Reservoir Woods Park Is Minnesota’s Best Hidden Day Hike

Ramsey County, home of the state capital and fairgrounds, is the smallest, most urban county in the entire state of Minnesota. Roseville, perhaps best known as a regional shopping destination, is the third most populous city in the county. So, imagine my surprise when I found a forested oasis, just south of a major freeway, in the heart of Roseville. Reservoir Woods Park is a true hidden gem, and it may be my favorite new place for a day hike in Minnesota or, at least, in the Twin Cities.

You'll find Reservoir Woods Park in Roseville, just off Dale St., between MN Hwy. 36 and Larpenteur Ave.

Miles of trails wind through this 115-acre park, including a 3-mile (each way) paved trail that connects it with nearby Tamarack Park.

But I, for one, enjoy the natural-surface paths through the park's oak and pine woods.

The park is home to the highest point in the city of Roseville and a historic, open air water reservoir that's no longer in use but gave the park its name.

Along the trail, you're sure to see plenty of wildlife, including deer, as well as wildflowers and birds.

Birders, in fact, consider reservoir woods a bit of a hot spot in the Metro area.

The park is even home to the largest butternut tree in Minnesota.

It's more than 75 feet tall and nearly 20 feet in circumference - not necessarily what you'd expect in the middle of such a densely populated county!

Whether you're hiking, birding, or just looking to do a little tree bathing to escape from the pressures of daily city life, you're going to appreciate Reservoir Woods Park in Roseville, MN. For more information, check out its AllTrails listing.