With more than 1,000 acres of mature woodlands and a breathtaking prairie, it's hard to believe Hyland Lake Park Reserve is located in the heart of Bloomington.

Six major bodies of water, plus several smaller ponds and wetlands, provide extensive habitat for waterfowl - and great opportunities for nature study. Richardson Nature Center is a wonderful place to begin an exploration of the natural world.

Miles of paved trails draw hikers and bikers, and the popular creative play area comes alive in the summer. Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area, which welcomes thousands of winter skiers and snowboarders each year.

Facilities and Amenities

Richardson Nature Center - Located in center of Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Richardson Nature Center has many interpretive displays, a wildlife feeding station/viewing area, a meeting room with a fireplace, and merchandise available for purchase. The nature center offers year-round programming for school groups and the public. It features more than three miles of nature trails through woodlands and a restored tall-grass prairie.

Visitor Center with concessions - A year-round recreation facility provides rental of cross-country ski equipment, concessions, public restrooms, and a large comfortable room with a fireplace that can be rented for meetings. During the winter, ski trails and the sliding hill are located just outside the building. In the summer, paved trails, bicycle rentals, a creative play area and boat launch are nearby. Reserve a site

Creative play area - Hyland's award-winning 16,000 square-foot creative play area is equipped with various components for climbing and sliding. There also is a 1,500 square-foot accessible play area with sliding, swinging and climbing equipment designed to accommodate children under five years of age. A great idea for birthday parties! Open seasonally - please call to check schedule.


Group campsite - There is one group campsite, with a shelter, south of the visitor center. Reserve a site

Turf hiking trails (9.2 miles) - Turf hiking trails include the nature center trails in the north, the pet trail loop in the center of the park reserve, and a trail around Hyland Lake near the visitor center.

Paved bike/hike trails (8.6 miles) - Hyland's 10-foot wide paved trails were reconstructed in 1999. They are not associated with any existing roadway system. Three loops extend north from the southern boundary of the park through rolling hills, scenic meadows and woodlands to the southern edge of the nature center's trails. They connect to the neighborhood east of the park via a bridge over the railroad track and to Bush Lake Park on the west.

Dog trails - Walk your dog on miles of trails that wind through the park. See more information

Public and group picnic areas - The picnic area totals 29 acres, of which approximately 10 are designated for four reservation sites. Two have shelters. Reserve a site

Boat rental and launch (no gas motors) - The boat rental building is located just south of the visitor center on Hyland Lake. Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and paddleboats are available for rent between Memorial Day and Labor Day, or bring your own non-motorized boat to launch. Boat launch hours: 5 a.m.-Sunset. Boat rental hours: Weekends/May 26-September 3, 9-8 p.m. Weekdays/June 11-August 24, 10-8 p.m. View boat rental rates

Fishing pier - An accessible fishing pier is located on Hyland Lake. Anglers age 16 and older must have a valid Minnesota fishing license.

Cross-country ski trails (11.3K, including 4.5K lighted for evening skiing) - Trails are groomed daily for traditional and skating. Trails will please both beginner and intermediate skiers. All trails begin at the visitor center. Ski rentals are available at the visitor center with valid photo I.D. A Three Rivers Park District Cross-Country Ski Pass is required for skiers ages 12 and older.

Lighted sliding hill - When conditions are favorable, a sliding hill is located just to the northeast of the visitor center, alongside the play area.

Snowshoe trails (3 miles) - located on the nature center trails. Rentals are available at Richardson Nature Center.

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