Hyland and Bush Lakes Loop Hiking Guide
Hyland Lake Park Reserve is a surprise in the middle of Bloomington: rolling hills, open prairie and two lakes, with a ski jump visible over the treeline and suburban streets just out of sight. The Hyland and Bush Lakes loop ties the reserve together in a little over five miles of gentle ups and downs. It is one of the most popular walks in the Three Rivers Park District system and costs nothing to visit.
The Loop
The loop is about 5.4 miles with roughly 360 feet of gain on mapping apps, rated moderate for its length rather than its steepness. It circles through prairie and woodland between Hyland Lake and Bush Lake, with rolling hills that give views across the reserve. Since 2025, Three Rivers has also managed neighbouring Bush Lake Park under an agreement with the City of Bloomington.
Prairie and Nature Centre
The reserve's restored prairie is at its best from mid to late summer, when wildflowers and grasses are tall. The Richardson Nature Center inside the reserve is a good stop for families. In 2026, Three Rivers was carrying out significant tree removal for emerald ash borer, so some wooded stretches may look more open than on older photos.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on designated trails only — about 9 of the reserve's roughly 18 miles of hiking trail — on a non-retractable leash of six feet or less. Check the trail map at the trailhead to plan a dog-legal route; not every segment of the lakes loop may be open to dogs.
Winter
In winter about 9.5 miles of trail are groomed for cross-country skiing, which requires a ski pass, and around 5 miles are set aside for snowshoeing. Hikers should keep off the groomed tracks. Hyland Hills Ski Area operates in the reserve, and the big ski jumps nearby are a local landmark.
Practicalities
There is no fee to use Three Rivers parks and trails; passes are needed only for activities such as skiing and off-leash dog areas. The reserve is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is about 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Ticks and mosquitoes are common in the prairie margins in summer.
Hiking tips for Hyland and Bush Lakes Loop
- Check the trail map for dog-designated routes — dogs are allowed on only about 9 miles of trail here.
- Come in late summer for tall prairie and wildflowers.
- Stay off groomed ski tracks in winter and use the designated snowshoe trails instead.
- Stop at the Richardson Nature Center if you are hiking with kids.
- Wear bug spray in summer; the prairie edges hold ticks and mosquitoes.
Nearby trails to explore
- Minnehaha Falls Loop
- Theodore Wirth Loop
- Lebanon Hills Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Hyland is a free, easy-to-reach loop that suits almost any group. Use TrailMates to find Minneapolis and Bloomington hikers for a weekend walk. Download the TrailMates app to connect.