Tony Schmidt Park
Rate this placeNearby: Charles Perry Park Totem Pole Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Tony Schmidt Park is a popular and picturesque recreational area located in the state of Minnesota, offering visitors a range of activities and attractions.
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Summary
Situated in Arden Hills, this park is known for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and excellent amenities. Here are some key points about Tony Schmidt Park based on multiple independent sources:
Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: Tony Schmidt Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including dense forests, serene lakes, and rolling hills, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Recreational Activities: The park provides various opportunities for recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and birdwatching. It has well-maintained trails and open spaces that cater to individuals and families alike.
3. Water Activities: With access to Lake Johanna, the park offers activities like swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The lake's clean waters and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect spot for water-based adventures.
4. Sports Facilities: Tony Schmidt Park features excellent sports facilities, including baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, and a skate park. These amenities attract sports enthusiasts and teams for practice and games.
Points of Interest:
1. Lake Johanna Beach: This sandy beach is a popular attraction during summer, allowing visitors to swim, sunbathe, or relax by the lakeside. Lifeguards are present for added safety.
2. Playground and Picnic Areas: The park has multiple playgrounds for children, along with shaded picnic spots equipped with grills and tables, making it an ideal location for family outings and gatherings.
3. Wildlife Viewing: Tony Schmidt Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, deer, rabbits, and other small animals. Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot various species throughout the park.
Interesting Facts:
1. Tony Schmidt Park is named after a former Ramsey County Commissioner who played a significant role in the park's development and expansion.
2. The park covers an area of approximately 179 acres, offering an extensive space for outdoor activities and relaxation.
3. It is part of the Three Rivers Park District, a regional park system that aims to provide recreational opportunities while preserving natural resources.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Tony Schmidt Park is during the warmer months of spring, summer, and early fall when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed to the fullest. This period, typically from May to October, allows visitors to take advantage of the park's water activities, trails, and sports facilities.
Please note that it is always advisable to check the official website or local sources for the most up-to-date information on park access, facilities, and regulations before planning 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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Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park
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Bunker Hills Regional Park
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Bunker Hills Campground
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