My gratitude for the people in charge of the trails near me is immense. Now that Covid19 is in Minnesota we must keep to ourselves and not travel so my gratitude for nearby trails is even greater. I hope there are places you can walk or hike close to your home. Wear a face covering if you are near others and stay 6 feet apart when passing on the trail. If you live near Minneapolis or St. Paul, here are six choices. If none of them are near you, stay tuned, I’ll post again with more. I included a link to the website for each park so you can check on their status before heading out. If you are limited to a virtual experience, there is a video of a walk in nature. Enjoy.
There are picnic tables and nice places to sit on the island.The loop trail is a little over one mile (1.8 km). The numbers on this map indicate my mile markers when walking clockwise.Silverwood is unique because of the outdoor sculptures you will see as you walk.Silverwood Park in St. Anthony, Minnesota. It is south of I-694 near the intersection of Silver Lake Road and County Road E. The arboretum near Dale Street has amazing gardens.I tried to walk every trail in the park. This route was about 8 miles. (13 km)The boardwalk in the Harriet Alexander Nature Center is my favorite part of this park.Roseville Central Park, Roseville, Minnesota, is north of Highway 36 between Lexington and Rice Street.
Lake Vadnais Isthmus looking eastThis route is just over 2 miles one way (2.2 km). There is also a one mile trail (1.6 km) on the isthmus to another free parking lot off Vadnais Blvd.Three benches spaced out along the last quarter mile of the trail face southwest.Vadnais-Sucker Lake Regional Park is near I-694 and Rice Street. Their website says the section just north of this one is closed due to flooding, but this section is fine.
Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park, Shoreview, Minnesota. This is the north end of the loop. Is that a beaver? The trees that have died because of the flooding are good news to them.
The trail used to go to the right of these trees, then it was on the left, now a new trail formed up the hill.The loop would be 1.4 miles (2.2 km) if you could complete it. The water is currently too deep to step or bike through. There is a land management effort underway. You will barely recognize it if you were here years ago.Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park has 3 parking areas. I suggest the one near what used to be the beach on Snail Lake Blvd. Near I-694 and Victoria Street. Now that the snow is melted, this table would be a great place for a picnic or an outdoor art studio.From the Kroening Center to I-694 is about 2 miles (3.2 km).Lovely views of the river for miles.North Mississippi Regional Park, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Parking is free at the Carl W. Kroening Interpretive Center. This map shows a walk north, you could also walk south from there. This trail is flat and paved with lots of variety of scenery.I turned around at 5 miles (8 km). The spur trails lead to a city park. I was looking for a restroom, but it was closed.I was impressed with the quality of the signage. This trail connects to others. You can walk as far as you like.Rush Creek Regional Trail connects Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The whole trail is 9.65 miles (15.5 km).
Getting outside is so important for my mental health, maybe yours too? I strongly encourage you to find some way to connect to nature as often as you are able. If you are sheltering in place you may have to get creative. Planning for future hikes and walks can create optimism which is also important.
Paint and Hike 
Thank you for the encompassing experience!
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