Patch Picks: Perfect Picnic Spots

With the weather warming up and school almost out, there is a plethora of parks right here in Maple Grove to have a picnic. Here are our picks for four of the best picnic spots around town.

Maple Grove Arboretum  

The Maple Grove Arboretum, just off of Fernbrook Lane, has a scenic backdrop for an afternoon picnic. The 15-acre arboretum, owned by the city of Maple Grove, has more than 100 trees throughout the park that runs along Elm Creek. The park also has a picnic pavilion for rent for larger groups. The area not only has picnic tables, but ample grass areas off the trails to put down a blanket for an outdoor picnic.

Elm Creek Park Reserve     

Elm Creek Park Reserve, part of the Three Rivers Park District, is the largest park in Maple Grove spanning across several cities and more than 1,000 acres in Maple Grove. Prime picnic areas are near the man-made swimming pond and upcoming new play area, either using picnic tables or among the areas of open grass.

Fish Lake Park     

Fish Lake Park Reserve, part of the Three Rivers Parks District, has plenty of designated picnic areas near the beach off of Fish Lake.  If you want some exercise after your meal, several trails weave throughout the park for hiking or biking. Canine lunch companions can run off excess energy in the dog off leash area for an extra fee or use the dog trails.

Weaver Lake Community Park      

Weaver Lake Community Park, located off of Weaver Lake, has picnic sites throughout the park as well as a picnic pavilion area and grills. Since the park is located off of Weaver Lake, the beach is open to the public during designated hours as is a concession stand for an extra treat. Keep kids busy before or after the picnic at two playground areas and space net.