Patch Picks: Apple Valley Picnic Spots

1. Redwood Park

, located northeast of Redwood Drive and 150th Street, is a large park adjacent to the Redwood Community Center building. The park caters to picnic events, with a pavilion, picnic tables and grills. Playground equipment, a baseball field, volleyball court and basketball courts will make this an even more fun group picnic experience.

2. Keller Park

At at Redwood Drive and Whitney Drive, have a picnic at the water's edge. A picnic table near the water makes for a scenic gathering spot, and a wooded area also borders the park. Park-goers will find playground equipment and a cement canoe-launch area, and have the option to rent space for canoe storage.

3. Alimagnet Park

is a large park with many amenities that wraps itself around Alimagnet Lake. There is a shelter area and grill, water access and a canoe launch area, a disc golf course, volleyball courts and playground equipment for your pre- and post-picnicking enjoyment.

4. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Find 2,000 acres of woods sand lakes at a Dakota County park offering camping facilities close to the city, but in a quieter environment. Let the sounds of the natural environment accompany your picnicking experience, and take advantage of the hiking trails after (or as you) digest.

5. Minnesota Zoo

The offers not only cutting-edge exhibits of animals from across the world—more than 500 kinds of animals and birds, in fact—but picnic areas to enjoy a lazy afternoon among the creatures as well.