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Taft Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 443 Google reviews · Running trail in Richfield, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Taft 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.
City park offering athletic fields, a walking trail, play equipment, a fishing pier & a hockey rink.
What runners say about Taft Park
“Great grass that's well kept up, tons of airplanes overhead for him to point at (if you like that sort of thing -- hard to talk over though), and well kept bathrooms.”
“This park is a hidden gem for anyone looking to enjoy a serene and peaceful walk by the lake.”
This park is a hidden gem for anyone looking to enjoy a serene and peaceful walk by the lake. The lake itself adds a beautiful backdrop to the park, and there is even a designated fishing area. The walking paths are generally well-maintained, though there are a few spots where the streets are slightly broken.
Availed of the paddleshare services - the lake is pretty decent for beginners who want to try out paddleboarding/kayaking/canoeing, as it's pretty small and calm (and the shorelines are marshy). As long as you keep at the middle of the lake, it's pretty nice to leisurely paddle around.
I grew up in this park and haven't been back in at least 20 years. It is still a great park! Great park for a quiet walk as it is not nearly as busy as nearby Nokomis. Of course if its like it used to be it gets pretty busy when softball or soccer games are happening but its still usually pretty quiet by the lake.
This park will forever hold a place in my heart but that’s only because somebody made it special for me. Other than that the fishing is alright, lots of bullheads. Caught the smallest… bluegill? I’ve ever caught here around the “peninsula” with the picnic bench.
Trail conditions & character
“Fishing docks look nice and well kept, and there are wheelchair-accessible rolling ramps for easy transfer from wheelchair to kayak into the lake.”
“This park is a hidden gem for anyone looking to enjoy a serene and peaceful walk by the lake.”
“Softball games are held most evenings, so parking spots can be tough to find.”
“The area surrounding the lake has returned to a bit more of a natural state but it is a paved path around the lake.”
“The lights make place accessible in the evenings as well.”
“Great grass that's well kept up, tons of airplanes overhead for him to point at (if you like that sort of thing -- hard to talk over though), and well kept bathrooms.”
Plan your run at Taft 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitednr.state.mn.us
- Phone(612) 861-9700
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Richfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Taft Lake Walking Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
Veterans Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,034 reviews
Popular lakefront park featuring an outdoor pool, ice arena, mini-golf course & community events.
Nicollet Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 87 reviews
Casual, secluded green space offering basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, plus a playground.
Lake Nokomis Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,022 reviews
Popular park providing sailing, paddlesport rentals, concessions, a community center & playground.
Richfield Lake Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 187 reviews
Family-friendly park with playgrounds, trails and an amphitheater.