Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Three Rivers Park District preserves encompass a broad collection of natural lands, lakes, wetlands, and forests distributed throughout the western and northern suburbs of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Established to conserve greenspace, protect native ecosystems, and offer residents outdoor recreation in proximity to urban centers, these preserves cover ecosystems such as oak savannas, prairies, hardwood forests, and wetlands. The preserves form key wildlife corridors supporting species like deer, bald eagles, various migratory birds, and a range of native Minnesota flora and fauna. Many preserves trace their history to original natural features maintained or restored by regional conservation efforts since the 1970s. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, birdwatching, and fishing across well-maintained trails and access points. Notable preserves include the popular Crow-Hassan Park Reserve with its scenic bluffs and creek, Hyland Lake Park Reserve with its diverse habitats and wetlands, and Baker Park Reserve with extensive trail networks and lake access. These lands help protect water quality feeding into the Mississippi River basin while providing outdoor education and community programs. The combination of accessibility and preservation creates an important outdoor resource blending nature conservation with active recreation. The park district continuously acquires and enhances new lands, preserving critical natural areas within one of the most developed metro areas in Minnesota.
