3 Quiet Nature Spots in the Twin Cities

3 Quiet Nature Spots in the Twin Cities

Spot: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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