Hi everyone—Mia Erickson here. If you’re looking for fresh ideas to get out and about around Inver Grove Heights, you’re in luck. Whether you crave river views, active sports, quiet forested trails, or fun family destinations, there’s plenty to explore. Here’s your guide to parks, trails, and local attractions worth your weekend time.
Parks & Trails You Shouldn’t Miss
Swing Bridge Park
This beautiful spot at 4465 66th Street E. offers a historic 680-foot pier over the Mississippi River where you can stroll and enjoy river views. There’s also a scenic overlook, benches, a trailhead connected to the Mississippi River Regional Trail, restrooms, water stations, and a shelter—ideal for an afternoon walk or a sunset picnic. The bridge is lit up each night with color-changing LEDs, with a dynamic show every 15 minutes and glowing colors in between. Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
North Valley Park
Located at 2800 70th Street East, this 58-acre woodland park is perfect when you want a mix of sport and trail time. You’ll find ballfields, tennis and pickleball courts, a newly public disc golf course, picnic tables, grills, and nearly a mile of trails. No playground—but if you’re up for a casual game or outdoor meet-up, this is the spot.
Heritage Village Park and Inclusive Playground
At 4321 65th Street East, this park is especially family-friendly. There’s an inclusive playground, splash pad (open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June through early September), a large off-leash dog park, a permanent restroom facility, picnic shelter, and accessible lighted trails. It’s one of the best places in town to bring kids or pups.
More Outdoor Gems
- Pine Bend Scientific and Natural Area: Just south of town, this preserves wild prairies and bluff-top views along the Mississippi—beautiful for birdwatching and quiet nature walks.
- Vista Pines Park, Groveland Park, etc.: Inver Grove Heights has 30+ parks and preserves with playgrounds, courts, sledding hills, outdoor rinks, and more. Grab the full park map to plan your day.
Indoor & Mixed Options
On less predictable days, you still have options for fun:
- Nowhere Entertainment: Mini golf, arcade games, escape rooms—it gives families or friends a chance to hang out indoors.
- Local cafés and eateries: Grab brunch at Cahill Diner, have a rooftop meal and brews at B-52 Burgers & Brew, or find a cozy café and unwind. Add a stop by Gertens if you enjoy garden centers and plants.
Weekend Itinerary Ideas
Here are a couple of ways to stretch out the weekend:
Option A: Outdoors & Nature Day
- Morning hike or walk along Swing Bridge Park + Mississippi River Greenway Trail.
- Picnic lunch at Heritage Village Park; let kids use the splash pad or pups roam the off-leash zones.
- Afternoon disc golf or a game of pickleball at North Valley Park.
- Evening BBQ by the river or a casual dinner at a local brew or diner.
Option B: Family & Mixed Weather Schedule
- Start with brunch; explore nearby garden center (Gertens) or plant nursery.
- Head to an indoor spot like Nowhere Entertainment or a cozy café.
- Finish with a stroll in a park, play time at inclusive playgrounds, or river views at sunset.
Let me know if you want ideas tailored to families, couples, or solo exploring—I’m happy to pull together more hidden gems in IGH!