Silverwood Park Loop

The Silverwood Park Loop is a mile-long paved trail that circles the park, located in Saint Anthony, Minnesota -- only minutes from downtown Minneapolis. This hike runs through an oak forest, a prairie habitat and past Silverwood Lake.  This park is part of the Three Rivers Park District so there are no fees to enter the park. Dogs are allowed on the trail when on a six-foot leash.

This is a popular park but there is ample parking. The trail can be accessed from many locations in the park and is easy to follow. The trail is suitable for almost all abilities, relatively flat but does have some short easy climbs, and is plowed during the winter months. There is an island on Silverwood Lake that can be accessed via a bridge from this loop.

A highlight of the trail is a pair of Great Horned Owls that routinely nest near the trail. The tree where the owl’s nest is located is north of the main parking lot in an oak forest. A viewing platform has been built just off the trail. The owlets can typically be seen in April.

Another interesting aspect of this trail is there are two programs, Silverwood Art On Foot – Sculpture Trail and Silverwood Art On Foot – Poetry Trail, incorporated into the trail. These programs feature outdoor artwork and poetry. Information about the sculptures and poetry can be obtained by scanning a QR code with your mobile phone. Information about the sculptures and poetry can be obtained by scanning a QR code with your mobile phone. A map the sculpture and poetry tour cane be found here. 

The Silverwood Park Loop provides a nice way to get back to nature as well as enjoy the work of regional artists and poets in the Twin Cities metro area.  A map of Silverwood Park including its trails can be found here.