The weather is warming and the outdoors is calling. Make a day of it by packing a picnic and relaxing in one of Woodbury’s many scenic parks. Here’s all you need to know for picnicking around town, from where to take your kids to cool off to what food to bring and how to transport it.
Where to go
Family Fun
Edgewater Park
3100 Edgewater Drive
On the southeast end of Colby Lake, Edgewater Park is a perfect family spot for an afternoon. Have your lunch by the scenic lakeside and enjoy a walk along paved trails around Colby Lake. Or play on nearby tennis courts/basketball courts or use the canoe launch and new fishing pier. The kids will love to feed the ducks usually swimming nearby.
Kargel Park
9301 Tamarack Drive
A favorite park for families with young children, Kargel Park has two accessible playgrounds, swings and a large open green space for kids to run. “Our club often hosts picnic play dates at Kargel Park,” says Woodbury MOMS Club-North president Langley Melendres. “It has great play structures to suit multiple ages of kids and picnic tables that are covered for shade, as well as restrooms.”
Powers Lake
10000 Brookview Road
A great place to walk, play or fish, Powers Lake appeals to all ages. The lake is stocked by the DNR with fish species such as largemouth bass and yellow perch, and has a fishing pier. There are also eight picnic tables, plenty of green space and a cool play structure nearby.
Tamarack Nature Preserve
1825 Tower Drive
If a scenic nature walk is your perfect picnic pairing, spend an afternoon walking Tamarack Nature Preserve. Two miles of trails wind through the wetland area offering the serene landscape of diverse flowers, grasses and wildlife. There are picnic tables but no shelter or restroom facilities available, so plan accordingly.
Cooling off
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
1515 Keats Ave, Lake Elmo
Lake Elmo Park Reserve features a man-made 2-acre swimming pond that is chlorinated and filtered. There are restrooms on-site along with a concession stand if you forgot your own food and snacks. They also have plenty of garbage cans, grills and picnic tables. Lake Elmo is managed by Washington County and costs $5 for a daily parking permit or $25 for an annual pass.
Carver Lake Beach
3175 Century Ave. South
The beach is calling! When the weather is right, take a post-picnic dip in Carver Lake. Beach access is free and unguarded. Picnic tables, nearby playgrounds and trails make Carver Lake a great day-long getaway. Side note: The path from the parking lot to the beach is a steep hill, so pack with that in mind.
Bielenberg Splash Pad
4125 Radio Drive
One of the newest park features in Woodbury, the splash pad will welcome families at its July 4 opening. “The planning for the splash pad is designed for younger children and was made with much local community input,” says Nick Alfano, chair of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Commission. Kids will enjoy splashing amid the sprayers and fountains of cool water. Picnic tables and green space nearby will make this new addition to Woodbury a family favorite.
Sporty spots
Ojibway Park
2695 Ojibway Drive
If you’ve only been here for Woodbury Days, you are missing one of Woodbury’s most versatile parks. Ojibway offers eight ball fields, three soccer fields, two sand volleyball courts, three horseshoe courts and a skate park. It also has an open air shelter, park program building with restrooms, six picnic tables, grills and play structures, which makes it great spot to have a post-game meal with friends and family. Bielenberg Sports Center 4125 Radio Drive The new BSC, with its July 4 public grand opening, will offer an updated sports facility for Woodbury families to enjoy along with existing sports fields, picnic facilities and five miles of trails throughout the complex. “Minnesota United FC professional soccer team will use Bielenberg as their official training facility,” Alfano says. “Families could have a unique day with a picnic and watching the pros practice.”
Colby Lake Park
9715 Valley Creek Road
A huge park with lots of options, Colby Lake has two ball fields, a soccer field and paved trails. It also has a park building with restrooms, open air shelter and three picnic tables.
What to pack
A successful outing is all about planning. Plan what food to bring and how to best carry it. Consider grabbing bites to-go from local restaurants. Angelina’s Kitchen offers carryout service and a great selection of pre-made wraps and salads. Don’t want to carry it all? Consider picnic delivery sandwiches from Jimmy John’s. Davina Ingersoll, general manager, says “Our guys have been known to run all the way through the park to get it to you.” Sharing a romantic picnic? Stop by Trader Joe’s for one-stop shopping, to grab a bottle of vino and a sushi platter.
Perishable food should be kept at cold temperatures to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Think about carrying a large insulated tote that can hold everything from food to blankets. Thirty-One Gifts carries a line of thermal bags that can keep food at the proper temperature. They also carry “about town blankets” that have a waterproof liner, great for picnics on ground that may be damp. The products come in fun and colorful patterns and can be personalized. Check out La Vie Boutique, a local retailer for Vera Bradley’s line of colorful totes and bags. Consider bringing folding camp stools; they’re comfortable, inexpensive, compact, and can be found at Gander Mountain or Cabela’s (opening May 15).
As long as you are of legal age, during the hours Woodbury city parks are opened, alcoholic beverages are allowed, but glass containers are prohibited. Stores including Super Target and Pier 1 Imports carry seasonal plastic drinkware, a step up from the Solo cup. Having a family reunion? Reserve picnic shelters, a specific park area, building or field by contacting the Woodbury parks and recreation department at 651.714.3583. Call in advance: according to recreation supervisor Jodi Sauro, these are all popular spots during the summer.
Don’t forget the bug spray, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Now you’re set for the ultimate picnic.
Where to find it
Angelina’s Kitchen
2170 Eagle Creek Lane; 651.998.0474.
Jimmy John’s
1960 Donegal Drive; 651.738.6000.
Trader Joe’s
8960 Hudson Road; 651.735.0269.
Thirty-One Gifts
Staci Becker, local consultant
La Vie Boutique
8306 Tamarack Village, #401; 651.738.8351
Gander Mountain
10470 Hudson Road; 651.735.6101.
Cabela’s (opening May 15)
8400 Hudson Road; 612.255.0000.
Super Target
449 Commerce Drive; 651.239.1874.
Pier 1 Imports
8452 Tamarack Village; 651.578.7806.
Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department
651.714.3583
Washington County Park System
651.430.8390.
