creek and walking paths at Mears Park. Outside the historic Landmark
Center is Rice Park where you can pose for pictures next to statues of
characters from the Peanuts comic strip.
In the winter, Rice Park glows. Lights are hung from every tree and
the free ice rink is full of rosy-cheeked skaters. While there are plenty
of other outdoor rinks to skate on, key events include the U.S. Pond
Hockey Championships held annually on Lake Nokomis and the annual
City of Lakes Loppet (early February) which offers a variety of races
for cross country skiers of all ages and speeds. Downhill skiers and
snowboarders flock to Hyland Ski Area in Bloomington, Afton Alps in
Hastings or Buck Hill in Burnsville (the childhood stomping ground of
Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn).
Melting snow and warmer temperatures means competitive and
casual golfers alike take to the greens on more than 170 metro-area
golf courses. Tee off at Theodore Wirth Golf Club as you admire the
Minneapolis skyline or enjoy the manicured greens of Highland National
Golf Course in Saint Paul. C L
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HYLAND SKI AREA CHAIN OF LAKES
AT MYSTIC LAKE
MINNEHAHA FALLS
