Cedar Lake Park wilderness guide
Regional Park · Minnesota

Cedar Lake Park

Cedar Lake Park is a scenic urban park in Minneapolis offering a combination of lakefront recreation, natural woodlands, and trail access that attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Regional Park1204+ Trails

Designation

Regional Park

Total Wilderness Area

120

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Cedar Lake Park

Cedar Lake Park is a scenic urban park in Minneapolis offering a combination of lakefront recreation, natural woodlands, and trail access that attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Cedar Lake Park is located in the western part of Minneapolis, Minnesota, adjacent to Cedar Lake itself, which covers approximately 169 acres. The park features a diverse landscape of open water, shoreline wetlands, mature forested areas, and well-maintained trails. This park provides a peaceful natural escape within the city offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, biking, and birdwatching. The park connects to the popular Midtown Greenway, a designated multi-use urban trail, making it accessible and popular for both local residents and visitors. Historically, the lake and surrounding parklands were part of Minneapolis’s early efforts to conserve natural urban spaces and provide public access to natural resources. The park also serves as an important habitat for migratory birds and native plant species, preserving ecological diversity. Visitors can enjoy picnicking areas, a sandy swimming beach, and canoe or kayak launches. With its mix of water-based and land activities, Cedar Lake Park is a favored destination for families, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The park is maintained by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and remains open year-round, offering seasonal activities like cross-country skiing and ice fishing during winter months.

Field Guide · Regional Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Cedar Lake Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Cedar Lake Swimming Beach with sandy shoreline and lifeguard services in summer✦ Connection to the Midtown Greenway Trail, a premier urban biking and walking corridor✦ Rich birdwatching opportunities with sightings of ducks, herons, and songbirds✦ Secluded picnic areas shaded by mature oak and maple trees
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Cedar Lake Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Cedar Lake Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Cedar Lake Park
Park Recreation

Swimming

Available in Cedar Lake Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Cedar Lake Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Cedar Lake Park
Park Recreation

Biking

Available in Cedar Lake Park
Park Recreation

Kayaking

Available in Cedar Lake Park
Park Recreation

Cross-Country Skiing

Available in Cedar Lake Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Cedar Lake Park
Park Recreation

Running

Available in Cedar Lake Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Cedar Lake Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; no permits required

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Cedar Lake Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Saint Louis Park, Minnesota
⌖ 2.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Saint Louis Park, Minnesota

Saint Louis Park offers a mix of urban convenience and accessible outdoor adventure with parks, trails, and paddling spots. It’s a perfect base for hiking, biking, and winter sports close to Minneapolis.

Late Spring through Early Fall, with winter options
Explore Town
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
⌖ 2.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

St. Louis Park, Minnesota

St. Louis Park blends city convenience with outdoor fun, offering hiking, biking, paddling, and winter sports among parks and lakes. It’s a great base for exploring the Twin Cities’ green spaces and enjoying active recreation year-round.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Minneapolis, Minnesota
⌖ 2.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis offers urban adventures with its excellent biking trails, scenic walks along the Mississippi River, and city paddling opportunities. Whether you're skiing in the winter or enjoying festivals in the summer, the city's vibrant outdoor scene complements a lively urban vibe.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Golden Valley, Minnesota
⌖ 3.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Golden Valley, Minnesota

Golden Valley offers easy access to Minnesota’s outdoor charm with parks, trails, paddling, and winter skiing near Minneapolis. Ideal for hiking, biking, and family picnics year-round.

Late Spring through Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Robbinsdale, Minnesota
⌖ 3.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Robbinsdale, Minnesota

Robbinsdale offers a quiet suburban setting with access to bike trails, parks, and paddling spots close to Minneapolis. It’s perfect for a low-key outdoor escape with nature walks, bird watching, and seasonal ice skating.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Edina, Minnesota
⌖ 4.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Edina, Minnesota

Edina, MN offers laid-back outdoor fun with scenic parks, paved trails, and calm lakes ideal for hiking, biking, paddling, and winter skiing. It’s a family-friendly town with easy access to nature and urban amenities.

Late Spring through Early Fall for water and trail activities; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Cedar Lake Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Bde Maka Ska Walk: Shorelines, Stories, and a Village Remembered
ADVEXPEDITION
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Walking TourADV Bookable

Bde Maka Ska Walk: Shorelines, Stories, and a Village Remembered

A 90-minute guided walk tracing layers of landscape and community—from the original lake shoreline at Thomas Avenue to public art marking the Dakota village—useful for anyone who wants a compact, interpretive look at Minneapolis’s shifting lakeside histories.

Walking TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip