Clifton E. French Regional Park in Plymouth, MN is an expansive park along the north end of Medicine Lake. The park features boating and extensive bike trails as well as a large and brightly-colored new playground. As much as I miss the tall old wood-and-ropes set, I will say that the mounded layout of the new playground makes for easy access and limited falls for younger children—and there is a toddler-sized playhouse and slide on the south end of the playground. The playground is right next to the visitor center, and a family bathroom can be accessed just inside the south door (which makes bringing in a stroller a breeze!). Follow a path south past the playground to find long scenic trails, crossing bridges over lily-covered marshes abounding with turtles and ducks through much of the year. West of the Medicine Lake beach you can find a path through shady green picnic grounds leading to a secluded point with a gorgeous view of the lake. Paths back around the marsh, following close to the road or winding through the trees. Several of these unpaved woody paths are broad and flat enough to pass a sturdy jogging stroller, but the paved path does circle all the way around to the parking lot near the playground again.
Nature In Your Nurture 