Hyland Lake Park Reserve | Bloomington

Hyland Lake Park Reserve is a 250-acre public park located in Bloomington, Minnesota. It is managed by the Three Rivers Park District.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a 50-acre lake, Hyland Lake, with a maximum depth of 25 feet. The lakebed consists of sand and silt. Surrounding the lake are rolling hills covered in deciduous trees, primarily oak and maple, with areas of prairie grasses. The park's elevation varies, with the highest point reaching approximately 900 feet above sea level.

Location & Access Logistics

Hyland Lake Park Reserve is situated 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis. Access is via Normandale Road (County Road 34) and Bush Lake Road. The park has multiple parking lots, including a main lot near the Hyland Hills Ski Area and smaller lots along Bush Lake Road. Public transport options include Metro Transit bus route 530, which stops at the intersection of Normandale Road and Bush Lake Road.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The land that now comprises Hyland Lake Park Reserve was originally part of the Dakota territory. In the early 20th century, it was primarily agricultural land. The park was established in the 1960s as part of the Three Rivers Park District's expansion. Hyland Lake is a natural kettle lake, formed by glacial ice retreating approximately 10,000 years ago.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include fishing in Hyland Lake (stocked with panfish and northern pike), kayaking, and paddleboarding. A paved multi-use trail, 2.5 miles in length, encircles the lake. The park also contains a 9-hole disc golf course and a nature-themed playground. During winter, the Hyland Hills Ski Area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the main parking area and near the ski lodge. Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the park. Shade is provided by mature trees in designated picnic areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the park. No food vendors are permanently located within the park, but concessions are available at the Hyland Hills Ski Area during its operating season.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light offers optimal conditions for the lake and surrounding landscape. The best months for outdoor activities are May through October, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F. Hyland Lake is accessible for boating and fishing year-round, though ice fishing is permitted only when ice thickness is verified to be safe.

Facts & Legends

A specific geological feature within the park is a large glacial erratic, a boulder transported by ice, located near the western edge of the lake. Local lore suggests the lake was once known as "Bush Lake" due to the dense vegetation surrounding it before its official naming.

Nearby Landmarks

• Bush Lake Park: 0.2km West
• Normandale Park: 1.5km Southeast
• Southtown Center (Shopping Mall): 2.0km Northeast
• Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Long Meadow Lake Unit): 4.5km South