Regional parks guide

There are dozens of parks and recreational areas to explore in and around south Washington County. For details about county parks, go to www.co.washington.mn.us.

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park

This park consists of 506 acres of hills and heavily wooded ravines located south of County Road 19 and Highway 61 in Cottage Grove. It includes a year-round shelter with restrooms, a children’s play structure, a fishing pier and trails for walking and cross-country skiing. For details, call the Lake Elmo Park Reserve office at (651) 430-8370.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Located on County Road 19 in Lake Elmo, the park is 3.5 square miles in size, or 2,165 acres. The developed areas of the park offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, camping and horseback riding. For details, call (651) 430-8370.

Square Lake Park

Approximately 27 acres in size, the park is located north of Stillwater on County Road 59. It contains a 950-foot sand beach, as well as changing rooms and restrooms. Square Lake includes a boat launch. For details, call (651) 430-8370.

Point Douglas Park

The 7-acre park is located on Highway 10 in the southeast corner of the county, next to the St. Croix River. The park offers a 510-foot swimming beach on the river, as well as restrooms and changing rooms. For details, call (651) 430-8240.

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

The heavily forested bluff and ravine park contains 579 acres with 3,800 feet of St. Croix River shoreline. It is located on County Road 21 in Denmark Township, 3 miles south of Afton State Park. For details, call (651) 430-8240.

Afton State Park

Located on County Road 21 south of Afton, the park’s 1,700 acres offer excellent recreational opportunities for people who want seclusion. There are 24 campsites, but you have to travel by foot to reach them. For details, call (651) 436-5391.

Tags: community guide, recreation