Phalen Regional Park

Natural Features

Phalen Regional Park is a 494-acre park located on the east side of Saint Paul, Minnesota. At its heart lies Lake Phalen, a sprawling 198-acre body of water that's popular for recreation and nature appreciation.

The landscape here is wonderfully diverse - rolling hills give way to flat stretches, while pockets of native oak stands remain from the park's earliest days. In recent years, there's been an effort to replace invasive plants with native species, improving the ecological health of the park.

Two men on the paved trail around Lake Phalen

Recreation Opportunities

A paved trail winds about 3 miles around the lake, offering a perfect route for your morning jog, afternoon stroll, or leisurely bike ride. Many sections feature separate paths for walkers and cyclists, with some areas designated for one-way (clockwise) traffic to keep everyone moving safely.

During summer, you can swim at the only public beach in Saint Paul, with lifeguards on duty during the warmer months. Kids will love splashing around in the splash pad, and you can borrow free life jackets for extra peace of mind. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the 18-hole golf course, which takes up just over half of the park's total space.

This wooden fishing pier extends into the lake's northwest shore

Amenities and Activities

Picnic spots are scattered around the park, with tables, gazebos, and charcoal grills that make for perfect family gatherings. Planning something bigger? The western shore offers several larger sheltered areas that you can reserve for special occasions.

The lake itself invites all sorts of water adventures - try your hand at kayaking or canoeing, with boat rentals available at the boathouse during summer. Sometimes you'll even find free kayak sessions if you're new to paddling. Fishing is another popular pastime here, with the lake hosting a variety of fish species.

Staying active is easy with volleyball courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, and soccer fields all within reach. And of course, there's plenty of open grassy space for tossing a frisbee or simply stretching out with a good book.

Cultural Features

The park features the China Friendship Garden (also known as the Hmong shrine), with Asian-inspired architecture and design. It's a quiet area that offers a contrast to the more active parts of the park.

As you wander the paths, you'll encounter various sculptures and cross over ornate bridges that add artistic touches to the natural setting - little discoveries that make each visit unique.

Community Events

Phalen hosts community events throughout the year. You might catch organized races, charity walks, triathlons, or vibrant cultural celebrations like the Dragon Boat Festival, Lantern Festival, Harvest Moon Festival, and Water Festival.

When winter blankets the landscape, the park transforms into a cold-weather playground excellent for cross-country skiing and ice skating. Many locals also brave the cold for some ice fishing on the frozen lake.

Connectivity

The park doesn't exist in isolation - it's connected to the broader regional trail network, including the Bruce Vento Trail, the Gateway State Trail, and the Grand Rounds, making it a key piece in Saint Paul's green space puzzle. You can easily extend your adventure to nearby Keller Lake Regional Park via the connecting trails.

Phalen Regional Park draws an estimated 500,000 visitors each year, offering a blend of natural space and recreational activities in Saint Paul's East Side.