City: Hanover, MN

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (763) 694-7860

Address: 12595 Park Dr.

Description: It’s hard to imagine an endless sea of grass flowing from Minnesota to the Rocky Mountains now that trees, crops, houses, and billboards muddy the view. But one of the best places in the Twin Cities to catch a glimpse of that sweeping landscape is Crow-Hassan Park Reserve, where 600 acres of old farm fields have been transformed back into prairie.For pet owners, more than 40 acres are open for dogs to run off leash; a special permit is required and is available from Three Rivers Park District Headquarters for $30 per year or $5 per day. This is also a popular park for horseback riders, with more than 10 miles of trail dedicated for just this purpose. In winter cross-country skiing and snowmobiling bring crowds of enthusiasts. The beauty of Crow-Hassan, though, is that in between the rolling hills, the deep prairie grass, and the thick tree cover, you can be as completely alone as you want to be, even if the park is at peak season.