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Cascade Lake Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 612 Google reviews · Running trail in Rochester, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cascade Lake Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This recreational area offers a lakeside trail with spots for fishing, plus an open play field.
What runners say about Cascade Lake Park
“A beautiful park including a small sandy beach, and many unique play features giving small children multiple opportunities to explore and learn through play.”
“With grassy amphitheater-style seating, visitors can bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to enjoy performances in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.”
Great place for the family and for all ages. Something for everyone. Beach with swimming allowed just watch out for dog poop. 2 mile walking loop around lake with adjoining trails. Wheelchair accessible. Also has a pavilion and looks like indoor party room. Nice little sitting area around a smaller pound.
A very pleasant place to walk and you can hear birds chirping and bugs nearby. Ducks and geese all over the place and you can walk really close to them without disturbing them. I just wish the main road was further from the park as you can hear cars nearby.
Cascade Lake Park: Where Nature Meets Music in Rochester, MN Nestled just minutes from downtown Rochester, Cascade Lake Park offers a refreshing escape into nature—and now, it’s also becoming one of the city’s favorite spots for live music and community gatherings.
Cascade Lake Park is hands-down one of Rochester’s most beautiful and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. You can feel the love and planning that went into turning this former gravel pit into a thriving, 225-acre recreational paradise.
Trail conditions & character
“A beautiful park including a small sandy beach, and many unique play features giving small children multiple opportunities to explore and learn through play.”
“Also nice individual restrooms with running water sinks.”
“Beach with swimming allowed just watch out for dog poop.”
“Lots of accessible play options, tons of climbing spots, sand for digging, unique swings, and a natural playscape.”
Plan your run at Cascade Lake Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiterochestermn.gov
- Phone(507) 328-2525
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–10 PM |
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