Whether you are planning a free weekend with the family or are taking a solo day, we have planned the perfect way to spend it. This guide will break down just one of many ways to get out and enjoy a budget-friendly day in Roseville, MN.
Before venturing out we would advise lacing up your walking shoes, dressing for comfort and packing snacks for on the go, as this guide is going to have you moving. You may also want to be sure that your phone is charged and ready to snap photos and videos as you will find these destinations are just begging to be photographed.
Stop One: Central Park
Central park is large and includes different areas. It is lush with nature, an arboretum, an apple orchard (pending the time of year), and tons of paved walking trails. The location includes beautiful foliage, fountains, and playgrounds that are just a short walk away. Parking is also free.
Stop Two: Central Park Athletic Complex
Just a quick walk from the arboretum is the athletic complex of the park which includes soccer fields, a baseball diamond, playground, bandshell, picnic tables, and drinking fountains. This is a great spot to bring the kiddos to let them run off some of that energy and then plan to have a picnic afterward.
Stop Three: Harriet Alexander Nature Center
Just a short walk from the parking lot, this center provides an area for children to play and learn more about nature. They also have an area with live animals where people can view turtles, snakes, salamanders and more. This is also a central location to step on to the boardwalk which we will discuss next.
Stop Four: Boardwalk
Roseville is highly unique in how the city has preserved natural habitats for plants and animals. From the Harriet Alexander Nature Center you can venture on to a boardwalk that takes you through a marsh area with natural wild plants and animals on either side of you. On our visit we saw ducks, turtles, tons of honey bees, numerous plant species and many different types of birds.
Stop Five: Grab a Bite
After all of this walking it is time to grab a bite unless you packed a picnic. If that’s the case, feel free to pick one of the perfect picnicking spots in Central Park and enjoy.
While on our visit we grabbed some quality sourced food at Good Earth. They have a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options. On our visit we tried the Chiang Mai Thai Noodles with tofu which were quite tasty. They also have special seasonal menus which are locally sourced items while supplies last.
Stop Six: Visit Rosedale Center
Even if you are on a budget window shopping can be fun! The Rosedale Center is huge so you can continue to get your steps in as you check it out. Additionally, if you are looking for some other types of entertainment you will find spots like:
- Sandbox VR – A futuristic VR experience where you can see and physically interact with everyone inside, just like the real world.
- Numerous arcades
- SeaQuest
- Selfie Studio
- Little Logger’s Play Area – Indoor free play area for small children
- Build-A-Bear Workshop
- AMC Movie Theater
Stop Seven: High Pines Brewery
It has undoubtably been a long day on your feet and it’s time to relax with a cold craft beer or an indulgent malt. They have a full tap list of beer as well as a full food menu and non-alcoholic drink options as well.
A Budget-Friendly Guide to Fun
If you enjoyed this guide let us know! We’d love to see your photos and feature you on our social channels! Be sure to tag us using #visitrosevillemn.