HomeMinnesotaBrooklyn Center › Palmer Lake Environmental Nature Area

Palmer Lake Environmental Nature Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 123 Google reviews · Running trail in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Palmer Lake Environmental Nature Area'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.

PavedDog-friendly

Popular wooded park featuring multiple playgrounds plus miles of paved and unpaved trails for walking and biking.

What runners say about Palmer Lake Environmental Nature Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (123 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“It's always been very well maintained and no issues ever.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Good walking and biking trails, scenic trails and a lake.”

I stopped here on a whim. I just wanted a place I could park and sit and not be bothered. There’s a small parking lot that I could do just that. I sat and listened to the birds and nature sounds. I could see a sidewalk, so I’m pretty sure there is a trail. Which I’d like to check out in the future.

★★★★☆ — Jennifer , Nov 2023

Wonderful park. Just the right length for a nice walk. Trails well maintained.

★★★★★ — Julie , Jun 2023

The trails in this area are beautiful and well kept. A heavenly slice of nature in the woods along Shingle Creek that can easily make you forget you're in the middle of the metro.

★★★★★ — Linda , Jun 2025

I grew up around this area but I can't say enough nice things about it. People are extremely friendly around here it has an amazing vibe. It's always been very well maintained and no issues ever. I hope that they keep this around for a long time. Good walking and biking trails, scenic trails and a lake.

★★★★★ — David , Feb 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 123 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🐕 Dog-friendly 6 mentions

“Good for taking casual walks or playing with your dog, kids etc.”

More trails like this →

🛣️ Paved surface 4 mentions

“Breath in the fresh air while walking on paved paths”

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Plan your run at Palmer Lake Environmental Nature Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
  • Phone+1 763-569-3400

Where to find Palmer Lake Environmental Nature Area

2800 69th Ave N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Get directions

Running trails near Brooklyn Center

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Palmer Lake Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 431 reviews

Brooklyn Center, MN

3 miMixedScenicDog-friendly

Lakeside park with wildlife, picnic tables & paved pathways for hikers & bikers.

under a mile away

West Palmer Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 45 reviews

Brooklyn Center, MN

Public park offering athletic courts and fields, plus a children's playground.

under a mile away

Centennial Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 404 reviews

Brooklyn Center, MN

Scenic

Scenic green space featuring archery, baseball, softball, tennis, a playground & picnic shelters.

under a mile away

Shingle Creek Trail Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 19 reviews

Brooklyn Park, MN

PavedDog-friendly

under a mile away

Brookdale Park & Dog Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 272 reviews

Brooklyn Park, MN

Natural surfaceLitDog-friendly

Sprawling dog park featuring ponds, a baseball field, plus a playground, picnic tables and walking trails.

1.1 miles away

Evergreen Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 161 reviews

Brooklyn Center, MN

Lit

Grass-covered playground and sports fields at a school with friendly students.

1.2 miles away

All running trails in Brooklyn Center, MN →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.