This park is a great stop if you're looking for a great trail through a natural area in the southwest metro.

Kinsel Park is a great break from your typical busy, suburban park or playground. We only saw one other person while we explore the trail here. Technically, this park is a community nature preserve, so don't expect many amenities here. It's basically a great hiking or biking trail through a natural area. It's lovely, it's just that you shouldn't expect bells and whistles here, as that's just not the kind of park this is.

While the entire area is comprised of nearly 20 acres, the trail runs through only a few acres of that. The trail here is quite short at only 0.6 miles but includes a lovely 600-foot boardwalk through a wetlands area. There are two trails - east and west, which are connected by the long boardwalk overlooking the lake. Furry friends are allowed in Kinsel Park, but only if they're leashed the entire time. This park does not offer a dog-off-leash area.

A little trivia for you, the largest known Ponderosa Pine tree in Minnetonka sits in Kinsel Park. The small sediment ponds also serve as home to several ducks and geese, so the kids were excited to see them playing in the pond. The kids had a great time biking the trail and were excited to see cattails growing here. We love to "fluff" the occasional cattail, so that's a thrill for the kids.

After biking and playing here at Kinsel Park, head over to Yo-Yo Donuts for a sweet treat!