As a part of the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area, Blaine, Minnesota, offers both the city life of condo and townhome living or beautiful outdoor areas with waterfront property to enjoy. With over 60 parks and 140 miles of trails within its boundaries, Blaine offers an abundance of walking and jogging trails to experience solo or in groups. See the detailed list below for some insight into a few of the best parks in Blaine and their trails and amenities.

Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor

This asphalt trail surface spans almost 14 miles, running 13.8 miles and ending at either the Lino Lakes YMCA or the Long Lake Regional Park in New Brighton. Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor covers five cities: Lino Lakes, Circle Pines, Blaine, Shoreview, and Arden Hills.

Just as there is a vast area covered on this trail, so is the different geography of restored prairies, mesic woodlands, and riparian marsh. Additionally, there is a lot of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer and a large population of birdlife, including ospreys, kestrels, and bluebirds. Non-motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail, as well as walkers and joggers who want to experience the vast views.

Bunker Hills Loop

Another popular regional park in the area is Bunker Hills Regional Park. This park features the well-known Bunker Hills Loop, a 6.9-mile loop trail near Andover that is appropriate for all skill levels. The lake on this trail provides it a beautiful view, and leashed dogs are allowed. With an elevation gain of just over 200 feet, this loop is not too strenuous for people who aren’t advanced hikers. In fact, this trail is marked as easy, and it takes approximately three hours to complete.

Springbrook Nature Trail

There is a lot to see at the Springbrook Nature Trail, with three miles of hiking trails through forests, prairies, wetlands, and across boardwalks. In total, there are five trails to walk and explore:

• Beaver Pond Trail: 0.3 mile
• Oak Savannah Trail: 0.5 mile
• Springbrook Trail: 0.6 mile
• Forest Hiking Trail: 1.0 mile
• Prairie Hiking Trail: 1.0 mile

Though the trails are not very lengthy, they are great options for beginners. Visitors can even plan their walk across several trails at once!

The experience on Springbrook’s trails is one to explore and take in the sights of the vast wildlife, plant life, birds, wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and more. Additionally, Springbrook Nature Center not only features popular walking, jogging, and hiking trails but much more, as well.

In total, Springbrook has 127 acres of diverse habitat and wildlife, along with many educational programs for visitors of all ages, including nature camp, bird banding, and animal feedings. They also offer unique programs and events that can make for a great school trip, birthday party, or group outing.

Mississippi River Regional Trail

This trail isn’t in Mississippi, but it is along the Mississippi River. This river, which is the second-largest river in the United States and fourth-largest in the world, flows through Minnesota. For its first 650 miles, this river flows through Minnesota’s forests and even through the Twin Cities, running all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico.

The 14.3-mile Mississippi River Regional Trail is located near Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, and is rated easy by fellow hikers. Though it is longer, people don’t have to walk the whole trail at once. Leashed dogs are allowed on this paved trail.

Coon Rapids Loop

Walking or jogging on a loop trail is always easy to navigate, as one can start and end at the same place they parked. Coon Rapids Loop is a moderately trafficked trail that runs for just over two miles—2.3 miles, to be exact. Featuring a body of water, a serene river can be seen while walking or jogging on this trail in Coon Rapids, MN.

With an elevation gain of only 29 feet, visitors don’t have to worry about getting breathless on hills on this loop. Leashed dogs are allowed, and the trail is known as a great spot for a nature trip.

Lakeside Commons Park Trails

With jogging and running trails that visitors can follow throughout the park, the Lakeside Commons Park trails are a great way for residents to experience outdoor activities in Blaine. The park features an abundance of greenery and beautiful water views visitors can take in as they explore the trails, as well as everything else the park has to offer.

Once visitors are done walking or jogging, they can enjoy the park’s beach, splash pad, volleyball courts, or playground. If they want to unwind and have a bite to eat, the picnic areas offer a great space to enjoy a bit of relaxation.

Explore Blaine’s Best Walking & Jogging Trails

Whether people find themselves in Blaine because they live close to the area, are moving here, or would like to visit the city, they can rest assured that they can get their steps in by exploring the many walking and jogging trails in and around the area. Whether someone wants something short and easy, or longer and perhaps a bit more strenuous, there are trails available for all activity levels and the timeframe they have available.

If you\'d like to learn more about homes in Blaine, contact Kris Lindahl Real Estate at 1-(855) 967-7653 to get in touch with a local real estate agent and discover your ideal home in Blaine today.