Elm Creek Park Reserve: Hiking, Biking, Skiing & Wildlife Just 20 Minutes from Minneapolis | Minnesota Explorer

Elm Creek Park Reserve is the largest park in the Three Rivers Park District — nearly 5,000 acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairie, and some of the best trails in the Twin Cities metro. In this episode of Minnesota Explorer, we explore everything Elm Creek has to offer across all four seasons, from 19 miles of paved bike trails and a 13-mile mountain bike singletrack system to championship disc golf, a sand beach swim pond, and a world-class winter recreation area with snowtubing, cross-country skiing, and even snowmaking.We dig into the park's fascinating history — how a visionary park district raced suburban sprawl in the 1950s to preserve this land, the Swiss pioneer settlers who farmed here long before it became a park, the glacial forces that shaped the landscape, and the remarkable story of Whitney H. Eastman, the birdwatcher and civic champion who helped fund and name the nature center that anchors the park today.Whether you're planning your first visit or you've been coming here for years, this episode is packed with trail tips, seasonal highlights, hidden gems, lodging options, and nearby attractions to round out your trip.🎧 New episodes every week — follow Minnesota Explorer so you never miss a destination.📍 Find trail maps, gear picks, and more at MinnesotaExplorer.comIn this episode:Where Elm Creek is located and how to get thereThe history of Three Rivers Park District and how Elm Creek was preservedBest hikes, bike trails, and equestrian routesSwimming, disc golf, and the off-leash dog areaWinter recreation: skiing, snowtubing, snowshoeing, and skijoringWildlife watching and birding highlightsCamper cabins and overnight optionsWhere to stay near the park in Maple Grove and RogersNearby attractions including Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and Omni Brewing