Home › Minnesota › Bloomington › Normandale Lake Park
Normandale Lake Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 643 Google reviews · Running trail in Bloomington, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Normandale 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.
Park offering walking, jogging & biking trails around the lake, with picnic areas & canoeing.
What runners say about Normandale Lake Park
“The park is very well kept and it's absolutely beautiful that they put on free concerts throughout the summer!”
“Beautiful, quintessentially "Minnesota" lake that is quiet and serene to walk around.”
“Whether you’re out for a leisurely walk or a run along the 2-mile path, the calm of the lake just draws you in.”
“A great area for dogs to walk, kids and parents to do a little fishing, or sit by the waterfall with a book.”
For a lake in the middle of the city, Normandale was great. I can be a harsh judge when it comes to nature spots (thus the 4-star rating). If you are in the area you should definitely visit. It's a nice place to relax and unwind.
Walking trail is a wonderful blend of wilderness and city! We stopped by after lunch and did a lap and it was lovely.
I love taking walks around this lake. Its a little over 2 miles around. Nice path for people walking and also a separate path for bikers. Sometimes i take my bike around here too. Theres an area next to the ski jump to park your car if needed. Lots of picnic tables on the north side of the lake.
Beautiful, quintessentially "Minnesota" lake that is quiet and serene to walk around. Lots of geese and other wildlife to enjoy, and people CAN kayak, but I would caution anyone against it due to the algae and lilly pads.
Trail conditions & character
“We went to see the waterfall, which isn't clearly marked so we got a great 2 mile walk in, also 👍🏽 😀 The benches here are some of the best situated and nicest quality I've seen.”
“A great area for dogs to walk, kids and parents to do a little fishing, or sit by the waterfall with a book.”
“On quieter days, it’s the ideal place to settle in with a picnic, meditate by the water, and enjoy a peaceful lunch surrounded by nature.”
“This is a beautifully-maintained park with both a pedestrian paved path as well as one for bikes and roller blades.”
“Good restroom and water fountain facilities in the parking lot on the West side.”
“Good restroom and water fountain facilities in the parking lot on the West side.”
“Good restroom and water fountain facilities in the parking lot on the West side.”
Plan your run at Normandale 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
- Distance2 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitebloomingtonmn.gov
- Phone+1 952-563-8877
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Bloomington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Richardson Nature Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 554 reviews
Scenic nature center offering trails & wide range of recreational activities, plus community events.
Fred Richards Park
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Modern playground that’s also a popular spot for picnics and walking on a paved pathway.
Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 110 reviews
Lush parkland offering wildlife & forested walking & biking tails around a secluded lake.
Anderson Lakes Regional Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 79 reviews
Park featuring paved and dirt hiking trails that are good for kids.
