Elm Creek Park Reserve
A sprawling 4,900-acre nature escape offering swimming, extensive trails, winter tubing, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 4,900-acre nature escape offering swimming, extensive trails, winter tubing, and family fun.
"This place is huge and has everything and anything you can think of for an activity outside."
🚗 Multiple Entrances
Choose your entrance wisely! The Winter Recreation Area is popular for tubing and chalet access.
🥾 Trail Variety
Paved paths are great for biking and running, while unpaved trails offer a more natural hiking experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Swim Pond & Sandy Beach
Swim Pond Area
Cool off at the man-made swim pond with a sandy beach, perfect for family fun on sunny days.
Extensive Trail Network
Throughout the Park
Explore over 100 miles of trails for hiking, biking, running, and even horseback riding.
Adventure Playground
Play Area
Kids will love the colorful playground featuring slides, climbing zones, a zipline, and a dinosaur sandbox.
Winter Tubing Hill
Winter Recreation Area
Experience thrilling downhill rides on inner tubes down 10-story snow-covered hills.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vastness
Seasonal Fun Awaits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Multiple Entrances
Choose your entrance wisely! The Winter Recreation Area is popular for tubing and chalet access.
🥾 Trail Variety
Paved paths are great for biking and running, while unpaved trails offer a more natural hiking experience.
☀️ Swim Pond Fun
The swim pond is a summer highlight, but check operating hours and any potential closures.
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Don't miss winter tubing! Kids must be at least 4 years old to ride.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Multiple Entrances
Choose your entrance wisely! The Winter Recreation Area is popular for tubing and chalet access.
🥾 Trail Variety
Paved paths are great for biking and running, while unpaved trails offer a more natural hiking experience.
☀️ Swim Pond Fun
The swim pond is a summer highlight, but check operating hours and any potential closures.
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Don't miss winter tubing! Kids must be at least 4 years old to ride.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Areas
Many areas welcome dogs, but always remember to clean up after your pets.
🗺️ Well-Marked Trails
Maps are available at major turns, making it easy to navigate the extensive trail system.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Elm Creek Park Reserve's immense size and the sheer variety of outdoor activities available year-round. It's praised as a fantastic spot for families, athletes, and nature lovers alike, with well-maintained trails and beautiful scenery. Some note the rolling hills aren't ideal for setting speed records, but overall, it's considered a top-tier park.
"Fantastic area with numerous outdoor activities.
I come here often for the paved biking/walking/running trail and for unpaved hikes on the horse trails.
The routes here have rolling hills which is great for training, but not best for achieving your top times.
There are bathrooms and rest stops every few miles. The routes are marked well. Any major turn has a map of the entire trial to make sure you don’t get lost.
There are various loops so you are able to make your route as long or short as you like.
There are various entrances to the park. I typically chose the winter recreation area by the chalet."
Andrew Leizens
"What a beautiful place! This place is huge and has everything and anything you can think of for an activity outside. This park is great for kids of all ages and pets. I had a lovely time with my girlfriends and will be back, even if I’m over an hour away from it :) Happy to come back!"
Mila Serbin
"Beautiful park for walking, running, biking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and birdwatching! Paved and unpaved trails available. The nature center has a cool live owl you can visit and a special area for kids to enjoy. Many areas of the park are dog friendly, but please pick up after your pets!"
Tammy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elm Creek Park Reserve is accessible via multiple entrances. Popular access points include the Winter Recreation Area by the chalet and various points along Elm Creek Parkway. Driving is the most common way to reach the park, with ample parking available at different activity areas.
Public transportation options to Elm Creek Park Reserve are limited. It's best to check with local transit authorities for any bus routes that may service the Maple Grove area near the park. Most visitors opt for personal vehicles.
Key entrances include the Winter Recreation Area (for tubing and chalet access), the main park entrance off Elm Creek Parkway, and access points near the swim pond and playground.
Elm Creek Park Reserve is a massive park, spanning over 4,900 acres, making it one of the largest in the Three Rivers Park District. 
Yes, you can bike to Elm Creek Park Reserve. The park has extensive paved and unpaved trails, and it's a popular destination for cyclists coming from surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Elm Creek Park Reserve is generally free to enter and explore its trails and natural areas. Some specific activities, like winter tubing, may have associated fees.
