Anderson Lakes Park Reserve
Rate this placeNearby: Veness Pond Tierney's Woods
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Anderson Lakes Park Reserve is a popular destination in Minnesota for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Summary
This park is located in the southwestern suburbs of Minneapolis and covers an area of over 1,500 acres. There are several good reasons to visit this park, including hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife in the area.
One of the main attractions at Anderson Lakes Park Reserve is the network of trails. There are over 18 miles of trails that wind through the park, including both paved and unpaved paths. Visitors can choose from a variety of hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Some of the trails even connect to nearby parks and lakes.
Another point of interest in the park is the fishing. Anderson Lakes are stocked with a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, and crappie. Visitors can fish from the shore or rent a boat to explore the lakes. There are also several picnic areas and shelters throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family outing or a group gathering.
One interesting fact about Anderson Lakes Park Reserve is that it was once a working farm. The park was created in the 1960s by the city of Eden Prairie, which purchased the land from a local farmer. Today, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and bald eagles.
The best time of year to visit Anderson Lakes Park Reserve depends on the activity you plan to participate in. Spring and summer are great for hiking, biking, and boating. Fall is a popular time for birdwatching and enjoying the changing leaves. Winter brings opportunities for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
In summary, Anderson Lakes Park Reserve is a beautiful and diverse park in Minnesota that offers something for everyone. From hiking and biking to fishing and birdwatching, this park is a great place to explore the great outdoors. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Anderson Lakes Park Reserve is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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Lebanon Hills Campground
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