Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary — Attraction in Saint Paul

It's a small little nook nestled between the railyard and a busy highway. Lately I've been zooming out on google maps and just picking whatever green areas I see on the map to go to. When I saw something called "Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary" I was immediately taken with the name itself! I arrived and saw that there's not even an official parking lot, and you can park at either entrance on the street. Entering it I was expecting a nature sanctuary as what most would think which is some hidden forest away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, but the city is not at all hidden away from this little trail.

The city skyline is present at all times, the rush of cars a constant in your ears, and you may even spot a train go by very nearby! And yet, as you walk along the trail you see the love that was put into it. The gorgeous mural underneath the highway bridge, which was such a highlight. The cool little bridge welded together to form what looks like flowers on the side. The benches splattered about giving you a chance to sit down and realize how lucky you are to live somewhere that there was a little stretch of land nestled in what seems to be the least deserving area to call a "nature sanctuary," and yet here you are among trees and small critters chirping and hopping around.

I've lived here all my life and I've never once heard of this place, but thankfully I zoomed out on my map and I saw this small hidden away spot! Stop by and...

Moved from Houston, TX to st. Paul and we have enjoyed exploring the citirs and all the trails. What was originally intended to be another "nature for all" in the beautiful cites has turning into tent residences, trails littered with trash, drug paraphernalia, broken bottles, and used condoms. I carried my little poodle over the broken glass areas and the walk only lasted 20 minutes. Will not be returning. Too many other clean and safe trails nearby....

This is a very nice park. It’s like a bigger version of Swede Hollow, which is one of my favorites in the system. However , it is currently the location of the local homeless camp and there’s garbage everywhere relating to that. I am old enough to know that feeling uncomfortable does not mean that I’m unsafe, but I still did not like having golden retriever poking at all the garbage from the homeless camp so I don’t...