An expansive, 30-acre archery range is on the northwest side of the park. There is a walk through course as well as targets set at various distances and an elevated platform. A daily or annual pass is required. Open year-round.

Elm Creek's paved trails offer breathtaking views of woodlands, wetlands and old farm fields. The trail system is connected to city trails in Maple Grove, Dayton and Champlin, and to the Rush Creek and Medicine Lake Regional Trails.

All Elm Creek camping is closed for the season. See you next year!

Camper Cabins

Camper cabins are located near the horse and paved bike/hike trails. Reservations required.

Group Camp

Rush Creek Group Camp is located near biking/hiking trails. Reserve a group campsite.

Horse Camp

The Elm Creek Horse Camp is located on the north end of the park near the archery range. The horse camp has five sites. Each campsite can hold up to eight people and two sleeping units. Self-contained RVs are not allowed. Reservations are required. 

Trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. Trails range in difficulty from beginner to advanced. Some trails are lit, and manufactured snow guarantees a longer cross-country ski season. Ski rentals are available. A Three Rivers cross-country annual or daily ski pass is required for skiers ages 12 and older. Rental availability depends on snow conditions. Check trail conditions.

Come play the challenging 18-hole Elm Creek Disc Golf Course that demands distance as well as accuracy. A daily or annual pass is required.

Dogs can run and play in the 29-acre fenced area with a separate area for small and frail dogs. Additionally, there is a fenced wetland pond. A daily or annual pass is required for the off-leash area. Owners must pick up after their dogs.

Elm Creek has lots to explore on two legs or four. Dogs on a six-foot, non-retractable leash are allowed on paved and turf trails except where posted otherwise. Owners must pick-up after their dogs.

This lighted beginner-level slope is a perfect place to gain confidence before heading to the bigger hills. The terrain park with rope tows is packed with challenging features. The Snowsports Academy provides lessons for every level of skier and boarder. Ski and snowboard rentals are available. A daily or season pass is required.

Geocaching is a family-friendly, high-tech treasure hunt that combines respect for the environment with a sense of adventure. This activity involves placing or looking for a cache using global positioning system (GPS) equipment.

12.7 miles of trails

With over 50 miles of hiking trails, Elm Creek is a wonderful place to explore. Multi-use turf trails are found throughout the park. The park reserve’s paved trails take you through woodlands, wetlands and old farm fields. The trail system is connected to city trails in Maple Grove, Dayton and Champlin, and to the Rush Creek and Medicine Lake Regional Trails.

Please note: In winter, hiking on cross-country ski trails is not permitted.

Fall Hiking – Lighted Trails

Hike under the lights in fall! The Northern Lights Trail at Elm Creek has lights on until 9 PM until winter trail operations begin (typically after two–three inches of snowfall). 

Step back in time and explore the restored 1854 Pierre Bottineau House, located near the Elm Creek Chalet. Experience the exhibits that highlight the life and times of the legendary Bottineau or take part in public programs.

A 10-foot-wide, mowed horse trail consists of two main loops and a connection northwest along Diamond Creek into the big woods. A daily or annual pass is required. Reservations required for camping. Check the Horseback Riding page for trail status updates. Three Rivers does not rent horses.

The singletrack trail offers an exciting ride for beginner through advanced mountain bikers. Hiking is allowed along with winter biking and snowshoeing. Click below to check trail conditions and learn more about mountain biking in Three Rivers.

Nestled in the sugar maple floodplain forest of Rush Creek, this is a great place to begin an outdoor journey. Eastman Nature Center offers something for everyone from hands-on activities to live animals to view and a multitude of year-round programs and miles of turf hiking trails.

All Elm Creek picnic shelters are closed for the season. See you next year!

Reservation picnic areas are available during the spring, summer and fall seasons. First-come, first-served picnic areas are located near the swim pond and play area.

Elm Creek has one of the largest play areas in the state. Swings, slides, ropes and lots of fun features make it fun for kids of all ages.

A reservation is required for all buses and commercial vehicles. Call 763-559-6700.

Elm Creek has over seven miles of multi-use trails for skijoring. The trails are packed and do not require a ski pass.

Looking to get the wiggles out on a winter day? A sledding hill with minimal grooming is located in the Recreation Area. Snowboards, tubes or railed sleds are not permitted.

This lighted beginner-level slope is a perfect place to gain confidence before heading to the bigger hills. The terrain park with rope tows is packed with challenging features. The Snowsports Academy provides lessons for every level of skier and boarder. Ski and snowboard rentals are available. A daily or season pass is required.

Nearly 10 miles of trails provide links through the park to state Grants-in-Aid snowmobile trails. Snowmobile trailer parking is available at the park. A daily or season trailer parking pass is required.

Snowshoe rentals are available to reserve online from Eastman Nature Center. Reservations must be made in advance.

Eastman has 6.5 miles of snowshoeing trails that are great for photography or bird watching. Opportunities to enhance your experience are available through cellphone audio stops, trail guide sheets, exploration kits and interpretive signs. Please note: Snowshoeing is not permitted on cross-country ski trails unless otherwise noted.

A chlorinated and filtered swim pond with a sand beach, concessions for snacks, lifeguard station and bathroom/changing facilities is located near the general picnic area. A daily or annual pass is required.

Tubers will have a blast speeding down a hill 10 stories high on 12 specially designed lighted lanes at the Winter Recreation Area. Step onto the carpet lift and return to the top.

Advance online reservations are required for tubing. Tubes can be reserved in two-hour timeframes up to 14 days in advance as conditions allow. A maximum of 10 tubes per day can be reserved.