Park hours typically run from sunrise to sunset. However, specific facilities like the swim pond, nature center, and winter tubing area have their own operating hours, which vary seasonally. Always check the Three Rivers Parks District website for the most up-to-date information.
Reservations are generally not required for the swim pond. It's a first-come, first-served facility during its operating season.
Parking at Elm Creek Park Reserve is typically free. However, it's always a good idea to check the Three Rivers Parks District website for any potential changes or specific area parking regulations.
Tubers must be at least 4 years old to enjoy the winter tubing hills at Elm Creek Park Reserve.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Elm Creek Park Reserve offers a wide range of activities including swimming, hiking, biking, running, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing, disc golf, and winter tubing. There's also a nature center and a large playground. +3
Absolutely! Elm Creek Park Reserve boasts over 100 miles of trails, including paved paths for biking and running, and unpaved trails for hiking and horseback riding. +2
Yes, there is a popular man-made swim pond with a sandy beach, perfect for cooling off during the summer months.
Kids will love the expansive playground with slides, climbing structures, a zipline, and a dinosaur sandbox. The swim pond and winter tubing hill are also huge hits.
Yes, Elm Creek Park Reserve is a great spot for birdwatching, with diverse habitats supporting a variety of bird species.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no full-service restaurants within the park, picnic areas with tables are available throughout Elm Creek Park Reserve, making it ideal for bringing your own food.
Yes, picnic areas with tables are a popular feature at Elm Creek Park Reserve, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst nature.
Concessions are typically not available at the swim pond. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, especially for picnics at the designated areas.
Maple Grove, the city adjacent to Elm Creek Park Reserve, offers a variety of restaurants and dining options just a short drive away from the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers diverse photographic opportunities, from the golden light filtering through autumn leaves to serene lake views and vibrant playgrounds. The vast natural landscapes provide endless backdrops.
Yes, wedding photographers often praise Elm Creek Park Reserve for its vast natural beauty and numerous scenic locations, offering a stunning alternative to traditional venues.
Peak fall colors at Elm Creek Park Reserve are typically seen in mid-to-late October, when the leaves transform into vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the Three Rivers Parks District or local aviation authorities for current rules regarding drone operation within the park.
While not always marked as specific viewpoints, the numerous trails offer many scenic overlooks and picturesque spots, especially along the ridgelines and near water features.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Don't miss the swim pond for summer fun, complete with a sandy beach. For winter adventures, the tubing hill is a must-do, offering thrills for kids aged 4 and up. The park's vastness means plenty of space to run around, and the well-marked trails are great for family bike rides or walks. Pack a picnic, as there are many designated areas to enjoy a meal together. 🚴♀️ Outdoor Enthusiasts & Athletes
+1 The paved trails are excellent for road biking and consistent training, while the unpaved trails offer a more challenging and scenic experience, even for horseback riding. In winter, the park transforms for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, providing a beautiful way to stay active in the snow. 📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
The park's vast landscapes, serene water features, and diverse wildlife offer endless opportunities for nature photography. Photographers often highlight the park's suitability for wedding photography due to its abundant scenic backdrops. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
+1 For those seeking a more rugged experience, unpaved trails wind through wooded areas and open fields, ideal for hiking and horseback riding. Cyclists, in particular, will appreciate the rolling hills that provide a good challenge for training, though they might not be ideal for setting personal speed records.
+1Seasonal Activities: Beyond Summer
The convenience of a moving sidewalk back to the top makes it a hit for families. For snow enthusiasts, the park also provides opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on its groomed trails, allowing for exploration of the serene winter landscape. Autumn brings a different kind of magic, with the park's trees erupting in a spectacular display of fall colors.
This makes it an ideal time for scenic drives, hikes, and photography, capturing the vibrant hues of the Minnesota landscape. The park's year-round accessibility ensures that visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational offerings no matter the season. Family Fun at Elm Creek
+1 The man-made swim pond with its sandy beach is another summer favorite, providing a safe and fun environment for kids to splash and play. Beyond the playground and swim pond, the park's extensive trail system is perfect for family bike rides or nature walks.
+1 In the winter, the tubing hill offers exhilarating fun for younger children (with a minimum age requirement of 4 years old), and the park's overall vastness provides ample space for kids to explore and burn energy. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit