Self-Guided Activities
Ramsey County's parks offer a myriad of outdoor recreational opportunities. From leisurely walks to invigorating jogs and exhilarating bike rides, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast. Glide on rollerblades, traverse snowy trails on skis, or enjoy ice skating during the winter months. With a variety of options for exploration and adventure, Ramsey County's parks provide year-round enjoyment for all.
Specialist-led recreation programs are also available throughout the year.
Archery
Marsden Archery Range
5101 Lexington Avenue, Arden Hills, MN 55126
Marsden Archery Range is an 8-acre range bounded by Lexington Avenue and the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant.
Features and rules
- 15 archery lanes with butts.
- Varying lane lengths of 10-40 yards.
- A 20-car parking lot.
- No firearms.
- No alcoholic beverages.
- No private targets
- No broadhead arrows.
Restrooms are not available at this location.
Keller Archery Range
2010 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109
The Keller Archery Range is located in the Golfview picnic area section of Keller Regional Park.
Features and rules
- 12 archery lanes with butts.
- Varying lane lengths of 10-40 yards.
- No firearms.
- No alcoholic beverages.
- No private targets
- No broadhead arrows.
Bird watching
More than 240 identified bird species have been spotted in Ramsey County, and more than 100 of those regularly stay to nest. Spring and summer are the prime seasons for bird watching, but even in winter about 35 species remain in the county.
Where to look
Download Birding Location Maps (PDF) to get started.
Birding checklist
Have you spotted all the bird species in Ramsey County? Use the Bird Checklist (PDF) to track your progress!
Boating and fishing
Looking to paddle around a lake for an afternoon? Want to find a fishing hole? Ramsey County has 18 lakes to choose from. Canoers and kayakers can also access the Rick Creek Water Trail, which winds into the northern portion of the county.
A fishing license is required for anyone 16 years and older. Licenses are available from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and multiple sporting goods locations throughout the county.
Ramsey County’s lakes are regulated by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.
Boat launch locations
Launches are concrete unless otherwise noted.
- Bald Eagle Lake
- Island Lake
- Lake Johanna
- Lake Josephine
- Keller Lake
- Long Lake
- Lake McCarrons
- Lake Owasso
- Otter Lake
- Snail Lake
- Turtle Lake
- Lake Wabasso
- White Bear Lake
Fishing pier locations
Cross-country skiing
Ramsey County provides 40 km of marked and groomed cross-country ski trails at five locations. The city of Saint Paul provides an additional 20 km at four locations. A mutual Ramsey County/Saint Paul ski pass is required on all county and city trails.
Geocaching
Bring treasure hunting into the 21st century! Geocaching will have you hunting and exploring all of the Ramsey County park system. There are 40 caches in Ramsey County parks and thousands throughout the state.
Horseshoes
Ramsey County maintains designated horseshoe courts located at 2030 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood, MN 55109.
The county’s horseshoe facility is home to the Saint Paul-Ramsey County Horseshoe Club. The site features 20 lighted courts.
Please note: The use of horseshoes in parks and picnic areas is not permitted.
Orienteering
A permanent orienteering course is located at Tamarack Nature Center. Beginner, intermediate and advanced routes are available. Classes are available upon request, and rentals and sales of orienteering equipment are available during normal business hours.
Sledding
When the snow falls, it’s time to go sledding at one of Ramsey County's designated sledding locations.
Battle Creek Regional Park
- Two sledding hills are located in the West section of the park. Closest access is the parking lot off of Winthrop Street, next to the City of Saint Paul's Battle Creek Recreation Center.
- Lighted until 10 p.m. when conditions permit.
- Park information and map
Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park
- Sledding hill is located north of the picnic pavilion in the Snail Lake section of the park.
- Park information and map.
Tamarack Nature Center
- Sledding hill is located in the Discovery Hollow Nature Play Area.
- Facility information.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is permitted in all parks except on designated and groomed cross-country ski trails or areas plowed for pedestrians.
Swimming
During the summer, swimming is permitted at Ramsey County's nine designated beaches and at Battle Creek Waterworks.
Find more information on:
Tuj lub
Tuj lub, a traditional Hmong top-spinning game, is played on grass courts. Three courts are available for use at Keller Regional Park, near the Golfview shelter and the Keller Archery Range.
Individual courts may be reserved or all three courts may be reserved for tournament play along with the nearby picnic shelters.
Walking and biking
Walking and biking is available at all Ramsey County parks and trails. For park maps, visit the park’s page.