Miwok Park — Attraction in Novato

Great kid and dog friendly park with lots of shade from large oak and bay trees, & a few redwoods near the tiny local history Museum which focuses on native ecology & peoples (hence the park’s namesake: Miwok). The primary playground for kiddos is well maintained, shaded, and a popular playtime destination for neighborhood kids. The playground incudes sandbox with containment walls keeping sand and toddlers in, plus dogs and bigger kids can enjoy the creek access. There are bathrooms just across the big lawn from the modestly sized main parking lot. There is a drinking fountain near bathrooms and another at the back end of the park near the 2nd smaller playground. Quite a few generously sized picnic & BBQ areas, reservations are highly recommended for weekends as they often fill up during nice weather. Large trash and recycling bins located conveniently near picnic areas (but not offensively close) and smaller garbage bins & doggy bags dispensers with receptacles are located strategically along the main paved park path. Spaces for Horseshoes and Bocce Ball available near picnic areas. Nicely maintained “figure 8” shaped trail offering a short hike with an elevation gain that rewards you halfway with a 360 degree view of Novato from the top of the hill. The trail starts from the bridge at the back side of the park near the smaller playground, and once over the creek you are in the little forest and can go steeply up and out to the gorgeous view atop of Miwok hill. Once hikers make it to the top there is a great bench where they can sit, catch their breath, and rest a little after the steep ascent before heading down the other side of the hill, looping back through the forest toward the archery building and then back to the bridge. Parking is available on the street at the back entrance to the park. For Pokémon Go players, the place has lots of Pokéstops and pokégyms as well. Overall Miwok is a nice park, a great choice if you are looking for a fresh-air setting for a weekend gathering, a quick but exhilarating & scenic hike with a friend or relative, or a casual game of horseshoes or bocce ball, and for little ones not yet in school to enjoy a carefree wagon, scooter, bike or stroller ride to the park to help break up their weekdays at home with nannies or grandparents during the time of day when most parents are...

A beautiful in town spot for a meandering stroll beneath redwood trees, dappled sunlight filtering through. There is an educational display about the Native Miwok Peoples that once inhabited this creek land. There were ripe blackberries, a clean creek to walk dogs in to be refreshed. The only drawback was that unmasked caretakers of children were playing in different areas all throughout and allowing their unmasked kids to run around and up to myself and others without regard for social distancing or safety. It was a drag to constantly have to ask them to not run up and have the adults act offended when we were trying to honor protocols posted...

On a cool and breezy afternoon, this mostly shady park can be a little chilly but it's a wonderful spot to stop and play.

The play area for younger kids and large grass field for all children, pathways and picnic benches along the creekside are in good shape and inviting.

An added benefit is the Museum of the American Indian which is on site. Stop by and see how the local Miwok Indians lived harmoniously within their environment. Museum open most days with limited hours.

This peaceful park is a also great place to relax and read a few chapters of your favorite book.

The facilities are rudimentary but functional and clean.

Hope you...