Mathaire Park
Rate this placeNearby: A A Kordiak Park Keyes Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mathaire Park is located in the state of Minnesota and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
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Summary
It is a beautiful natural area that offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions.
One of the main reasons to visit Mathaire Park is to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The park features hiking trails, bike paths, and picnic areas, as well as a large lake for fishing and boating. Visitors can also explore the park's wetlands and wildlife habitats, which are home to a variety of birds and animals.
Another popular attraction in Mathaire Park is the Minnesota Zoo, which is located within the park's boundaries. The zoo features over 5,000 animals from around the world, including tigers, bears, and giraffes. Visitors can also enjoy interactive exhibits, shows, and educational programs.
Other points of interest in Mathaire Park include the Lebanon Hills Regional Park, which offers additional hiking and biking trails, and the Dakota County Heritage Village, which is a living history museum that showcases life in early Minnesota.
Interesting facts about Mathaire Park include that it was named after a French-Canadian fur trader who established a trading post in the area in the early 1800s. The park was established in 1955 and has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The best time of year to visit Mathaire Park depends on the activities you are interested in. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking, fishing, and boating, while fall and winter are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Overall, Mathaire Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to explore the natural beauty of Minnesota. With its hiking trails, wildlife habitats, and numerous attractions, it is sure to provide a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
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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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Bunker Hills Campground
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A A Kordiak Park
Keyes Park
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Farr Lake Park
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