The Best Minneapolis Parks for Running and Writing Inspiration

Writing and running help the mind grow, learn, and create. Often when I'm out on the pavement, I'm letting my mind drift. Among other things, I think about writing. My characters grow in front of me, flesh out into real people. My stories become clearer as my breathing evens out. My plot lines rise and fall like the hills and valleys surrounding me. Where I run often shapes the scope of my writing. Having recently moved to Minnesota, I've been exploring new places to run and new areas to fuel my creativity. Here are some of my favorite parks so far (big thank you to Coach Kim from Moms on the Run, who introduced me to all of these wonderful places!).

1. East Community Park - Lakeville, MN

   A small playground marks the start of this community park. Directly behind the playground is the beginning of a 2-mile ring path leading through meadows, forest, and around a small lake. From the parking lot you can also take a straight path that goes for miles through neighborhoods and wooded areas. This is one of my favorite spots because you have so many choices for distance and won't run into too many hills (though the ones around the ring road are somewhat of a climb in spots!). Enjoy the scenery and let the creativity flow!

   
   

2. Minnehaha Falls - Minneapolis, MN

   A jewel of the Twin Cities, this unique regional park offers a sidewalk path all the way to the famed falls. Not far away is the Minnehaha Trail, which leads to Fort Snelling in St. Paul. This 5-mile path is perfect for running, biking, or walking. Local restaurants and coffee shops aren't far away either, so if you want to write your epiphanies down after you run, you can do so!

   
   

3. Chain of Lakes - Minneapolis, MN

   Located in Minneapolis, the Chain of Lakes paths are staples of the city's running community. Consisting of four lakes (Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Brownie Lake, and Cedar Lake), each 1-3 miles around, the Chain of Lakes recreational area allows people of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors. As its name suggests, the paths are connected, offering plenty of views and mileage for writers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

   
   

4. Lake Nokomis Regional Park - Minneapolis, MN

   I love this path, mostly because it's close to a cute coffee shop (Nokomis Beach Coffee) and it has perfect views of the lake. It's not too hilly, so if you want a gentle run around a stunning body of water, this is the perfect spot. Writing inspiration abounds here, as the trail is popular with the local community and visitors—offering plenty of chances to people watch. Like the Chain of Lakes, the path is paved and goes in an almost 3-mile loop.

   
   

5. Cleary Lake - Prior Lake, MN

   While this regional park is about 35 minutes outside of the Twin Cities, it's worth the visit. A quaint forested area with a 3.5-mile ring road around another lake makes it a picturesque spot to get creative and log some serious miles. One of the best parts about this one is that the bathrooms are usually always open, well stocked, and CLEAN. I'm always excited to run here and have some of my best ideas after a Cleary Lake run.

Are you planning to visit Minnesota or a local searching for new running/writing inspiration? Make sure to visit these sites. You won't be disappointed!