey Lake Park is a favorite spot year-round. The park is located off Guider Drive between Valley Creek Road and Interlaken Parkway.
2.Bielenberg Sports Center
For those looking to get their game on, Bielenberg Sports Center is the crown jewel of Woodbury’s athletic parks. This 78 acre park located along Radio Drive includes a staggering eight softball/baseball fields, seven full-sized soccer fields, an 18 hole disc golf course and more.
Facilities can accommodate tournaments and leagues for both youth and adults. Concessions and restrooms are available on site. The grounds also include three picturesque picnic shelters that can be reserved for group gatherings when games are not in session.
In the winter months, the baseball diamonds transform into a prime spot for sledding hills. Groomed trails also provide a place for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
With so much to offer in terms of sports and seasonal recreation, it’s easy to see why Bielenberg draws big crowds year-round. The park truly has something for competitive and casual athletes alike.
3.Cottontail Park
Nestled between Woodlane Drive and Pioneer Drive, Cottontail Park offers 13 acres of recreational facilities and wide open green space to Woodbury residents.
Multi-purpose athletic fields accommodate sports like soccer, lacrosse, football and rugby. Two softball diamonds complete the sports complex. A playground, walking paths and picnic tables fill out the park grounds.
The most striking feature of Cottontail Park is its namesake – a large sculpture of five bright red metal rabbits hidden amongst towering flower stems. This whimsical public art installation has become a popular spot for photos. Be sure to walk the grounds to spot this Instagram-worthy shot!
With amenities suited for both youth and adult athletics and fun public art to discover, Cottontail Park appeals to visitors of all ages.
4.HealthEast Sports Center
Managed by the renowned HealthEast Care System, HealthEast Sports Center is one of Woodbury’s premium athletic facilities.
Located southeast of Tamarack Road, this 58 acre park contains a competition level field house with convertible courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis and pickleball. Additional amenities include a professionally-surfaced fast pitch field, two slow pitch diamonds, a cable wakeboard park and Aqua Climb waterfall climbing wall.
In the winter, outdoor areas transform for downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing or sledding on groomed hills. An on-site concession stand, the “Subway on the Hill”, serves food, hot chocolate and other refreshments to warm up after playing in the snow.
As one of the only parks in Woodbury to offer indoor, year-round sports complexes, HealthEast Sports Center is a popular gathering place for both recreational and competitive athletes.
5.Hilltop Park
True to its name, Hilltop Park resides on top of one of the many rolling hills and sloped ravines that define Woodbury’s topography. Located west of Pioneer Drive, this petite neighborhood park takes full advantage of its high vantage point.
Encircling the crown of the hill sits a paved .3 mile loop trail offering walkers, joggers and bikers panoramic views over Bailey Lake and the surrounding residential community. The hillside itself transforms into a prime sledding spot in snowy months.
Other amenities at Hilltop Park include a playground, half basketball court, open lawn and picnic tables. Mature trees provide ample shade. Connecting trails also join Hilltop to other nearby parks.
Though small in size at just 5 acres, Hilltop Park delights visitors with its stunning views and opportunities for year-round recreation. The park offers a perfect pocket of nature amidst suburbia.
6.Kingston Park
Bordering the shoreline of Powers Lake in northern Woodbury, Kingston Park spans a wide 59 acres adjacent to Kingston Shores Golf Course.
Recreational facilities include six tennis courts, two full basketball courts, two playgrounds, a sand volleyball pit and areas for open field play. Grills and picnic shelters accommodate groups small and large.
The park also connects to over two miles of scenic paved trails that wind through oak savannas and prairie restoration areas. These multi-use paths draw walkers, bikers, rollerbladers and more who enjoy lake views and plentiful birdwatching opportunities.
In winter months, trails convert to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing routes when conditions permit. Groomed hills offer sledding for visitors of all ages.
With its prime location on Powers Lake, diversity of amenities and natural scenery, Kingston Park provides something for everyone seeking fun and beauty during their park visit.
7.La Lake Park
Sitting adjacent to one of Woodbury’s many sparkling lakes, La Lake Park spans 31 acres on the southern shores of La Lake. Playground equipment, walking trails and abundant open green space make this a popular neighborhood gathering place.
Visitors enjoy picturesque views of La Lake from walking paths that encircle the shoreline. Fishing piers and lake access points allow aspiring anglers to try their luck at catching bass, sunfish, crappie and more.
Other recreational amenities include tennis courts, pickleball courts, a basketball court and sand volleyball. Grills and picnic tables intersperse the grounds. A reservable picnic pavilion provides shelter for group gatherings and birthday parties.
In winter months, the hill alongside La Lake transforms into prime real estate for sledding excursions. Outdoor skating on cleared areas of the frozen lake also draws crowds when conditions allow.
For those seeking lake views and access alongside quintessential suburban park facilities, La Lake Park checks all the boxes. Convenient parking off La Lake Drive allows easy access to enjoy all this site has to offer.
8.Markgrafs Lake Park
Surrounded by the waters of Markgrafs Lake, this aptly named park contains 15 acres of recreational facilities conveniently located southwest of Valley Creek Road.
