Burwell Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burwell Park is a beautiful recreational area located in Minnetonka, Minnesota.


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Summary

The park is spread over 50 acres of land, featuring lush greenery, rolling hills, and scenic views of Lake Minnetonka. There are many good reasons to visit Burwell Park, including hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and an off-leash dog park. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in Lake Minnetonka, which is just a short walk from the park.

One of the most popular attractions in Burwell Park is the historic Burwell House, which was built in 1883 and now serves as a museum. The house is a fine example of Victorian architecture and is open for tours throughout the year. Other points of interest in the park include the Trolley Trail, which offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding areas, as well as the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority Trail, which is a popular spot for biking and jogging.

Burwell Park is also known for its rich history and interesting facts. The park was named after James Burwell, a wealthy businessman who owned a large portion of the land in the area during the 1800s. In addition to the Burwell House, there are several other historic buildings in the park, including the Old Log Theater and the Minnetonka Yacht Club.

The best time to visit Burwell Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and swimming. The park is also a popular spot for picnics and family gatherings, with plenty of shaded areas and picnic tables available for use.

Overall, Burwell Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Minnesota. With its scenic beauty, rich history, and abundance of recreational activities, it offers something for everyone to enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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