Lake Elmo Park Reserve

This park has great trails they keep in good condition year round. Spring/Summer/Fall we trail run and enjoy the distance you can get in on these trails. Perimeter trail and doing some loops can get 15+ miles or more. There are some trails that have horses on, which always scares me a bit. We rented cross country skis in Feb and went out on the groomed trail. I am a beginner (just took lessons) and felt good during the lessons on the REI equipment, but the rental skis at this park were pretty bad. they strap over your boot and snow kept getting under your boot which made your boot slide around. the snow was sticky which didn't help (not the fault of the park), but I would not rent skis again. Otherwise, we like the park with ample parking, bathrooms, water and wide open space.

Beautiful park, grove of aspen with snow was delightful. Well groomed multi-use trails. The bird hike guide Shelly was very knowledgeable. Will have to come back for birding in the spring and summer.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve is a fantastic place to have on the east side of the cities. Great walking trails, great biking trails, boat access, a fishing dock, 4 playgrounds, and a chlorinated swimming hole.
The only knock on the place is that there is a designated grilling area that is detached from the beach area - it would be very nice if they had an area that was closer to the beach so that families could set up shop for the day.

This is the park that I grew up in as a adolescent. I feel like I have walked every mile of the trail system. Great trails, great geocaching, great artificial beach that over the years has gotten much more sanitary and enjoyable! Highly recommend

Had the range to myself