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Indian Heights Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 126 Google reviews · Running trail in Rochester, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Indian Heights 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.
Urban hillside park with scenic trails, overlooks and native flora.
What runners say about Indian Heights Park
“The Friends of Indian Heights have diligently cleared out invasive non-native undergrowth so that visitors are greeted with a stunning view of a naturally forested hillside.”
Indian Heights Park is historically a sacred site for the Native American Dakota tribe. It is the Zumbro River Valley's highest point that faces the rising Sun. The city of Rochester's Parks and Recreation Master Plan for Indian Heights Park is to restore it to a pre-European state.
Has nice trail that leads to a very beautiful overlook of the outer parts of older Rochester. It's a little bit of a steep climb at first so warning to anyone who has a hard time physically. Not an easy trail right at the start.
So many different paths to take and it goes forever l. I loved it and I spent more than an hour walking and taking pictures. The only thing is I can hear cars and other motor vehicles.
Pleasant trails within town limits. There are several high spots that provide a great view of the town. Plenty of deer, grey squirrels, cardinals and blue Jays amongst other fauna to be seen. Great for a short hike or to find a spot to get away for a bit. Decent parking lot and trails are maintained.
Trail conditions & character
“The Friends of Indian Heights have diligently cleared out invasive non-native undergrowth so that visitors are greeted with a stunning view of a naturally forested hillside.”
“It's a little bit of a steep climb at first so warning to anyone who has a hard time physically.”
Plan your run at Indian Heights Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance1.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websiterochestermn.gov
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Rochester
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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