Lilydale Regional Park
Lilydale Regional Park
3.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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3.5
7 reviews
Excellent
2
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3
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1
oceansoul39
Apple Valley, MN60 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
As a new experience I took my kids (5 & 7) fossil hunting in Lilydale Regional Park. 10 minutes in and we were already finding fossils. It was easy digging so my kids really got into it. If you're kids love science, try this! It's definitely a unique experience.
The park is undeveloped...no bathooms, no railings, no mowed grassy areas, etc., but there are periodically maps with pictures and info along with a bench. There is a nice wide sand/gravel trail (wide enough to drive a truck down) that's nearly a mile long and slowly inclines about 300 feet... a couple legs of the trail are fairly steep. There are a couple waterfalls, a cave/sand mine and some ruins from the brickyard that used to be there. (The brickyard is the original reason the fossils were found in the 1st place.) Going in July we could not see the cave or the ruins...I'm guessing because the forrest is so thick. I'm not complaining, being emersed in the woods was a fun experience for my 'city kids' also. It just means we'll be going back in the fall to see if we can find the ruins. We also saw and heard lots of small wildlife.
Entering the park is free, however hunting fossils requires a permit ($10) that needs to be requested ahead of time. For the shortest turnout time, do it online and while on the site, printout a map and a park info booklet. Both were helpful.
Fossils: Just a few minutes on the path and there was an inlet on the left where a small stream (ankle deep & 6 inches wide max) was flowing...our first stop. The fossils were abundant and the stream helped to wash off rocks so could ID what we'd found. Also, we were a muddy/sandy & wet mess after this. There is no way to avoid it. We had bags, small shovels & brushes, a magnifying glass, etc.; but I wish we would have had a sieve or two and a bucket. Further up the trail there are several other dry fossil beds. They were still very abundant but a little harder to come by...we actually had to dig a little bit.
If you go, go early, take lots of water, good wet/dry shoes & a nearly empty box of tissues to wrap & carry the smaller, more delicate fossils home in.
The park is undeveloped...no bathooms, no railings, no mowed grassy areas, etc., but there are periodically maps with pictures and info along with a bench. There is a nice wide sand/gravel trail (wide enough to drive a truck down) that's nearly a mile long and slowly inclines about 300 feet... a couple legs of the trail are fairly steep. There are a couple waterfalls, a cave/sand mine and some ruins from the brickyard that used to be there. (The brickyard is the original reason the fossils were found in the 1st place.) Going in July we could not see the cave or the ruins...I'm guessing because the forrest is so thick. I'm not complaining, being emersed in the woods was a fun experience for my 'city kids' also. It just means we'll be going back in the fall to see if we can find the ruins. We also saw and heard lots of small wildlife.
Entering the park is free, however hunting fossils requires a permit ($10) that needs to be requested ahead of time. For the shortest turnout time, do it online and while on the site, printout a map and a park info booklet. Both were helpful.
Fossils: Just a few minutes on the path and there was an inlet on the left where a small stream (ankle deep & 6 inches wide max) was flowing...our first stop. The fossils were abundant and the stream helped to wash off rocks so could ID what we'd found. Also, we were a muddy/sandy & wet mess after this. There is no way to avoid it. We had bags, small shovels & brushes, a magnifying glass, etc.; but I wish we would have had a sieve or two and a bucket. Further up the trail there are several other dry fossil beds. They were still very abundant but a little harder to come by...we actually had to dig a little bit.
If you go, go early, take lots of water, good wet/dry shoes & a nearly empty box of tissues to wrap & carry the smaller, more delicate fossils home in.
Written July 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stpauliewoman
Saint Paul, MN381 contributions
Sep 2019
The park is a long stretch along the Mississippi River that has a bike and walking trail and is also accessible by car. There is a small lake (Pickerel Lake) where people ice fish and also fish with small boats in the summer. There is a citywide system in the area of kayak rental and a few of these lockers are situated by the lake.
My favorite part is the bike trail that connects to a long system of trails. There is good bird watching. The park is not closed as reported by a previous reviewer. There is one section on a hill that is now roped off but most of the park is in use.
One caveat is that parts of the trails and road may flood in spring so sections may be closed depending on the water level .
My favorite part is the bike trail that connects to a long system of trails. There is good bird watching. The park is not closed as reported by a previous reviewer. There is one section on a hill that is now roped off but most of the park is in use.
One caveat is that parts of the trails and road may flood in spring so sections may be closed depending on the water level .
Written December 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stric75
340 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
Many parks in the Twin Cities are biased toward nature preservation and they are not overly developed which is really nice if you are into the nature. Lilydale is a bit isolated and that's both a good and a bad thing. It's great for cycling, walking, bird watching and simple enjoyment of nature. Parking is limited and the access to drinking water is almost nonexistent so bring your own water and food. In the summer it's infested with mosquitoes so it can be quite unpleasant. When Mississippi floods, then it gets flooded as well and then it's practically impossible to access it.
Written December 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer S
West Saint Paul, MN3 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
This park has been closed due to dangerous hiking conditions...several grade school children were injured and 2 killed in a mud slide last year in this park. Since then it has been closed. Please update this on your site
Written July 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN3,197 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
Beautiful wooded area along the Mississippi River just south of downtown Saint Paul. The Big Rivers Regional Bike Trail is excellent and travels from Harriet Island in Saint Paul through Lillydale Regional Park and down to historic Mendota after passing Pike Island which is the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.
Written January 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TFH1978
Mendota Heights, MN142 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
You are right by the city but you feel like you are up north in the woods. Great bike trails and views of the Mississippi River. It is a good day activity with the kids.
Written August 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoman59
Saint Paul, MN207 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
I live in Saint Paul and go to Lilydale Regional Park on a regular basis. The park is located on the Mississippi River and provides many trails to hike. The roads and trails have just been improved in the area and it is very easy to get around. It is does not get a lot of people even though it is so close to the city and provides a quiet get away. I love walking the flood plain forests that boarder the river. I suggest giving this park a chance. Great for hikers and bikers.
Written October 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingLilydale Regional Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lilydale Regional Park
- Hotels near Lilydale Regional Park:
- (2.29 mi) Historic District BnB
- (2.84 mi) The Saint Paul Hotel
- (3.07 mi) Celeste St Paul
- (2.58 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown St. Paul
- (6.43 mi) TownePlace Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America
- Restaurants near Lilydale Regional Park:
- (0.49 mi) Pool and Yacht Club
- (1.62 mi) Casper & Runyon's Nook
- (1.93 mi) Cafe Latte
- (1.93 mi) Joan's in the Park
- (0.71 mi) Bennett's Chop & Railhouse
Lilydale Regional Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 2 |
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Very Good Reviews | 3 |
Lilydale Regional Park Photos | 10 |