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Schaper Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 610 Google reviews · Running trail in Golden Valley, Minnesota · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

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

Confirmed from Schaper 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.

RestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

Ninja-themed park featuring obstacle courses and timers.

What runners say about Schaper Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (610 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Amazing playground with obstacle course and scenic walk.”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“It's great for most kids that like to run and climb.”

I came here for my young kids not knowing what this park was. I was in for a surprise when I ended up playing and running around while my 7 year old called me crazy. It's so much fun!

★★★★★ — Michaela , Aug 2021

Still a great park, sadly some of the astrotruff is getting pulled up. Otherwise it has aged well. It's great for most kids that like to run and climb. This park is always busy though I don't think I have seen it empty for more than 10 minutes. I do wish there was a swingset add.

★★★★★ — Lauren , Mar 2024

This park is a blast! I would say it has American Ninja Warrior vibes. It was fun trying all the things. My favorite part was the running strip!

★★★★★ — Amanda , Jul 2021

It's hard to place Schaper Park because it's a great park for grade schoolers and Middle Schoolers but not toddlers. There's some softball diamonds nearby as well as a pond and a trail. The park is not very big and there isn't a ton of parking that's close.

★★★★☆ — Jon , Nov 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 610 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.

🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“Bathrooms nearby that aren't just porta potties which is a bonus.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“They have Drinking fountains!”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

“The park is not very big and there isn't a ton of parking that's close.”

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Plan your run at Schaper Park

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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • Websitethreeriversparks.org
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 am–10 pm
Tuesday 6 am–10 pm
Wednesday 6 am–10 pm
Thursday 6 am–10 pm
Friday 6 am–10 pm
Saturday 6 am–10 pm
Sunday 6 am–10 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 Schaper Park

631 Ottawa Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55422

Get directions

Running trails near Golden Valley

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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1.1 miles away

Sochacki Park—South Golden Valley entrance

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Brownie Lake Park

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Walter Sochacki Park

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MixedDog-friendly

Dog-friendly, 37-acre green space offering wooded hiking/biking trails, plus shelter & picnic areas.

1.5 miles away

All running trails in Golden Valley, 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.