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Swede Hollow Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 411 Google reviews · Running trail in St Paul, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Swede Hollow 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.
Wooded valley park that was once an impoverished quarter & dump but now offers a trail among trees.
What runners say about Swede Hollow Park
“Swede Hollow Park is a cool place to visit but it needs our help for clean up and renewal of the area so more will feel safe to visit.”
“It is gorgeous and historical, and I love the groups that gather here.”
“I love how green it is, and how peaceful and quiet it is!”
A lovely gem just outside of St. Paul, you would never know you're so near 94. It feels like you're in another world, walking through a forest that snakes along the cliffs, under roads, outside the city. There are paved trails and smaller ones that weave through trees.
This park is near many bike trails, so that's likely the best way to see it. There's a small monument in the middle, with a sort of sculpture. There's a significant stairway to the upper park. If you or your dog or bike don't like steps, stick to the lower level.
Was looking reasonably clean and well maintained. This must be one of the oldest parks in the city, its only handkerchief sized. The most interesting things here are actually outside it. Take in the antiquated Nordic architectural themes across the street and nearby on neighborhood grand old mansions.
I love this park. It's so full of St. Paul History. I even love the stupid hike down the bluff. It is gorgeous and historical, and I love the groups that gather here. Last time I was there it was for an art crawl. In the Rain. And NOBODY cared that it was raining :) My kind of people
Trail conditions & character
“It is gorgeous and historical, and I love the groups that gather here.”
“There are paved trails and smaller ones that weave through trees.”
“If you or your dog or bike don't like steps, stick to the lower level.”
“I love how green it is, and how peaceful and quiet it is!”
“If you or your dog or bike don't like steps, stick to the lower level.”
Plan your run at Swede Hollow 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
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitestpaul.gov
- Phone+1 651-632-5111
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 9:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30 am–10:30 pm |
Running trails near St Paul
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary
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Upper Landing Park
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High Bridge Park North
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Gateway Trail
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