Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, offers a wealth of parks and attractions that cater to a variety of interests and provide year-round enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.
Scenic Parks and Trails
With 31 parks maintained by the city’s Parks & Recreation department, there’s no shortage of green spaces to explore. These parks feature scenic views, miles of paved and unpaved trails, playgrounds, fishing piers, and more. Notable parks include:
- North Valley Park: Spanning nearly 60 acres, this park offers pickleball courts, baseball fields, and a disc golf course, making it a hub for sports enthusiasts.
- South Valley Park: Connected to North Valley Park via a path under 7th St E, this park features playground equipment, a picnic shelter, grills, and a softball field. During summer, it hosts ‘Terrific Tuesdays’ with live kids’ entertainment at 10:30 am.
- Harmon Park Reserve: Home to over four miles of mountain bike trails, this park caters to biking enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Mississippi River Attractions
The Mississippi River plays a significant role in the city’s landscape, offering unique attractions such as:
- Swing Bridge Park: Located at 4465 66th Street E, this park features a 680-foot pier extending over the Mississippi River, providing stunning views. The park also includes historical items like an arch, railroad tracks, and a large gear from the original bridge. Color-changing LED lights installed in spring 2025 offer nightly light shows year-round.
- Mississippi River Greenway: This 28-mile paved trail is perfect for walking or biking, connecting Inver Grove Heights to South St. Paul and Hastings. Along the way, visitors can stop at Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area for breathtaking views and birdwatching opportunities.
Indoor and Family-Friendly Activities
For those seeking indoor entertainment or family-friendly activities, Inver Grove Heights offers several options:
- Veterans Memorial Community Center: This facility features an indoor water park with water slides, a wading area, whirlpool, lap pool, and diving well. Additional amenities include a fitness center, aerobics/dance studio, gymnasium, and two ice arenas.
- Nowhere Entertainment: An indoor, year-round entertainment center offering escape rooms, mini-golf, arcade games, and seasonal haunted houses.
- AMC Inver Grove 16: A local movie theater providing the latest film releases for a classic cinema experience.
Golfing Opportunities
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the city-owned Inver Wood Golf Course, which features an 18-hole championship course and an additional nine-hole executive course, all set on 275 acres of rolling, wooded terrain.
Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a history buff, or someone seeking family-friendly activities, Inver Grove Heights offers a diverse array of options to suit every interest and season.
