Photo credit: Tara Wilken
Overview of spot: The MN Arboretum has 1,200 acres to enjoy. With so much space it's usually pretty easy to find quieter spots away from the main building.
Website: https://arb.umn.edu
Type of Spot: Arboretum
Cost: $$
Reservations: Reservations Highly Encouraged
Indoors/Outdoors: Mostly outdoors
Seating Availability: Plentiful
Terrain: Sidewalks, Gravel Paths, Dirt Paths, Paved Paths, Stairs, Hills, Indoor Flooring (In Building)
Known Busier Times: Weekends, Easter, Mother’s Day
Recommend By: Tara, Owner of Courageously Living
Recommender's Comments: The Arboretum is one of my favorite places. There are several formal gardens, nature trails and lots of places to sit and unwind.
Spot: Como Zoo and Conservatory
Photo credit: Tara Wilken
Overview of spot: Como Zoo and Conservatory is a great place to visit during off peak hours. Weekends, Holidays and during the last few weeks of school sees the most traffic.
There is a beautiful outdoor Japanese garden open seasonally accessible through the Conservatory, which can be a bit quieter than the Conservatory.
Website: https://comozooconservatory.org
Type of Spot: Park, Zoo, Conservatory
Cost: Free; Donations are recommended
Reservations: None
Indoors/Outdoors: Mix of indoor and outdoor
Seating Availability: Some
Terrain: Paved Paths, Gravel Paths, Indoor flooring (inside the building)
Known Busier Times: Weekends, Mother’s Day, Late May -Early June during the school days
Recommend By: Tara, Owner of Courageously Living
Recommender's Comments: I grew up near Como and it remains one of my favorite spots.
I would say it's quite busy on the weekends though.
I love the Conservatory especially in the winter.
Spot: Lowell Park - Downtown Stillwater
Photo credit: Tara Wilken
Overview of spot: Downtown Stillwater Lowell Park is a great place to watch the river or walk along it.
Visiting during off peak times is very relaxing.
Stillwater is a tourist town so early spring, late fall and winter are good times to visit. Especially if you want to take a stroll and let your mind wander.
Type of Spot: City Park
Cost: Free
Reservations: None
Indoors/Outdoors: Outdoors
Seating Availability: Some
Terrain: paved paths, sidewalks, grass
Known Busier Times: Summer
Recommend By: Tara, Owner of Courageously Living
Recommender's Comments:
I love to sit here and watch the river. I try to go off peaks and then it's pretty quiet. The park is free, you do have to pay for metered parking within downtown Stillwater though.
Recommend a Quiet Spot
