Parks, Trails & Facilities

Explore a City Treasure

One of the City of Burnsville’s defining characteristics is the vast number of parks for a community our size. Burnsville is home to 76 parks spanning more than 1,750 acres -- which means nearly every resident is within short walking distance of a park.

Approximately one-third of the parkland is developed for active uses. The other two-thirds are preserved as natural areas, some accessed by trails.

Burnsville is also home to two major regional facilities. Part of the Black Dog Unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 1,300 acres in size, is located in the northeast portion of the City. Part of Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve, a 2,400 acre regional park in Dakota and Scott Counties, is located in the City's southwest corner.

Children play in water fountains at a splash pad

Park Amenities

Some of the many amenities in the park system are:

  • Hiking, Biking & Cross Country Ski Trails
  • Athletic Fields & Courts
  • In-line Skating Rinks
  • Skate Park
  • Recreation Buildings & Picnic Shelters
  • Playground Areas
  • Hockey and Pleasure Rinks
  • Archery Range
  • Frisbee Golf Course
  • Splash Pad & Water Features
  • WiFi

Printed Park Maps

If you often find yourself out and about, and in need of a park map, stop by City Hall (100 Civic Center Parkway) to pick up a printed park map booklet from our lobby. City Hall is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Parks Pocket Map

This small, folded booklet can easily be kept in a pocket, glove box, cycling bag, or running pouch. In addition to identifying all 76 City parks, it highlights schools, walking and hiking trails, and major roadways. The booklet also includes a chart of amenities found at each park.

Cover of pocket parks map booklet featuring grandparents and children smiling on a picnic blanket

Trail Booklet

This spiral-bound booklet contains maps of 20 select trails around town. Each trail map includes information on trail length, surfaces and park amenities nearby. The trail booklet is just the right size for a glove box, and the spiral binding makes it easy to fold over and carry along on a walk or hike.

Cover of trail booklet featuring family smiling on a trail in the woods