Visitors enjoy looped walking paths both along the lake shoreline as well as through prairie restoration areas filled with native wildflowers and grasses. Other amenities include playground equipment, a basketball court and open lawn areas.
The scenic setting and abundance of amenities make Markgrafs Lake Park a popular site for small gatherings and celebrations. A reservable picnic shelter provides groups shelter during their park visit. Grills and tables stationed around the park provide additional seating options.
Fishing piers grant anglers shoreline access to try and reel in some of Markgrafs Lake’s bounty of sunfish, bass and bullheads. Remember to obtain the proper license from the DNR before casting your line.
Nature lovers will also enjoy keeping their eyes peeled for songbirds, waterfowl, turtles, rabbits and more wildlife drawn to the lakeside habitat.
With its beautiful lakeside scenery and family-friendly recreational offerings, Markgrafs Lake Park makes for an idyllic community gathering space in Woodbury’s thriving south end.
9.Pioneer Park
True to its name, Pioneer Park pays homage to Woodbury’s early settlers. Located southeast of Valley Creek Road, this 3 acre park contains a picturesque one-room schoolhouse surrounded by oak trees, flower gardens and log cabin ruins.
The iconic Eva M. Setzler Center Prairie School brings Minnesota history lessons to life. Visitors can explore the restored late 1800s schoolhouse weekdays during summer months. History programs provide an enriching opportunity for kids and adults alike. The park and schoolhouse also host a variety of community events year-round.
Adjacent to the schoolhouse lies a segment of Woodbury’s Medicine Lake Trail. This paved path connects cyclists, walkers, runners and skaters to an extensive citywide trail network spanning over 30 miles.
With opportunities to immerse yourself in nature, history and community, Pioneer Park offers visitors a quintessential Woodbury experience no matter when you visit.
10.Powers Lake Park
As its name suggests, Powers Lake Park rests alongside the shores of one of Woodbury’s most scenic lakes – Powers Lake. Visitors delight in nearly 2 miles of walking paths with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Outdoor recreational facilities include playground equipment, picnic shelters and shoreline fishing access. In winter months, a sledding hill emerges south of the main park area.
One of the most unique aspects of Powers Lake Park lies in its natural environment. Amenities sit nestled between restored oak savanna and prairie areas abounding with blooming wildflowers May through October.
The diverse habitat attracts a variety of songbirds – over 100 species identified to date! Warblers, flycatchers, orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks and scarlet tanagers bring brilliant bursts of color alongside Powers Lake’s shimmering waters. Birders flock to the park with binoculars and cameras in hand.
With its stunning lake views, recreational facilities and world-class birdwatching opportunities, Powers Lake Park provides visitors a scenic woodland oasis just beyond the bustle of suburbia.
11.Red Rock Park
Nestled south of Valley Creek Road, Red Rock Park brings a beloved historic landmark back to life for the Woodbury community. The namesake Red Rock, a striking 6-foot tall red quartzite boulder unearthed during road construction in 1959, once drew Native American tribes and early settlers to the site.
After falling into disrepair, the City of Woodbury underwent extensive renovation efforts to restore Red Rock and establish a new community park in its honor. Visitors can once again view the iconic glacial relic up close and learn about its storied history.
Today the park spans across 7 acres filled with family-friendly amenities. Playground equipment, walking trails, fishing access and open lawn areas encourage visitors to linger and enjoy the restored prairie surroundings. A picnic pavilion provides groups shelter during their stay. Interpretive signage surrounding Red Rock shares key dates and fun facts about the iconic landmark.
Red Rock Park stands today not only as a testament to Woodbury’s historic past but also the community’s commitment to resurrecting key sites to educate future generations about the area’s origins.
12.Stone Mill Farms Park
Nestled north of Lake Road, Stone Mill Farms Park brings a 6 acre slice of nature to one of Woodbury’s newer residential developments.
A sprawling playground with climbable boulders, zip lines, swings and more provides physical challenges for adventurous kids. Little ones can burn energy on tot sized equipment in a separate play area.
Walking paths encircle a peaceful pond abundant with ducks, songbirds, butterflies, turtles and more wildlife. Visitors enjoy feeding the fish and watching tadpoles transform season to season. Fishing is also permitted with proper licensing.
Stone fire pits with log bench seating create cozy spots for warming up on crisp days. A picnic pavilion offers sheltered seating during impromptu gatherings or packed lunch picnics. Grills station around the grounds provide additional outdoor cooking options.
With its wealth of amenities complementing nature’s splendor at every turn, Stone Mill Farms Park makes an ideal spot for families or friend groups looking to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing suburban comforts.
Conclusion
Woodbury’s expansive parks system has certainly earned its reputation as the keystone of this quintessential Minnesota suburb. Through thoughtful design that interweaves recreational facilities with restored natural landscapes, Woodbury offers green spaces that provide enjoyment for visitors of all ages and interests.
Whether you’re an athlete looking for a new field to practice your game, a family wanting to picnic under stately oaks, a couple seeking scenic strolls around a shimmering lake, or anyone in between – Woodbury parks deliver.
We hope this guide to 12 of Woodbury’s can’t-miss parks piques your interest to explore the thriving outdoors scene awaiting right in your backyard. Grab your walking shoes, fishing poles or skis and make these parks part of your seasonal adventures all year long.