Brownie Lake Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
A tranquil, year-round nature oasis just outside downtown, offering diverse outdoor activities from challenging mountain biking to beginner ski trails, and seamless water access to the wider Chain of Lakes. It provides a unique blend of solitude and connectivity.
Key Highlights
- ✓Offers year-round activities: running, walking, canoeing, SUP, cross-country skiing, sledding, and mountain biking.
- ✓Features clean lake water suitable for paddling activities.
- ✓Easily connects to Cedar Lake and the wider Chain of Lakes (Cedar, Isles, Makaska) for extended adventures (requires crossing train tracks to Cedar Lake).
- ✓Contains 'amazing,' 'challenging,' and 'fun' mountain biking trails, specifically on the west end of the lake.
- ✓Includes nice beginner bike and ski trails, making it accessible for those new to these activities.
- ✓A 'pretty and short walk all the way around' the lake is available.
- ✓Has a 'nice beach' for relaxation and sitting.
- ✓Provides 'easy spots to put kayaks in' for lake access.
- ✓Sledding is available on the northeast side of the lake during winter.
Standout Features
- ⭐Year-round utility with diverse seasonal activities.
- ⭐Direct connectivity to the larger Chain of Lakes via Cedar Lake.
- ⭐Offers both beginner-friendly and challenging trails for different skill levels.
- ⭐Provides a sense of solitude and natural escape despite its proximity to downtown.
- ⭐Presence of a beach and easy kayak put-in spots.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →For easier canoe/boat access, consider launching from Cedar Lake and paddling over to Brownie Lake rather than portaging from the street.
- →Be aware that connecting to Cedar Lake involves crossing train tracks.
- →Utilize the beginner bike and ski trails if visiting with children who are learning these activities.
- →Explore the west end of the lake for more challenging mountain biking experiences.
- →Consider visiting in winter for cross-country skiing or sledding on the northeast side of the lake.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Lacks good, direct access for canoes and boats; requires portaging from the street and down a hill, or launching from Cedar Lake is recommended for easier access.
Price & Value
No entry fees or specific costs are mentioned in the reviews, implying free public access to the park and its trails. This offers excellent value for a wide range of year-round activities and natural beauty.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations (e.g., wheelchair access, sensory-friendly hours) are mentioned in the reviews. The activities primarily involve trails, water, and varied terrain.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No specific food policy is mentioned in the reviews, implying it aligns with typical public park rules (e.g., outside food and drinks are likely permitted, but no onsite vendors are referenced).
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking details are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews. Given its description as a 'hidden gem' and 'outside of downtown,' visitors may need to rely on street parking or small, undesignated access points.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Generally low to moderate crowd levels are implied, offering a sense of 'solitude right outside of downtown' and being described as a 'hidden gem'.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features (e.g., staff supervision, first aid stations, specific signage) are mentioned in the reviews, which is typical for a public park and trail system. Users should exercise standard outdoor safety precautions.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If seeking highly structured playgrounds or dedicated facilities for very young children, as the focus is on natural outdoor activities.
- • If expecting very easy, direct, non-portage access for launching larger boats like canoes directly into Brownie Lake.
Pricing/Package/Events
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Lake is off limits to motorized watercraft.
- • Lake is available to canoes and kayaks.
- • Youth Sports programs focus on a fun, participatory, and safe environment guided by knowledgeable and supportive coaches.
- • Sportsmanship Code applicable to youth sports programs (details not provided).
📅Booking Policy
- • Canoe/Kayak Storage Rack Permit: Annual permits available for canoe/kayak storage.
- • Outdoor Use and Event Space: Park space can be reserved for corporate events, community celebrations, and more.
- • Youth Sports Registration: Can be done online (MPRB ActiveNet), in-person at any recreation center, or by phone (612-230-6400 if paying with credit card).
- • Youth Sports Friend Requests: Guaranteed if reciprocal and made within one month of registration opening.
- • Youth Sports Post-Deadline Registration: If deadline is missed, contact individual parks after July 31 at 3 pm to inquire about available space.
🚗Parking Information
- • Annual Patron Parking Permit available for popular regional parks (implies some parking may require a permit).
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Laura Machacek
4 years agoIf you’re looking for a little piece of solitude right outside of downtown, this is the place. I love to run and walk on the trail around the lake... you can easily extend your run or walk over to Cedar Lake. In the summer, we paddle our canoe and SUP across it’s clean water over to the chain of lakes. In the winter, we cross country ski the trails and sled on the northeast side of the lake. Oh, and you can’t forget the amazing mountain biking trails on the west end of the lake too! It’s the little lake that gives all year round!
Ava Olson
2 years agoHidden gem near Cedar Lake. Really nice beach to sit and read. Pretty and short walk all the way around (and connects to cedar via crossing over the train tracks). Easy spots to put kayaks in as well and connect to Cedar.
Jordon Fiske
4 years agoBrownie Lake has some great mtb trails! Challenging and fun!
O. Komarenko
4 years agoNice and well hidden nature oasis with a lane these connected to the Cedar - Isles - Makaska chain. Has nice beginner bike and ski trail running through it (part of the larger Mpls trails) as well.
Michael Alford
3 years agoPart of the Chain I lakes, but lacks good access. I would love to Canoe here but you will need to either portage from the Street and down a hill. Or you will have start in Cedar Lake. Go with the Cedar Lake option.