Hyland Lake Park Reserve | Bloomington

Hyland Lake Park Reserve – In Detail

Overview
Hyland Lake Park Reserve is a large and multifaceted recreational area located in Bloomington, Minnesota. Managed by the Three Rivers Park District, it covers part of the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes complex, a major green space in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. The reserve is renowned for its thoughtfully designed play areas, extensive trail networks, environmental education programs, natural habitats, and year-round recreational opportunities. It is especially popular among families, nature enthusiasts, hikers, cyclists, skiers, and birdwatchers.

1. Natural Landscape & Setting

Hyland Lake Park Reserve is characterized by rolling wooded hills, restored prairie, wetlands, and lakes. This landscape is the product of both glacial carving and later ecological restoration, offering a richly diverse environment for flora and fauna. The dominant water features are Hyland Lake and nearby Bush Lake, both important for aquatic activity and wildlife habitat.

Key natural elements include:

Tallgrass prairie fields with wildflowers and native grasses

Oak savannas and maple-basswood forests

Wetland areas with cattails and marsh vegetation

Shorelines that attract birds, turtles, and amphibians

2. Hyland Play Area (formerly “Chutes & Ladders”)

This is one of the largest and most inventive outdoor play structures in Minnesota.

Highlights:

Towers and climbing structures reaching up to four stories

Gigantic tube and spiral slides, climbing nets, bridges, and ladders

Rope swings, balance zones, and bouncing mounds

A toddler zone with scaled-down structures for young children

Picnic shelters and shaded areas nearby

ADA-accessible features allowing inclusive play

This area is free to the public and open seasonally from spring through fall.

3. Richardson Nature Center

Located within the eastern edge of the reserve, this center focuses on environmental education and wildlife engagement.

Features include:

Live reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey (including owls and hawks)

Educational exhibits about local ecosystems and renewable energy

Nature play areas with water features, logs, sand pits, and climbing elements

Observation decks and birdwatching windows

Guided nature walks and seasonal programs for school groups and families

The center also promotes native pollinator gardens and solar power, connecting recreation with sustainability awareness.

4. Trail Network

Hyland Lake Park Reserve offers more than 9 miles of paved and unpaved trails for walking, hiking, biking, and winter sports.

Trail uses:

Paved Trails: Ideal for walking, running, and biking through varied terrain

Hiking Trails: Wind through woods, meadows, and around Hyland and Bush Lakes

Cross-Country Ski Trails: Maintained in winter; several are lit for night use

Snowshoe Trails: Marked and available through forested sections

Trail Connections: Link the park to Normandale Lake, Anderson Lakes, and Bush Lake

5. Water Recreation

Hyland Lake and Bush Lake both provide seasonal water-based activities.

Bush Lake:

Public swimming beach with lifeguards in summer

Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard launching area

Fishing opportunities for sunfish, bass, and northern pike

Hyland Lake:

Known for calmer waters and shoreline observation

Often used for paddling, catch-and-release fishing, and birdwatching

6. Winter Activities – Hyland Hills Ski Area

Located within the park, the Hyland Hills Ski Area is one of the top downhill skiing destinations in the Twin Cities area.

Ski Area Features:

13 downhill ski runs (ranging from beginner to advanced)

Two terrain parks for snowboarding and freestyle skiing

A vertical drop of 175 feet

Snowmaking and lighting for extended seasons and night skiing

Ski and snowboard equipment rentals and instruction available

Chalet with food services and warm indoor seating

In warmer months, the slopes are used for disc golf and nature viewing.

7. Disc Golf

The park includes a professional-level 18-hole disc golf course set within the ski slope terrain, offering both challenge and elevation changes.

Additional Amenities:

Free 3-hole practice area near the visitor center

Course open seasonally, weather permitting

8. Wildlife & Habitat

Hyland is a haven for native species and is part of the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program.

Common sightings:

White-tailed deer, foxes, coyotes, and beavers

Great blue herons, ospreys, bald eagles, and woodpeckers

Songbirds, frogs, painted turtles, and monarch butterflies

Nest boxes and controlled burns help maintain healthy prairie and wetland ecosystems.

9. Facilities and Visitor Services

Visitor Center: Offers trail maps, restrooms, ski rentals, warming areas, and staff support

Picnic Shelters: Reservable spaces with grills and seating

Restrooms: Available year-round at key locations

Parking: Free and widely available for private vehicles

Accessibility: Many features, including trails and play areas, meet ADA standards

10. Events and Programs

Nature classes, birdwatching walks, and photography outings

Seasonal events like “Snowshoe Under the Stars” or “Nature Play Days”

School field trips and environmental science programs

Group reservations for birthday parties and outdoor classes

Why It’s Special

Hyland Lake Park Reserve is more than just a park-it’s a comprehensive outdoor experience offering:

A mix of high-energy recreation and tranquil nature immersion

Four-season appeal, with skiing in winter and paddling in summer

A deeply family-oriented atmosphere with an emphasis on education and accessibility

Rich biodiversity and proactive environmental stewardship

It’s one of the few places where a visitor can go from playground climbing to birdwatching to skiing, all within a single location. Its proximity to the Twin Cities adds convenience, while its breadth of offerings makes it a standout destination for both locals and tourists.