Art and Nature Unite at St. Anthony’s Silverwood Park
Address: 2500 County Road E, St. Anthony, MN 55421
About Silverwood Park
Just 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Minneapolis sits a serene retreat dedicated to the love and appreciation of the outdoors and art. Silverwood Park has everything you would expect from our state’s famously stellar parks: stunning views of the water, beautiful trails, and a variety of recreation opportunities. However, what truly makes this park a gem is its dedication to art and creativity in all forms, set against a naturally beautiful backdrop.
Art Appreciation
Silverwood Park boasts an expansive visitor center that could double as a first-class art gallery, featuring large installations and smaller exhibits. It features works in various mediums, with a focus on the natural world. Throughout the year, the exhibits rotate, and the center hosts opening receptions to unveil new artwork.
But the art isn’t limited to the indoors. Silverwood Park has a stunning sculpture trail with numerous unique pieces dotted throughout the landscape. They also feature a mile-long paved Poetry Trail that circles throughout the park’s prairie and forest. You can listen to local poet’s work using a smart device and QR codes.
Silverwood Park Kid-Focused Programming
There’s nothing better than a classic movie on a Saturday night, so why not enjoy it from the comfort of your canoe, boat, or kayak? That’s exactly what families can do at Silverwood Park during their yearly Float-In Movie in July. If you prefer to stay on-shore, families can watch from dry land as well. This is just one example of the fun, kid-centric programming offered at the park.
The park offers My Child & Me (for children aged 7-12, accompanied by an adult) and My Preschooler & Me (for children aged 3-6, accompanied by an adult) classes for parents and their children. The classes are focused on bringing nature and art together. The classes begin with an art project, like basket weaving or clay ceramics, before turning outdoors to look for critters in a pond or searching for acorns.
Throughout June, July, and August, the park hosts free concerts on Wednesday nights, featuring a variety of local musicians and music styles – everything from acoustic folk to jazz and pop fusion. The concerts are free and take place at the park’s outdoor amphitheater.
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Silverwood Park Highlights
- Art and environmental destination on the shores of Silver Lake featuring a restored prairie and extensive natural programming
- Silverwood OnStage free concerts on Wednesday evenings
- Free Fun Family Days on select Sundays
- Birthday parties guided by Art Educators and Naturalists
- On-site Coffee Shop and Art Gallery
- Canoe and kayak rentals
Know Before You Go
- Website
- Hours: Open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
- The Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
- Upcoming programs and events can be found on their website
Mary McGuire is a mother of two young girls and freelance journalist based in the Twin Cities. Her current interests include searching for lost pacifiers, cleaning up crushed Cheerios, and sharing everything our great state has to offer with other families. Born and raised in Edina, Mary has worked in broadcast television for more than a decade at TV stations across the country.
