Explore Every Season at Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Address: Parkland stretches from Golden Valley Road to Interstate 394 across Minneapolis and Golden Valley
About Theodore Wirth Regional Park
It would be impossible to see and experience everything Theodore Wirth Regional Park has to offer in one day, but it would sure be fun to try! “Theo Wirth” (as it is affectionately called) stretches across more than 740 acres and, by no surprise, is the biggest public park in the Minneapolis park system. Once you step onto the grounds, take a moment to stop and look around. I guarantee you won’t feel like you are five minutes away from downtown!
From mountain biking to golf- the activities available here are just as diverse as the park’s landscape, which you can explore on both paved and unpaved trails. Be sure to keep an eye out for the 45-degree latitude line in the park (near Wirth Parkway and Golden Valley Road), noting the exact halfway point between the equator and the North Pole.
An absolute gem to visit in the summertime, Theo Wirth shines in the winter and is most famous for its cross-country skiing trails.
Summer at Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Wirth Lake
Wirth Lake is a fabulous place to take a dip with a floating swim dock and a fun beachside playground for the kids. The lake is a convenient destination to spend the entire day at or a place to cool off after a day of hiking through the park. It has multiple boardwalks, including one that connects two trails across the lake- making it perfect for a stroller ride! A lifeguard is on duty at the beach from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. early June through mid-August.
Golf
One of the oldest public courses in the state of Minnesota, a round at Theo Wirth truly feels like a historic experience, from the ornate clubhouse to the canopy of mature trees to the views of downtown Minneapolis on hole 3. If you have beginner golfers with you, skip the 18-hole course and head straight to their 9-hole Par 3 course. This is a great course to learn on, and you’ll still get incredible views of the park’s rolling hills.
The Trailhead
Located at the starting point of their cross-country skiing trail, The Trailhead is a multi-use space with gathering areas, restrooms, ski and bike rental equipment, and an excellent restaurant on-site that is open year-round.
Mill Valley Market offers healthy and delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare, along with a full coffee/espresso bar and beer and wine. Their waffles are a fan favorite! If it is nice out, be sure to take advantage of their cute outdoor patio.
Winter at Theodore Wirth Regional Park
World Class Cross Country Skiing
Theodore Wirth hosted the Cross Country World Cup in February of 2024, and the park was selected for a reason. With miles of groomed, world-class ski trails, this is a Nordic skier’s paradise, but also a great place for beginners. Ski passes are required.
Snow Tubing and Sledding
The winter fun doesn’t stop with skiing! Behind the Trailhead building is a large hill that hosts snow tubing with a tow rope that runs on weekends. Families can also sled for free on the 10th fairway of the golf course during the snowy winter months (the large hill next to the Chalet). Sleds, skis, and poles are all available to rent at the Trailhead.
Loppet Trail Kids
The mission of the Loppet Foundation is to connect people with the outdoors, and their strong relationship with Theo Wirth allows for outstanding programming for the littlest adventure lovers. Loppet Trail Kids provides kids ages 7-13 with year-round outdoor endurance sports, like nordic skiing, run & orienteering, and mountain biking. Beginner courses are available, and no prior experience is needed!
Theodore Wirth Regional Park Highlights
- 750-plus acre park (the biggest public park in Minneapolis!), jam-packed with recreational opportunities
- On-site restaurant
- Par-3 and 18-hole golf courses
- Extensive biking and hiking trails
- Paved walking paths
- Swimming beach and beachside playground
- Famous for cross-country skiing trails
- Archery range
Know Before You Go
- Website
- Hours: Open daily 6 a.m. to midnight in developed areas, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Admission is free
- A mix of paid and free parking spots is available on-site
Additional Links:
All images courtesy of Meet Minneapolis. Header Image CREDIT_LanePelovsky.
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.
