Inver Grove Heights offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, from scenic parks and trails to engaging community centers and unique attractions. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Community Center Park
Adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Community Center (VMCC) at 8055 Barbara Avenue, Community Center Park features a recently updated playground designed for children aged 2-12. The park includes tall slides, a climbing wall, and swings suitable for infants and older children. A shaded picnic shelter with tables provides a comfortable spot for gatherings. The VMCC itself offers amenities such as an indoor water park, fitness center, walking track, two ice arenas, and a gymnasium. Learn more about Community Center Park
South Valley Park
Located at 2810 70th St E, South Valley Park is a hub for community entertainment. The park boasts a spacious playground with swings, climbing walls, and spin equipment, making it ideal for children aged 4 to 9. Visitors can also enjoy frisbee golf and sledding hills. A paved bike trail runs through the park, and during the summer months, the park hosts “Terrific Tuesdays” with live kids’ entertainment at 10:30 am. More about South Valley Park
North Valley Park
Connected to South Valley Park via a path underneath 70th St E, North Valley Park offers a serene environment with wooded areas and quiet spaces. Amenities include baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, new pickleball courts, picnic spaces, and nearly a mile of trails, including a paved bike trail. The park is also home to the Inver Grove Heights Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole course that requires a day pass from May to September. Discover North Valley Park
Veterans Memorial Community Center – The Grove Aquatic & Fitness Center
Experience it all at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights! Splash into excitement at the indoor water park that features a leisure pool with water slides, a wading area, and a whirlpool. Other amenities include a fitness center, aerobics/dance studio, gymnasium with a full-size basketball court, two ice arenas, and numerous meeting rooms. Explore the Community Center
Overlook Ridge Park
Situated at 7499 Auburn Ln, Overlook Ridge Park features a brand-new playground and covered picnic tables that offer shaded areas for snacks. A half-court basketball court adds to the activity options. Please note that parking is limited to street spaces, which are often fully occupied. Visit Overlook Ridge Park
Fishing Opportunities
For fishing enthusiasts, Inver Grove Heights offers several spots:
- City Hall Pond: Located behind the Community Center and City Offices at 80th Street and Highway 52, this 13.5-acre pond is home to species like Bluegill, Black Crappie, White Sucker, and Bullhead. More about City Hall Pond
- Gun Club Pond: Also known as Lion’s Park Pond, this 8.4-acre pond at Lions Park (65th Street and Blaine Avenue East) features species such as Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and Bullhead. Learn about Gun Club Pond
Unique Attractions
For those seeking unique experiences, Inver Grove Heights offers:
- Nowhere Entertainment: This venue provides activities like mini-golf, arcade games, escape rooms, and pop-up haunted houses. Discover Nowhere Entertainment
- Cuppa More Pages: A bookstore café that invites guests to take or leave books, functioning like a life-sized Little Free Library. Read about Cuppa More Pages
Inver Grove Heights is a community rich in recreational opportunities, offering a blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and unique attractions. Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, engage in fitness activities, or enjoy community events, there’s something here for everyone.

