There’s nothing like enjoying parks in the summer. Wayzata, MN, is full of some fantastic parks and trails that offer great afternoons and enjoyable times.
Spending time with family, friends, and your furry dog friends is a great pastime. We’re putting together this post to help you find the 10 parks that you should visit this summer. Have a favorite that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments, and we can add it to the list!
Here are Wayzata, MN parks that you should check out!
1. Shaver Park Wayzata
Shaver Park is one of the historic parks in Wayzata and is known for its trapper cabin that was built in the 1800s. The park is located just a short walk from Wayzata beach on Lake Minnetonka. There are
- Seating areas and benches
- Grills
- A garden to enjoy
- Picnic areas
- Picnic tables
- Sand volleyball
- Trails
- Walking paths
- Water sports
No matter what you enjoy in parks, there is something at Shaver Park for you. Bring the kids along for a nature walk and picnic or a day at the beach. This park is also great during the winter. Many individuals enjoy snowshoeing around the park and viewing wildlife.
Address: 220 Grove Lane E Wayzata, MN 55391
Google Rating: NA
2. Broadway Docks
If you enjoy boating on Lake Minnetonka or fishing from city docks, then this small park and docks area is excellent for you! Equipped with benches and a seating area so that you can enjoy a snack or a good chat with a friend, this park has lots to offer. Out for a day on the lake, and you’d like to head into town for a bite to eat or to enjoy some of the shops? You can park your boat at one of the spaces with the help of a city-paid dockhand.
This is a great way to enjoy Wayzata and the lake at the same time. You can learn more by visiting the city government website here. Note that there is no overnight docking allowed at this location.
Address: 700 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391
Google Rating: 4 stars
Source: Wayzata.org
3. Klapprich Park & Field
This park is perfect for enjoying both the summer and the winter. During the summer, fields, a playground, and a dog park offer great times for the whole family. Fall brings beautiful colors to all of the maple trees throughout the park, and winter provides some of the best ice skating this side of the metro. The staff at this park work tirelessly to keep it clean, and it has tons of great reviews from happy park goers. There’s even a tennis court to enjoy!
Address: 340 Park St E, Wayzata, MN 55391
Google Rating: 4.6 stars
Source: HometownSource.com
4. The Big Woods Preserve
If you don’t need all of the fancy playgrounds, dog parks, grills, and picnic benches to keep you happy, then this park might be your favorite. The Big Woods Preserve is a large park full of walking trails that you can use to enjoy the entire area. Fall is one of the best times to visit this park for a walk, run, or bike ride. The trees turn beautiful colors as the air begins to get colder, and you’ll have a good chance of seeing some wildlife such as deer in the park.
The best part about The Big Woods Preserve is that it’s a great example of the importance of preserving natural wildlife areas. When we intentionally preserve these areas, we’re providing our children and grandchildren an opportunity to enjoy the planet in the same way that we’ve been able to enjoy it.
Address: Central Ave N, Wayzata, MN 55391
Google Rating: 4.4 stars
5. Grays Bay Dam Park
The Grays Bay Dam Park area is another Wayzata, MN favorite. It offers a beautiful view of the water and a great place to walk and enjoy the dam area. If you enjoy canoeing or kayaking, this is a great place to launch your craft. Many people enjoy fishing near the dam and often can catch a wide variety of species. There is a walking path that goes out over the water, where you can enjoy feeling as though you’re walking on water.
In the early winter and fall months, you might be able to catch glimpses of migrating ducks before the water fully freezes over. When spring arrives, there are a number of trees in the area that have large blossoms and make for a beautiful sight. This park area has plenty to share with everyone!
Address: 16501 Grays Bay Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391
Google Rating: 4.5 stars
6. Village of Wayzata Post Office Pocket Park
This quaint little spot is the perfect place to sit down and read a book, enjoy a podcast, or catch up with friends for a few minutes.
The Post Office Pocket Park is surrounded by flowers, trees, and of course…the post office. Come for the plants and trees, stay for the sounds of birds chirping and a cascading water fountain – all while you mail a letter.
Address: 228 Minnetonka Ave S, Wayzata, MN 55391
Google Rating: 4.7 stars
7. Linner Park
Linner Park is a beautiful spot full of open fields. Visitors to this park can sit on a bench and read, play with their children in one of the playgrounds, or bask under the fields.
This park is split into two areas, an upper and a lower. The upper area has a playground and tennis court, and the bottom area is the parking and picnic area. Stairs up and down make this a poor place for handicap accessibility.
Address: 15001 Summer Oaks Dr, Wayzata, MN 55391
Google Rating: 4.5 stars
8. Wood-Rill Scientific and Natural Area (SNA)
If you’d like a nature walk throughout the beautiful Minnesota lowlands, then Wood-Rill is a great place for just that. This park is several hundred acres and features paths throughout the woods and along the water.
Docks over the water and paths along the river offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy nature, birds, and animals. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find some hidden spots where you can enjoy a view of something new.
Address: 917 Old Long Lake Rd, Wayzata, MN 55391
Google Rating: 4.7 stars
9. Hardin Park
A smaller park with walking paths and playground equipment for kids, Hardin Park is the perfect getaway. It’s not too large, but that makes it quieter than some of the other larger parks. Along with the playground and walking path, you’ll find picnic benches and seating areas to enjoy as well.
Address: 186-198 Glenmoor Ln, Long Lake, MN 55356
Google Rating: 4.6 stars
10. Gro Tonka Park
One young child said that she thought of Gro Tonka Park as the “bestest park in the whole world.” Why not visit a park with such acclaimed reviews? The playground at Gro Tonka is newly remodeled and makes for a great place to watch the kids play with their friends.
Address: 17003 Prospect Pl, Wayzata, MN 55391
Google Rating: 4.5 stars
Other Notable Wayzata Mentions
Wayzata has a lot to offer, and so do the neighboring cities of Excelsior and Minnetonka. We recently wrote this article about 12 things to do in Minnetonka; check it out for some great inspirations while you’re in the area. Wayzata is also known for its fine dining experiences. Here are some of the top Wayzata restaurants and the signature dishes that you should try.
There are beautiful shops all over the Excelsior area, including small businesses and boutiques. The area is known throughout the state as one of the best places to shop.
Wayzata bike trails are another popular attraction, whether you enjoy biking through downtown areas, parks, or long distances. The bike trails in Wayzata parks are sure to please.
If you’re new to the area, we’d love to introduce ourselves as the premier dental provider in the Wayzata area. Wayzata Dental offers laser dentistry to the greater Minneapolis area. Reach out to us if you’re interested in learning more about laser dentistry or if you’d like to schedule an appointment.