Hyland Lake Park Reserve is part of the larger Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve, managed cooperatively between the City of Bloomington and the Three Rivers Park District. Richardson Nature Center is also found at Hyland Park Reserve. When hiking in the winter after dusk, choose the Lake Trail, which is lit in the evenings.
Chutes and Ladders Playground
Hyland Play Area is unofficially known as "Chutes and Ladders Park". Anne has written about the gigantic playground in her article, 10 Things for Kids: Richardson Nature Center & Hyland Park. There are myriad climbing and sliding opportunities for all ages here plus sand and a small spray zone. Just be prepared for crowds when school is out! To avoid disappointment, we recommend checking the Three Rivers Play Areas page for closures.
Richardson Nature Center
Richardson Nature Center is home to natural beauty minutes from the big city. Inside, visitors can meet Richardson’s resident raptors, reptiles, and amphibians up close. There are many kid-friendly exhibits such as a puppet theater, child-sized tables and chairs for reading and puzzles, and aquariums at just the right height. Outside enjoy the nature exploration area.
Disc Golf at Hyland Lake Park Reserve
The park offers a small 3-hole disc golf practice area near the Hyland Visitor Center. The practice area is free to use and does not require a pass.
Birthday Parties at Hyland Lake Park Reserve
During the warmer months of May through September, families can schedule Creative Play Parties in 2.5-hour blocks. They $80.00 fee includes use of the Hyland Play Area and 2 picnic tables for up to 24 guests. Parties can be scheduled on weekends from 9:30 a.m. to noon, 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. or on weekdays after 3:00 p.m. This is a DIY party. Brink your own refreshments and party accessories. Piñatas and grills not allowed. Reusable blue table cloths and onsite composting and recycle bins are available. Call 763-694-7687 to book a time or for more details.
Wildlife to Watch for When Visiting
Wood Ducks
Spring is a good time to visit to see ducklings. Three Rivers Park District's Wood Duck Management Program maintains and monitors wood duck boxes at this park. Records show that nests in these boxes produce, on average, 8 ducklings in a year.
Trumpeter Swans
The Three River’s Park District’s Trumpeter Swan Reintroduction Project began in 1966 with the Trumpeter Swan Society lending their support beginning in 1968. While Minnesota now boasts over 12,000 swans, before the program began with a single pair, there had been no Trumpeter Swans in the area for generations. Now these birds build nests in Hyland as well as other local parks. When visiting, the park district asks guests to respect the swans and their environment by following park rules, only using designated trails, and avoiding close contact or feeding of these wild birds.
Beavers
Three Rivers suggests Turtle Basking Pond as the best place to spot beavers in this park. Because they are nocturnal the best times to spot them are early mornings or late evening hours. Try sitting quietly on a dock or trail near the pond. Learn more here.
Articles Related to Hyland Lake Park Reserve
- 10 Things for Kids: Richardson Nature Center & Hyland Lake Park
- Summertime Together: Hyland Lake Park Reserve Play Area
- 10 Twin Cities Beaches & Playgrounds to Try This Summer
- FFTC Summer Bucket List: 101 Things For Your Family This Summer