Golden Lake Park — Attraction in Circle Pines

Behold! The crown jewel of Circle Pines, Minnesota. Golden Lake Park, where dreams go to take a lukewarm dip and expectations go to die a slow, chlorine free death. This 58 acre aquatic wonderland is the suburban equivalent of finding a diamond in the rough, except the diamond is actually a soggy pretzel and the rough is a mildly disappointing Tuesday afternoon.

The Lake That Time Forgot (And Fish Actively Avoid)

Golden Lake itself is a majestic 58 acre body of water that boasts a whopping maximum depth of 25 feet practically the Mariana Trench of suburban Minnesota! The lake is so exclusive that it has an "electric motor only" ordinance, because apparently even the fish here are too sophisticated for the vulgar roar of actual boat engines. It's like a silent disco, but for boats, and infinitely more pretentious.

The fishing opportunities are absolutely legendary and by legendary, I mean you'll become a legend among your friends for the epic tales of the fish that didn't bite. The Minnesota DNR cheerfully reports that the lake contains Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Bullhead, though local fishing reports suggest these fish have developed an advanced Ph.D. in Hide and Seek. One brave angler described it as having "thick weeds and the fish are tough to find" – which is basically the aquatic equivalent of trying to find a decent WiFi signal in a basement.

The Beach That Redefines "Intimate

The swimming beach at Golden Lake Park is what you might generously call "cozy" it's so small that social distancing was invented here purely by accident. This sandy oasis offers the unique experience of swimming in a lake that doubles as a giant fishbowl, where every stroke is potentially observed by the fishing pier elite. The water quality is pristine enough that one Reddit user described it as "pretty clean" which is basically the Minnesota equivalent of a five star Michelin rating for lake water.

Playground Paradise (Or Pandemonium)

The playground equipment at Golden Lake Park is the stuff of legends. According to breathless Instagram reviews, it features "a large playground for older kids, a separate toddler area, a kangaroo jumper, a full-size basketball court, a turf field, building blocks". Basically everything except a helipad and a small nuclear reactor. The playground is designed with such architectural brilliance that it makes visiting families feel like they've discovered the eighth wonder of the world, assuming the first seven wonders were also constructed primarily of colorful plastic and good intentions.

The Pavilion Rental Empire

Golden Lake Park operates not one, but TWO pavilions because apparently one pavilion couldn't contain all the raw suburban excitement happening here. The pavilion rental calendar reads like a who's who of Circle Pines society, with bookings so exclusive that they require calling City Hall. These pavilions are the epicenter of birthday parties, family reunions, and corporate team-building events where the most exciting activity is trying to figure out which pavilion you actually reserved.

The Concession Stand Chronicles

The park features a concession stand that operates with all the efficiency and charm of a small town DMV office. This culinary outpost serves up all the classic park fare.. hot dogs that have seen better decades, nachos that defy the laws of physics, and beverages that cost more per ounce than premium gasoline. The concession stand is staffed by seasonal employees who approach their duties with the enthusiasm of tax auditors during busy season.

The Fishing Pier Phenomenon

The fishing pier at Golden Lake Park is an engineering marvel a wooden structure that extends majestically into the lake, providing anglers with the perfect vantage point to watch fish swim by with complete indifference to their bait. This pier has witnessed more broken fishing dreams than a Vegas casino has witnessed broken gambling dreams. It's the perfect spot for contemplating life's bigger questions, like "Why did I buy a $300 fishing rod to...

Amazing, everything you need and pleasant, cool lake. Kids have a cool little playground nearby w really fun selection of swings, lake beach, boat launch, grills, tables, pavilions with electricity (outlets) and nature around. What else could you want? Even a Lil snack shop w ice cream for the youngins. Nice! Went 4th of July with my husband and family the afternoon/ even. Even was wonderful until the evening before 10pm..an older gentleman with silver hair, wire rim glasses and a bad polo n khakis who was also hanging out in the park, came to tell me that the park was closed- (with a parking lot full of people lighting fireworks mind you) as I was grilling 4 burgers and some fries and listening to gospel music. He wasn't informing in a loving way but a sour and demeaning way. My husband was walking out daughter in the stroller closet to the lake so I was alone with my two older kids. Honestly it seemed pretty racially charged. It was not the most diverse park and this guy walked from across the way at the pavilion where his friends were to ours which was empty aside myself and two kids at that moment. Honestly a little vetoed out by that. Hence the minus 1 star but we will...

Circle Pines' most lovely hidden gem located off of West Golden Lake Road less than one mile from the big intersection at Lake Drive and Lexington Ave, one forgets there is a large metropolis nearby. It's quiet, serene, there's a nice dock and pier for fishing and a small boat launch for Non-Motorized (thank goodness, keeps it peaceful:) boats. Bring your sailboat, your pontoon, your canoes and kyacks and have a blast! There's even a playground and park for kids, a small sandy beach area, and from Memorial Day to Labor Day a small concessions stand to buy treats:) Very nice sized parking lot, basketball hoops and a tennis court and picnic shelters where ya can plug in yer crockpots! :-) It doesn't get any better than this really. Circle Pines = I'm proud to call...