Ramsey: Nature Trails and Winter Experiences

In Ramsey County, trails, nature programs, and seasonal recreation take center stage. Options range from paved park trails and a boardwalk to cross-country ski trails, sledding, and nature walks. When planning, you can first decide what kind of stay you’re looking for: a specific trail route, biking, a nature walk as part of a program, or winter activities. This helps you focus your plans without implying that all activities are available in the same season or involve the same type of use.

Trails and Outdoor Destinations

Ramsey County’s trails are suitable for hiking, biking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Ramsey County also manages six regional trails within the Metropolitan Council’s Regional Recreation Open Space System. Keller Regional Park has paved trails and a boardwalk that runs from the Island area beneath Highway 36 to Spoon Lake. The boardwalk is a clearly defined choice if you’d like to include a specific destination in your trail plans; the county’s trails also accommodate several types of activity. If you prefer a named destination, the route to Spoon Lake offers a different point of reference for planning than the broader trail network, which is described in terms of activities.

Compare Winter Activities

The Battle Creek Winter Recreation Area has machine-made snow, lighted cross-country ski trails, sledding, snowshoeing, and winter hiking trails. Operations may vary by season, so it’s a good idea to check current operating information before planning your visit. A joint Ramsey County and Saint Paul cross-country ski pass is also valid for more than 50 kilometers of marked and groomed trails with natural snow; pass rules may change. When choosing, you can consider both the type of activity and the trail conditions: Battle Creek has machine-made snow, while the pass applies to trails with natural snow. Dog parks and ice fishing are also among the winter options in Ramsey County parks. These add more recreation choices beyond snow-dependent activities.

Nature Programs at Tamarack Nature Center

Tamarack Nature Center is a 320-acre nature preserve in White Bear Township. Its programs include nature walks and close-up encounters with animals. The Nature Center offers opportunities to explore nature year-round; specific program dates may vary. If a particular nature walk or animal encounter is important to your visit, check the current program schedule. Here, the focus is on experiencing nature through the center’s programs, while the trails in Ramsey County let you choose among several types of activity.

Golf as Another Activity

Ramsey County has four public golf courses. Keller Golf Course has an 18-hole course and an accessible driving range with practice facilities. The driving range adds an opportunity to practice alongside the course. You can include public golf as another outdoor option and choose between playing the course or practicing at Keller.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mounds View, Maplewood, Saint Paul, Vadnais Heights, Shoreview, White Bear Lake, Roseville, Benton County

For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.