Washington County brings together a wide range of discoveries: a wooded ravine, long riverfronts, and the Washington County Historic Courthouse, the longest-operating courthouse in the state of Minnesota. The county park system includes seven parks, two regional trails, and a conservation area. Forests, wetlands, and prairie give the landscape its varied character, along with a historic attraction that offers public tours.
Parks Among Ravines, Forests, and River
At Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, hills meet densely wooded ravines, old field areas, and prairie. The park covers 515 acres. Lake Elmo Park Reserve is on a different scale, covering 2,165 acres. There, rolling hills and forest and prairie landscapes shape the park’s character. If you want to compare different types of landscape, both parks offer a concrete point of reference: the wooded ravines at Cottage Grove and the broad combination of hills, forest, and prairie at Lake Elmo.
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park sits on the St. Croix River. It covers 685 acres and extends along 3,800 feet of riverfront. Point Douglas Park is also on the St. Croix River, just above its confluence with the Mississippi River. This location makes the confluence a notable geographic point of reference for a visit to the river.
The other park landscapes have their own distinctive features as well: Pine Point Regional Park includes pine forests, lakes, and wetlands. The significant natural features that characterize Big Marine Park Reserve include the St. Croix Valley, a northeastern ground moraine, high-quality uplands, and a wetland wildlife habitat. Square Lake Park, meanwhile, is designated a regional “Special Recreation Feature” because of Square Lake’s outstanding water quality.
Trails and Outdoor Activities
The Gateway State Trail is an 18-mile paved multi-use trail. Its length and surface offer clear points of reference if you’re considering a multi-use trail. Lake Elmo Park Reserve also has horseback riding trails, as does Pine Point Regional Park.
On the water, there are several different options. Visitors can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards through iPaddlePorts at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Point Douglas Park has a canoe and kayak launch. Rental offerings may change, and conditions at launch sites may also vary, so check availability and conditions before your visit.
Winter offerings round out the options: Nordic Rocks cross-country skis can be rented at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Availability may also vary by season. At Long Lake Conservation Area, bow hunting for deer, turkeys, and small game is permitted during designated hunting seasons. This activity is seasonal and regulated.
A Historic Counterpoint
The Washington County Historic Courthouse is the longest-operating courthouse in the state of Minnesota. Those interested in the area’s history can choose between guided public tours and self-guided tours. Public tours are offered daily. Alongside nature and landscapes, a visit to the historic building offers two different ways to explore the site.
For planning, it helps to keep the highlights distinct: riverfronts and the confluence provide geographic points of reference, while the parks range from ravines and forests to wetlands and prairie. Horseback riding trails, paddling options, and seasonal offerings each bring a different focus; the courthouse adds a piece of Minnesota history to these explorations.
Discover more destinations: Oakdale, Stillwater, Woodbury, Forest Lake, Cottage Grove, Lake Elmo, Afton, Clearwater County
For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.
