City: Minneapolis, MN

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (612) 230-6400

Address: 1382 Willow St.

Description: Modeled after New York’s Central Park, although about 800 acres smaller than the real thing, Loring Park is an urban park with just about everything. There’s a large, beautiful pond (Loring Pond) often with mallards, wood ducks, and Canada geese on and around the water; lush, green rolling hills; and, in summer, free live music and movies in the outdoor amphitheater several nights of the week. There’s also a concession cart selling snacks and ice cream parked near the amphitheater most nights. The park is well maintained, with lots of paved trails that take you around the pond and the stunning fountain and bronze sculpture of Norway’s esteemed violinist Ole Bull.A short walk across the street takes you to either the Basilica of Saint Mary or the internationally acclaimed Walker Art Center and its sculpture garden, depending on which way you point your feet.