10 Fun Things To Do Near Woodbury, Minnesota (Washington County)

If you’re looking for fun things to do near Woodbury, Minnesota, you’re in the right place. Woodbury is one of the fastest‑growing suburbs east of St. Paul, and it’s packed with parks, trails, shops, and easy day trips. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit, scouting a new place to live, or just looking for ideas close to home, this simple guide walks you through 10 awesome things to do in and around Woodbury in Washington County.

1. Explore Tamarack Nature Preserve’s Quiet Boardwalks

One of the most peaceful spots in Woodbury is the Tamarack Nature Preserve, tucked right into the city but feeling worlds away. You’ll find:

Wooden boardwalks winding through wetlands
Flat, easy paths perfect for strollers and kids
Birdwatching opportunities in every season

Walk the loop trail and you’ll pass tamarack trees, wildflowers, and quiet ponds. On a slow Sunday morning, it’s an easy place to reset. If you like photography, bring your camera. The reflections on the water around sunset can be pretty incredible, especially in fall when the colors start to pop.

2. Spend an Afternoon at Central Park & Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground

If you’re visiting Woodbury with kids, put Central Park on your list. This is not just a regular park with a swing set—it’s a big indoor complex connected to the library and city hall. The star of the show is Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground:

Multi-level climbing structures
Slides, tunnels, and soft play areas
A great backup plan on rainy or cold days

Parents can relax nearby while kids burn off energy. It’s also connected by skyway to the YMCA, indoor park areas, and the R.H. Stafford Library, so you can easily make it a half‑day outing.

3. Walk, Run, or Bike the Trails at Colby Lake and Carver Lake

Woodbury has an impressive web of paved trails, and two of the most popular spots are Colby Lake Park and Carver Lake Park. At Colby Lake you’ll find:

A paved loop trail around the lake (great for walking or jogging)
Benches and picnic spots
Nice views of the water, especially at sunrise

Carver Lake adds even more:

Mountain bike trails through the woods
A small swimming beach in summer
Playground and picnic areas

If you’re into biking, Carver Lake’s single‑track is one of the best surprises in Woodbury. It’s not huge, but it’s fun, and you don’t have to drive up north to get a bit of that “in the woods” feel.

4. Shop, Dine, and People‑Watch at Woodbury Lakes

If you like open‑air shopping centers, you’ll enjoy Woodbury Lakes, one of the main retail hubs in town. Here you can:

Browse national brands and local shops
Stop for coffee, ice cream, or a sit‑down meal
Walk the outdoor plaza-style layout

On a nice day, it feels a bit like a small outdoor village. String lights, seasonal decorations, and sidewalk seating make it a cozy place to stroll in the evening. Tip: If you’re staying in Woodbury on a quick trip, this is a convenient one‑stop spot for clothes, a bite to eat, and a short walk without needing to crisscross the whole city.

5. Embrace Winter Fun at Bielenberg Sports Center & Local Hills

Woodbury doesn’t hide from winter—it leans into it. At Bielenberg Sports Center, you’ll find:

Indoor ice arenas for skating and hockey
Seasonal outdoor rinks and fields
The giant HealthEast Sports Center complex with walking paths and playgrounds

If you just want to enjoy snow with the kids, look for:

Local sledding hills around Bielenberg and nearby parks
Snowshoeing or winter walks on Woodbury’s paved trails

On a clear winter night, there’s something special about hearing the scrape of skates, seeing your breath in the cold air, and heading home with rosy cheeks and hot chocolate on your mind.

6. Take a Short Drive to Downtown Stillwater on the St. Croix River

One of the best parts of Woodbury is how close it is to other cool spots in Washington County. Just about 20–25 minutes away, you’ll find Stillwater, Minnesota, a river town that feels like a postcard. In Stillwater you can:

Stroll along the St. Croix River waterfront
Walk across the historic lift bridge into Wisconsin
Browse antique shops, boutiques, and local restaurants
Take a riverboat cruise in the warmer months

If you’re staying in Woodbury, this makes for an easy half‑day or full‑day trip. Head there for brunch, explore the hilltop views, then be back in Woodbury in time for dinner.

7. Visit Afton State Park for Hiking, Camping, and River Views

About 20 minutes south of Woodbury, still in Washington County, is Afton State Park, a favorite spot for locals who love the outdoors. At Afton State Park you’ll find:

Hiking trails through prairie, woods, and along bluffs
Beautiful views of the St. Croix River
Backpack‑in campsites if you want a rustic overnight
Groomed ski trails and snowshoeing in winter

The hike down to the river and back up can be a workout, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. It’s a nice contrast to Woodbury’s suburban feel—wild, open, and quiet.

8. Treat Yourself at Local Breweries, Wineries, and Eateries

While Woodbury is known for chains and easy dining, there’s also a growing number of local spots worth checking out in and around the city. Near Woodbury you can:

Visit nearby wineries in Washington County for tastings and live music
Check out local breweries just a short drive away in neighboring suburbs
Sample a mix of casual and sit‑down restaurants right in Woodbury

If you enjoy trying local flavors, ask a bartender or server where they go on their nights off. That’s often how you find the small, tucked‑away spots that don’t always show up in big travel guides.

9. Use Woodbury as a Base to Explore St. Paul and Minneapolis

One of the big advantages of staying in Woodbury is location. You’re close to the Twin Cities, but you get quieter nights, easy parking, and less traffic. From Woodbury it’s typically about:

15–20 minutes to downtown St. Paul
30–35 minutes to downtown Minneapolis

That means you can:

Catch a hockey game at Xcel Energy Center
Visit museums like the Science Museum of Minnesota
Head to the Mall of America, then come back to a calm hotel in Woodbury

Think of Woodbury as your home base. Spend the day exploring the big city attractions, then return to quieter streets and plenty of hotel options at night.

10. Enjoy Seasonal Festivals, Farmers Markets, and Community Events

Throughout the year, Woodbury and Washington County host local events that give you a real feel for community life. Depending on the season, you might find:

Outdoor farmers markets with fresh produce and local crafts
Summer concerts in the park
Holiday lights, winter festivals, or ice events
Food truck nights and neighborhood gatherings

If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking the City of Woodbury’s event calendar. A simple evening at a local festival—live music, kids running around, lawn chairs on the grass—can be one of the most memorable parts of your visit.

Final Thoughts: Why Woodbury, Minnesota Belongs on Your Travel List

Woodbury, Minnesota may not shout for attention like a big tourist city, but that’s part of its charm. It’s:

Clean and easy to get around
Full of parks, lakes, and trails
Close to river towns like Stillwater and outdoor escapes like Afton State Park
Perfect as a base for exploring the Twin Cities and Washington County

If you’re searching for things to do near Woodbury, MN, you’ll find a nice mix of nature, shopping, family fun, and easy day trips—all within a short drive.

Share Your Woodbury Experience

Have you been to Woodbury or anywhere else in Washington County?

What was your favorite park, trail, or restaurant?
Did you discover a hidden gem that more people should know about?

Drop a comment and share your tips, questions, or stories. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to Minnesota or looking for new places to explore near the Twin Cities.

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