Lone Lake Park — Attraction in Minnetonka

Sunday April 5th, 2014 was one of the first warm and sunny days after our epic winter. It was a perfect day to re-create the Sunday drives we used to take back in the 60s and 70s. After a late brunch I found myself heading toward Lake Minnetonka when all of a sudden I saw a sign post for Lone Lake Park. Deciding to do some exploring I drove in and parked. On a day when the chain of lakes were clogged with pedestrians, bikers ad joggers this lovely park was empty. While the driveway to the lake was still chained off it was possible to park and then walk to the lake. Once there I found a lovely little lake set into a bowl of hills and woods. After a short walk into the park it is possible to feel like one is up north on an isolated lake. The park is large and there are no buildings along the lake shore. With birds singing, sun, and a warm wind blowing it was a lovely treat to be in a natural area just a few miles from downtown...

Beautiful park with native trees and plants in forest, prairie and fresh meadow around Lone Lake. Native and migratory songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors with uncommon nesting birds. Spring ephemeral wildflowers, American lotus, many pollinators including butterflies, dragon- and damselflies, and rusty-patched bumblebee. Recent addition of pickleball courts tore out trees and other pollinator habitat; proposed new trail construction will fragment habitat, compact the soil, remove trees and plants, and damage others; wildlife will be displaced and erosion will...

Very peaceful spot - other than the guys playing basketball by the parking lot! Interesting glacial topography - which means some steep hills. We went on 5/2/18 hoping to see some migrating birds, but none there yet. Massive old trees! Plenty of recreational opportunities as you drive in. Hopefully, they'll vote to keep mountain bikes out of the park - that would be disastrous to that sensitive area, which has been...