Enjoy local parks and trails this summer

Bloomington has an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, with 97 parks and green spaces and more than 50 miles of trails throughout the city. Discover some of these locations below.

Girard Lake Park

This 0.8 mile loop of natural trail around Girard Lake, 8401 France Ave. S., makes for a lovely summer stroll with scenic surroundings.

Pond Dakota Mission Park

At Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E. 108th St., you can look over a tree-framed bluff across 12,000 years of human history where native peoples and Euro-American settlers made their home in the river valley. Learn about local history and take a hike.

Hyland Lake Park Reserve

This park reserve spans more than 2,600 acres with many options for walking and recreation, including: Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E. Bush Lake Road; ‍West Bush Lake Park, 9401 W. Bush Lake Road; East Bush Lake Park/Beach, 9140 E. Bush Lake Road; Normandale Lake Park, at West 84th Street and Chalet Road; and Tierney’s Woods, 8200 W. Bush Lake Rd.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge hosts more than 46 miles of trails. There are many different access points with a variety of scenic backdrops, including: Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd. E.; Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Trailhead, 9551 Old Cedar Ave. S.; Lyndale Ave./Sorenson Landing, 11135 Lyndale Ave. S.; Bloomington Ferry Road Trailhead, 11255 Bloomington Ferry Road; and Bass Ponds Trailhead, 2501 86th St. E.

Nine Mile Creek corridor renewal project progresses

Construction is moving along in the Nine Mile Creek corridor on restoration work along with Harrison Park and the Veterans Memorial. With Harrison Park and its trail access point now closed, and other trailheads throughout Moir/Central Park set to close late summer or early fall 2026 for the start of major renewal work in the corridor, you may be seeking alternative places to walk and hike.

Visit bloomingtonforward.org/9mile for the latest project updates and trail closures.