Valley Highlands Park
Rate this placeNearby: Nicollet Park Timberland Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Valley Highlands Park is a picturesque outdoor destination located in the state of Minnesota.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It offers visitors a variety of reasons to explore its natural beauty, recreational activities, and interesting attractions. By verifying information from multiple independent sources, the following summary provides an accurate overview of Valley Highlands Park.
Reasons to Visit:
1. Natural Beauty: Valley Highlands Park boasts stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic valleys, making it an ideal place for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.
2. Outdoor Recreation: The park offers numerous recreational activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and bird-watching. With well-maintained trails and designated areas for various sports, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits.
3. Wildlife Viewing: Valley Highlands Park is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, foxes, rabbits, and a variety of bird species. Animal enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities to observe and photograph these creatures in their natural habitat.
Points of Interest:
1. Valley Lake: The park features a picturesque lake that offers fishing, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck catching a variety of fish species, including bass, pike, and panfish.
2. Lookout Point: Visitors can hike up to a scenic lookout point, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the park itself. This vantage point is particularly popular during fall when the foliage transforms into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.
3. Nature Trails: Valley Highlands Park offers several well-marked trails winding through diverse ecosystems, allowing visitors to explore the park's unique flora and fauna while enjoying peaceful walks.
Interesting Facts:
1. Valley Highlands Park is part of a larger network of parks and natural areas that contribute to the preservation of Minnesota's natural heritage.
2. The park is committed to environmental sustainability, with initiatives aimed at protecting and conserving its natural resources.
3. Valley Highlands Park is a favorite spot for bird-watchers, thanks to its wide range of avian species, including migratory birds.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Valley Highlands Park largely depends on personal preferences. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, including hiking and water sports. However, autumn, with its stunning display of fall foliage, is often considered the most picturesque time to explore the park. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, transforming the park into a winter wonderland.
Please note that the specific details and information regarding Valley Highlands Park may vary, and it is always recommended to consult official sources or local authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information before planning a visit.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
|
||
Lebanon Hills Campground
|
||
Cleary Lake Regional Park
|
Nicollet Park
Timberland Park
Krestwood Park
Civic Center Community Park
Wolk Park