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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 -
Located just to the north of the visitor center, 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. Open seasonally - please call to check schedule.
Birthday Parties -
Throw your child's next birthday party at our Creative Play Area.
Available May-Oct. Get more details.
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 trail (3.7 miles, additional 3 miles under construction) - The grass loop dog trail is located in the central part of the park. It may be accessed from the East Bush Lake Recreation Area or from the parking lot north of the visitor center near "Jan's Place." Dog-walkers are required to keep their dogs on leashes no longer than 6 feet and must clean up after the pets. Dogs must not be allowed to interfere with other trail users. Violators will be fined.
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. |