Central Park is one spot where it’s easy to lose track of time. With the newly built Lookout Ridge (pictured), the R.H. Stafford Library and more, it’s a great space to spend an afternoon. Photo: Chris Emeott
From go-to spots to hidden parks, discover what makes our community stand out.
There’s so much that makes Woodbury Woodbury. With a growing number of locally owned restaurants and shops as well as an abundance of activities, parks and trails, the city offers plenty to enjoy for residents and visitors alike—and the city is blooming more and more each year. While we round up this years’ Best of Woodbury on page 24, I took a fresh look at what I find makes the community excel. Here, I paint a portrait of the town by showcasing just a few of the standouts—including the “most likely to” and the “best place to.”
Best Place to Accidentally Spend an Entire Afternoon
The recently renovated Central Park (8595 Central Park Place) has been open since November, and it’s easy to lose track of time at the new facility. (I visit it at least two or three times a month!) The warmer months welcome the opportunity to explore the newly added outdoor space; additionally, no matter the time of year, guests can enjoy the indoor botanical garden as well as the variety of events and performances held at the amphitheater and gathering rooms. Those looking for quiet space to work or study will enjoy the bountiful amount of seating areas, while boisterous children and families can climb up the Lookout Ridge play structure. woodburymn.gov.
Most Likely to be on Every Local’s Camera Roll
It’s a safe guess that many Woodbury residents can find a photo of Powers Lake in their camera roll—I know I can! Kent Nye captured it in his photo, Powers Lake Morning Solitude. Photo: Kent Nye
At 58-acres and a top fishing spot in Woodbury, Powers Lake is one of the most notable lakes in town. Located off of Woodbury Drive, the area features an often photographed fishing pier and a
1.6-mile paved trail running along its shoreline. The nearby park (10000 Brookview Road) includes parking, a picnic area and a playground. Whether it’s a summer walk along the path or winter ice fishing, Powers Lake makes for a beautiful snapshot that every local can enjoy. dnr.state.mn.us
Least Likely to Change
If there is one spot in all of Woodbury that has stood the test of time, it’s Woodlane Shopping Center located on Woodlane Drive. Although it’s not as glamorous as some of the newer shopping areas in town, it served as a primary retail hub when it opened in the 1970s. Most notably, Ronnally’s Pizza & Pasta sits in the same location as when it opened in 1973—the same as Woodlane Flowers, which opened just five years later in 1978. Although a few storefronts have changed (The old PDQ is now Yang’s Chinese Restaurant—a personal favorite since childhood!), several services have remained, such as the cleaners, an insurance agency and an optometrist.
Most Main Character Energy
Woodbury Days Carnival by Cindy Abair shows the playfulness of the annual festival, hosted at Ojibway Park, one of Woodbury’s first established parks. Photo: Cindy Abair
Ojibway Park (2695 Ojibway Drive), first known as Central Park, opened in 1974, and the 40-acre property was complete with athletic fields, hockey rinks, a playground and a warming house. Just a few years later, the band shell was built (Although it was replaced in the 1990s.), and the skate park was added in 2003. The park, now more than 160-acres large, is home to several cherished community events, such as the Juneteenth Celebration (June), Woodbury Days (August), One Woodbury (September) and the Halloween Hoopla (October). Now, there is a little bit of everything, including an accessible playground, ball and soccer fields, an expansive park building, paved trails and more. woodburymn.gov
Most Underrated Nature Spot
Tamarack Nature Preserve is a place of quiet solitude throughout the seasons, as seen in Winter Tamarack Path taken by Todd Wiessner.
Home to one of the southernmost stands of tamarack trees in Minnesota, Tamarack Nature Preserve (1825 Tower Drive) is a 169-acre wetland where visitors become fully immersed in the quiet of nature. The park’s flat topography and 2 miles of trails makes it easy to enjoy its nature, including marsh plants, a variety of bird species and other wild animals. I grew up within walking distance of the preserve, and I enjoyed walking the pathways throughout the summer months. Now, I enjoy it alongside my husband and pup, Nova. Here’s a fun fact: When the area formed 10,000–12,000 years ago, mastodons, wooly mammoth and saber-tooth cats roamed the area, according to the Minnesota Department of Administration State Archaeologist. woodburymn.gov
Most Likely to Become the Next Big Spot
From the playground and walking trails to the prairies, streams and vegetation, Valley Creek Heritage Park (11500 Valley Creek Road) stands out among the 50 overall parks and 160 miles of trails. This park sits at the headwaters of the Valley Creek trout stream. The City of Woodbury received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to improve the surrounding habitat, which began in 2022 and is estimated to be completed in 2027. Improvements thus far include a playground, stabilization of the historic Miller Barn and walking paths; future additions include benches, signage, vegetation management and wayfinding. woodburymn.gov
