City: Maple Plain, MN

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (763) 694-7860

Address: 2301 County Rd. 19

Description: Located on Lake Independence in central Hennepin County, Baker Park Reserve’s 2,700 acres offer a 210-site campground, golfing at the Baker National Golf Course, swimming and boating in Lake Independence, and a playground for kids. The kids’ playground area is truly spectacular, almost fortresslike. Kids scramble over ramps, platforms, and paths made of recycled rubber mats that protect against minor falls and bumps and bruises.In winter a sledding hill, a cozy warming chalet, and snowmobile, mountain biking, and groomed cross-country ski trails are opened. In summer paved hiking and biking trails wind through one of the remnants of a Big Woods forest. Boats, bikes, snowshoes, and skis are available for rent at the park’s visitor center.