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Richardson Nature Center

4.9 ★★★★★ 554 Google reviews · Running trail in Bloomington, Minnesota · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Richardson Nature Center'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.

ScenicStroller / ADATrailhead parking

Scenic nature center offering trails & wide range of recreational activities, plus community events.

What runners say about Richardson Nature Center

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (554 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“The birds are always active, the trails always well maintained, and the staff always friendly.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“We just did a family photoshoot here with the beautiful fall colors.”

Love coming to the Richardson Nature Center and going up to the second floor to the fireplace room. They have big windows to watch the wildlife (mostly birds and squirrels) going crazy. Fun, peaceful, free activity. The paths are all well maintained and easy to walk.

★★★★★ — Kyra , Nov 2024

This nature center is excellent. We enjoyed the walk on the trails and the 5 and 2 year olds we were watching thoroughly enjoyed the visits to the nature games and exhibits in the main building. Already looking forward to coming back.

★★★★★ — Martin , May 2019

Nice place to go for a walk and teach the kids about nature. They have the recreation center where you can use it for kids to have fun and do different activities, also you can book a birthday party here. Nice, clean and amazing.....

★★★★★ — Karina , Aug 2019

We love coming here. The birds are always active, the trails always well maintained, and the staff always friendly. The inside of this place is full of educational materials that children and adults both can enjoy. They host a number of activities throughout the year as well.

★★★★★ — Brandon , Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 554 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“You can make your trail short or long with nice views along some ponds and prairies.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Richardson Nature Center

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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 — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitethreeriversparks.org
  • Phone+1 763-694-7676
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 9 am–5 pm
Tuesday 9 am–5 pm
Wednesday 9 am–5 pm
Thursday 9 am–5 pm
Friday 9 am–5 pm
Saturday 9 am–5 pm
Sunday 12–5 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Richardson Nature Center

8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438

Get directions

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.

Normandale Lake Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 643 reviews

Bloomington, MN

2 miPavedScenicDog-friendly

Park offering walking, jogging & biking trails around the lake, with picnic areas & canoeing.

under a mile away

Anderson Lakes Regional Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 79 reviews

Eden Prairie, MN

2.1 miLoopMixedScenic

Park featuring paved and dirt hiking trails that are good for kids.

1.6 miles away

Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve

4.4 ★★★★☆ 110 reviews

Eden Prairie, MN

2.1 miLoopPavedScenic

Lush parkland offering wildlife & forested walking & biking tails around a secluded lake.

1.6 miles away

Fred Richards Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 82 reviews

Edina, MN

Paved

Modern playground that’s also a popular spot for picnics and walking on a paved pathway.

2.0 miles away

Nesbitt Preserve Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 135 reviews

Eden Prairie, MN

ShadedDog-friendly

Relaxed park featuring a playground, plus basketball and baseball pitches.

2.3 miles away

2.9 miles away

All running trails in Bloomington, 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.