Woodland MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Woodland, Minnesota.
1. Dakota Rail Regional Trail
SCENIC PAVED TRAIL ROUTE
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail stretches 28.1 miles from Wayzata to Lester Prairie along the former Hutchinson Spur of the Great Northern Railway. This paved trail is popular with cyclists and hikers who enjoy the scenic route through Minnesota's beautiful landscapes. Visitors can experience various lakeside views and rural scenery as they travel this well-maintained recreational pathway.
2. Saint Albans Bay Bridge
PICTURESQUE LAKE CROSSING
The St. Albans Bay Bridge carries Minnetonka Boulevard over St. Albans Bay, connecting the cities of Excelsior and Greenwood. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy impressive views of Lake Minnetonka's waters and shoreline. The structure serves as both a functional crossing and a scenic viewpoint for photographers and nature lovers.
3. Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail is a 19.91-mile crushed stone pathway following a former Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway corridor. The trail offers scenic views of Shady Oak Lake and connects multiple communities in the western Twin Cities suburbs. Nature enthusiasts appreciate this trail for its blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty.
4. North Cedar Lake Regional Trail
URBAN CONNECTION ROUTE
The North Cedar Lake Regional Trail is a 4.4-mile paved trail that starts in Hopkins and passes through St. Louis Park to connect to other paved trails in Minneapolis. This well-maintained pathway serves as an important connector in the Twin Cities regional trail system. Cyclists, joggers, and walkers use this trail year-round to commute or enjoy recreational activities.
5. Shady Oak Lake
REFRESHING SUBURBAN OASIS
Shady Oak Lake is a popular recreational spot located along the Minnesota River Bluffs Trail. The lake features sandy beaches and clear waters, making it a favorite destination for swimming and picnicking during warm months. Local residents and visitors enjoy its accessibility and the natural respite it provides from urban life.
6. Lake Minnetonka
PREMIER BOATING DESTINATION
Lake Minnetonka is one of Minnesota's largest and most popular lakes, covering approximately 14,500 acres with numerous bays and inlets. The lake is renowned for its excellent boating, fishing, and waterfront dining options that attract visitors throughout the summer season. Its shores are dotted with historic towns, upscale homes, and public beaches that showcase Minnesota's lake culture.
7. Victoria Lake
TRANQUIL COMMUNITY WATERS
Victoria Lake provides a peaceful setting for fishing, kayaking, and nature observation in the western suburbs. The lake is surrounded by residential areas but maintains natural shorelines in many sections. Visitors appreciate its less crowded atmosphere compared to larger nearby lakes.
8. Round Lake
COMPACT RECREATIONAL SPOT
Round Lake offers accessible water recreation opportunities for local residents and visitors. The lake supports fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing in a suburban setting. Its relatively small size makes it ideal for families and beginners looking to enjoy water activities without venturing to larger lakes.
9. Gooseberry Falls State Park
SPECTACULAR WATERFALL VIEWS
Gooseberry Falls State Park features stunning Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, each dropping approximately 30 feet along a wide rock wall. The park offers family-friendly hiking trails including the Waterfalls Walk and Falls View Loop that provide excellent vantage points of these natural wonders. Visitors can learn about the cultural and geologic history of the area at the park's Visitor Center while enjoying connections to the Superior Hiking Trail and paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail.
10. Trout Run Creek
PREMIER FISHING STREAM
Trout Run Creek is a popular fishing destination known for its clear waters and healthy trout population. Anglers enjoy the challenge of fishing this stream while surrounded by the natural beauty of southeastern Minnesota. The creek is carefully maintained to support sustainable fishing practices and preserve water quality.
11. Whitewater River
SANDY BEACH RECREATION
The Whitewater River features inviting sandy beaches that make it a perfect spot for swimming and water recreation. The river winds through scenic valleys and bluffs in southeastern Minnesota, creating beautiful landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can combine river activities with hiking in the surrounding natural areas for a complete outdoor experience.
12. Superior Hiking Trail
LONG-DISTANCE WILDERNESS TREK
The Superior Hiking Trail is a 310-mile footpath that follows the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior from Duluth to the Canadian border. Hikers experience breathtaking views of the lake, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife along the well-maintained route. The trail features numerous access points and campsites, making it suitable for both day hikes and extended backpacking adventures.
13. Gitchi-Gami State Trail
PAVED SHORELINE PATH
The Gitchi-Gami State Trail is a paved pathway currently offering several completed segments along Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior. Cyclists, runners, and walkers enjoy spectacular views of the lake while traveling between shoreline communities and attractions. Once completed, the trail will stretch approximately 89 miles from Two Harbors to Grand Marais, providing an unparalleled recreational corridor along one of America's most scenic coastlines.
14. Wayzata Beach
LAKEFRONT URBAN ESCAPE
Wayzata Beach offers a sandy shoreline along Lake Minnetonka with swimming areas, picnic facilities, and playgrounds. The beach is conveniently located near downtown Wayzata, allowing visitors to combine water recreation with dining and shopping experiences. During summer months, the beach becomes a social hub for locals and visitors seeking refreshment from Minnesota's warm weather.
15. Lake Waconia
ALL-SEASON LAKE ACTIVITIES
Lake Waconia spans approximately 3,000 acres, making it the second-largest lake in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The lake supports year-round activities including boating and fishing in summer and ice fishing and snowmobiling in winter. Visitors appreciate its less crowded atmosphere compared to Lake Minnetonka while still offering excellent amenities and water quality.