Inver Grove Heights boasts a variety of parks and recreational facilities that cater to residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful nature walk, family-friendly activities, or sports facilities, there’s something for everyone.
Scenic Parks and Trails
North Valley Park offers nearly 60 acres of wooded serenity, featuring baseball and softball fields, tennis and pickleball courts, picnic areas, and close to a mile of trails, including a paved bike path. It’s an ideal spot for both relaxation and active pursuits.
Connected to North Valley Park via an underpass beneath 70th Street East, South Valley Park serves as a community hub with playground equipment, a picnic shelter, grills, and a softball field. During summer, it hosts ‘Terrific Tuesdays’ with live children’s entertainment at 10:30 am.
For breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, visit Swing Bridge Park. The park features a 680-foot pier extending over the river, a scenic overlook, and historical artifacts from the original Rock Island Swing Bridge. A trailhead facility connects visitors to the Mississippi River Regional Trail, complete with bike fix-it stations, restrooms, and water fountains.
Community Centers and Facilities
The Veterans Memorial Community Center is a focal point for indoor recreation. Amenities include an indoor water park with slides, a lazy river, and a lap pool; a fitness center; an aerobics/dance studio; a gymnasium; and two ice arenas. It’s a year-round destination for families and fitness enthusiasts.
Adjacent to the community center, Community Center Park features a recently updated playground suitable for children aged 2-12, a climbing wall, swings, and a shaded picnic shelter—perfect for gatherings and parties.
Golfing and Disc Golf
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the city-owned Inver Wood Golf Course, which spans 275 acres of rolling, wooded terrain. The facility includes an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole executive course, catering to golfers of all skill levels.
For disc golf fans, the Inver Grove Heights Disc Golf Course offers an 18-hole course shared between North and South Valley Parks. A day pass is required from May to September, while play is free from October through April.
Unique Attractions
Book lovers can visit Cuppa More Pages, a bookstore café that functions as a life-sized Little Free Library. Guests are encouraged to take or leave books while enjoying a cup of coffee, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
For those seeking a thrill, the Nowhere Haunted House offers a unique haunted experience. Opened in October 2022, it stands out as the metro area’s only 18+ haunted attraction, with varying scare levels to accommodate different preferences.
With its diverse array of parks, trails, and community facilities, Inver Grove Heights provides ample opportunities for recreation and leisure, ensuring that residents and visitors can find activities that suit their interests year-round.
