Lake Elmo Park Reserve in Lake Elmo, Minnesota is a 3.5 square mile park with 80 percent of the area reserved for preservation and protection. The plan is to have this area revert back to resemble what it was like before settlers arrived in the mid-1800’s. The wildlife includes lots of birds – I saw a bluejay fly across our path – and fox, weasels, rabbits, and deer.

Camping options include Primitive, Rustic, and Modern sites.

The park also includes a very large swimming pond and playground, a boat launch, cross country ski trails, equestrian trails, and hiking. We opted for a hike in the woods.