Cardinal Woods Park
Rate this placeNearby: Bison Creek Park Hanson Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cardinal Woods Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Minnesota, offering visitors a great place to relax, explore and enjoy nature.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park has several great trails which are perfect for hiking, biking, and running. Visitors can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and camping.
One of the main attractions of Cardinal Woods Park is its beautiful lakes, which are perfect for swimming and water sports. The park also has several picnic areas, playgrounds, and campsites, making it a great spot for families and groups. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, fishing, and exploring the park's many nature trails.
Some of the park's most interesting points of interest include a historic farmstead, an old sawmill, and a restored prairie. These unique features give visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history and natural heritage.
Visitors can also learn about the park's efforts to protect and preserve the environment. The park has implemented several eco-friendly practices, including recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting, and water conservation measures. These efforts have helped to make Cardinal Woods Park a model for sustainable parks across the state.
The best time to visit Cardinal Woods Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is at its most vibrant. However, visitors can also enjoy the park's stunning fall foliage and winter activities such as ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Cardinal Woods Park is a must-visit destination in Minnesota, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature, learn about the area's history and enjoy a range of fun outdoor activities.
Weather Forecast
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bunker Hills Regional Park
|
||
Bunker Hills Campground
|
||
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
|
Bison Creek Park
Hanson Park
Lions Coon Creek Park
Mallary Park
Sand Creek School Park