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MAC Wildlife Area has to be the best kept secret in the Twin Cities. This little wildlife area right next to the crystal airport was recently updated. The park is a wildlife viewing area located in Crystal and owned by Metropolitan Airports Commission. It is located east of the Crystal Airport in the northeast section of of the city. Family-friendly amenities include trails and boardwalks and a newly-constructed learning station constructed along the path to offer learning opportunities and a close view of the wetland area. Updates to the boardwalk and the new learning station were completed in early fall of 2018.

Hiking Through the Wildlife Area

So, what can you do with a family at MAC Wildlife Area? Hike or stroll. The boardwalks that Three Rivers helped construct are beautiful and weave through gorgeous wildlife areas. There are benches for resting when you need to, and you can use this time just to soak in the natural beauty. There are also interpretative signs along the paths to give you a chance to look smart to your kids. I love reading the signs and then stating facts like an authority. This works until they start to read themselves.

Nature Play Areas

My four-year-old would argue that this is not a park because there is not playground. I recommend not calling it a “park” when you visit if you have a tot who believes playground and park are synonymous. However, there are nature play areas within in the park. Those can be just as fun as a traditional playground.

MAC Wildlife Area Habitat

This park is made up of a combination of wetland and upland habitat, with a boardwalk that circles a pond. The park is home to unique species of plants and animals.

Updates to MAC Wildlife Area

CCX News reported on the 2018 updates shortly after the were finished. Watch a video to get an overview of the park.

More recently, interactive interpretive nature signs were placed around the park to help visitors learn more about the natural surroundings of the park.