Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month in Roseville!

Outdoor enthusiasts have celebrated National Parks and Recreation Month every July for nearly 40 years. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates a good picnic, Roseville’s 32 parks and almost 70 miles of trails offer summer fun for everyone!

Explore These Top Spots for Outdoor Summer Recreation. 

Acorn Park: Fun for the Whole Family.

• Expansive Acorn Park is the quintessential family-friendly destination in Roseville, thanks to its playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, disc golf course, and BMX track. It’s a great place to get active and enjoy some friendly competition. The park’s shaded picnic areas offer a cool respite from the activities or a family barbecue.

Central Park: The Heart of Roseville.

• Central Park is the crown jewel of Roseville’s Parks and Recreation system. This sprawling 225-acre oasis offers lush green spaces, scenic walking trails, serene ponds, and Bennett Lake, perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. The park is also home to the Frank Rog Amphitheatre, which hosts Summer Entertainment, the Live @ The Rog series, and the July 4th Party and Fireworks in the Park.

Harriet Alexander Nature Center: A Nature Lover’s Paradise.

• Step into the wild at Harriet Alexander Nature Center, where adventure and learning go hand-in-hand. This 52-acre preserve features indoor touch-and-see exhibits, a nature library, and live animals for a hands-on experience. 

Lake Josephine County Park: Beach Vibes and Fun in the Sun.

• Dive into a day of relaxation and adventure at Lake Josephine County Park, with sandy shores, shady picnic spots, and a playground close to the beach. Dairy Queen is a short walk away to satisfy those classic summer treat cravings. 

Langton Lake Park: Serenity by the Water. 

• If your idea of a perfect day involves water and tranquility, picturesque Langton Lake Park is the place to be. Its calm waters provide a peaceful paddling experience and stunning surrounding scenery.

Reservoir Woods: Adventures Await.

• Craving adventure? Reservoir Woods is Roseville’s go-to destination! This 115-acre park’s rugged terrain and diverse trails make it an exciting spot for mountain biking, hiking, and geocaching. The park’s highlights include two off-leash dog parks and the Scenic Overlook, which offers breathtaking views of the city and beyond. 

Villa Park: Strolling, Birdwatching. and Unwinding.

• Escape to Villa Park, Roseville’s fifth largest, to enjoy a serene stroll, bird watching, or a friendly game of Bocce away from the hustle and bustle. 

State and National Parks Aren’t Far Away!

O'Brien State Park: Great for Day Trips or Overnight Camping. 

• Just 21 miles away, on the beautiful St. Croix River, William O’Brien State Park offers hiking trails, canoeing, and fishing, as well as 124 campsites, four group camps, and four camper cabins. Park permits are $7 daily. Annual State Park passes are $37. Overnight camping fees are separate. 

Mississippi National River & Recreation Area:  An Urban Oasis.

• Running through the middle of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, 72-mile the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area offers quiet stretches for fishing, boating and canoeing, birdwatching, bicycling, and hiking, along with visitor centers that highlight the fascinating human history of this vital river.

The National Park Service provides an interactive map to find the area’s best trails, preserves, and monuments. The Find Your Park website offers the region’s best places to explore nature. 

Visiting Local Parks Supports Regional Economic Development.

There’s a direct correlation between visiting state or local parks and Roseville’s economic development. Money spent on park admission or annual passes helps the preserves hire park rangers and other stewards of our natural assets.

Contributions also support the parks’ upkeep, including removing invasive species and litter that can harm local wildlife. This maintenance improves today’s quality of life in Roseville and makes it a desirable place for future generations. National, state, and local parks are assets that attract residents and help build and maintain the local workforce.

Even if admission is free, visits to Roseville’s parks make a difference. Parks monitor foot traffic and visitor counts in each preservation. Increased attendance could lead to additional funding for the park and programs for kids, families, and adults alike.

So lace up your hiking boots, grab a picnic basket, and make plans this July to explore the state and local parks of Roseville, Minnesota, and the adjacent region. Follow a few simple rules to enjoy nature safely and return with happy memories. Don't forget the sunscreen, water, and bug spray. Always tell someone where you will be hiking and when you will return. 

The City of Roseville EDA Supports the Local Quality of Life. 

The state parks in Minnesota are just one contributor to the quality of life in our region. The City of Roseville Economic Development Authority supports the area’s child care, education, housing, and recreational assets. Learn more about the hard work we do and how our efforts improve economic development in Roseville.

Volunteering is a great way to support the parks. Click here to learn about the exciting volunteer opportunities in Roseville Parks. Stay informed! Follow The City of Roseville EDA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

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