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Located along Elm Creek, Maple Grove Arboretum is approximately 15 acres of tree-lined trails. There is both a hard trail, ideal for biking and a more rustic trail through the trees. The park has over 100 trees in a variety of native species. According the the Minnesota DNR, there are 53 different native Minnesota tree species, so likely the park has multiples of several. I was not able to find a list online.

10 Ideas for Family Fun at Maple Grove Arboretum

1. Download Hennepin County’s Tree Bingo game and see how many you can find. The Arboretum is home to more than 100 types of trees, and they are labeled, so you can check your answers. Find it here.
2. Visit the Angel of Hope.  Maybe leave a flower in memorial of someone.
3. Pack a picnic. There is a shelter and other green spaces where a blanket could be spread. While you are there…
4. Play yard games on the green area by the picnic shelter. We list several ideas here: 60 Fun Outdoor Games for Kids This Summer.
5. Explore nooks and crannies. There are tons of little hidden places along the walking trails. We like to search for places that would make good fairy and gnome homes.
6. Bring your fishing gear. Creek side fishing is allowed at this park.
7. Stop for a bike tune up. Take advantage of the the bike tune-up station, equipped with basic bike maintenance tools, including an air pump. Then …
8. Go on a family bike ride. Trails connect with Rice Lake and Medicine Lake Regional Trail. The arboretum offers offstreet parking while you are biking.
9. Check out the waterfall. It is apparently near the high school, about a 10 minute walk from the arboretum parking lot following the trail. I did not get that far on my visit, but you can see a picture of it in this article from The Patch.
10. Learn more about trees. The Minnesota DNR offers this teacher’s guide resource for learning about trees.

Birthday Parties at Maple Grove Arboretum

The Picnic Pavilion can be reserved and rented for private events like birthday parties. It can hold up to 100 people and has charcoal grills and electrical outlets for cooking. It is priced by the day with a discount for residents.

Angel of Hope Statute

Dedicated in 2001, the Angel of Hope statue is a memorial for mourning parents and families to find hope and healing from the loss of a child. Inspired by the book The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans, these statues can be found all over the country and in Japan.

More Twin Cities Arboretums:

• Horton Park and Arboretum, Saint Paul
• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska