13 Fun & Best Things to Do in Plymouth, Minnesota

Come to Plymouth, Minnesota, where you’ll find all kinds of indoor and outdoor recreational activities to make your visit a good one. Located less than 20 miles from downtown Minneapolis, it’s a suburban city on the western edge of the Twin Cities. Plus, its central location along Interstate 494 and Highway 55 makes for an easy getaway. 

This lovely Minnesota community is a great place to live for families and professionals alike. The streets and parks are manicured and beautiful, and you can find all the comforts you’d expect, from big-name home goods stores and fast food stops to local pizza places and family-run bistro bars.

But some of the best things to do in Plymouth can be found in its three regional parks or at Medicine Lake, the second-largest lake in Hennepin County. Perhaps you and your family would like to take an afternoon at one of the city’s great indoor family-friendly recreational facilities.

No matter what type of activities you’re interested in, Plymouth has something for you. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Fun & Best Things to Do in Plymouth, Minnesota

1. Visit Clifton E. French Regional Park

You can access French Regional Park, nestled along the northern side of Medicine Lake, through Rockford Road for plenty of parking. As the largest park in the city, you’ll find all kinds of things to do in every season.  For example, you can go cycling on a paved loop between the visitor’s center and the beach.

If you and your family or friends prefer walking, rent some walking or hiking sticks at the visitor’s center and traverse the Medicine Lake Regional Trail, running through the park and connecting to Fish Lake Regional Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve.

For an easier time, there’s also a paved 1.1-mile trail around the visitor’s center with rest stops every quarter-mile. If you bring your boat to Plymouth, drive it all the way down 36th Avenue North to the boating piers on Medicine Lake where you can go fishing, swimming, or paddling on the lake.

The covered pavilions offer a fantastic area for an afternoon picnic, and the Clifton Play Area is sure to be a hit with the kids.  In the winter, check out the sledding hill, go snowshoeing on the trails, or join a group for cross-country skiing. Be sure to always check the website or stop by the visitor’s center for weekly events throughout the year.

Plus, for those of you who travel with your furry friends, you can take them on the trails specifically for leashed dogs. 

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Maple Grove

2. Check Out Eagle Lake Park

Eagle Lake Park is right on the banks of Pike Lake and Eagle Lake with access by Bass Lake Road or 63rd Avenue North. Like French Regional Park, Eagle Lake Park offers numerous outdoor activities. 

You can start by trekking on the municipal trails throughout the city that meet up with 1-mile of paved walking and cycling trails that wind through Eagle Lake Park. Then, you might go fishing or paddling off an access point at Eagle Lake. You can also find picnic tables and a covered pavilion at these points to enjoy some food and a moment out of the sun. 

In the winter, check out the meadow and wooded trails for dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Winter is also the time to go mountain biking on the multi-use trails! Eagle Lake Park is also home to the Eagle Lake Youth Golf Center. Check out a range of courses for all levels of expertise:

• The 9-hole, par 31 Eagle Course
• The 9-hole, par 27 pitch-and-putt Birdie Course
• A fun FootGolf course
• A natural turf practice range
• The 18-hole miniature golf course

Whether you want to take a lesson, watch a tournament, or rent clubs and carts, the Golf Center will have all the information you need.

See Related: Best National Parks to Visit in November

3. Play Ball at Parkers Lake Park

Enjoy a variety of ball fields at Parkers Lake Park. Country Road 6 runs through this city park that sits along Parkers Lake. Choose from baseball fields and batting cages, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, or softball fields.

Walk paved park trails that connect with the Luce Line State Trail or visit the children’s play area. Take advantage of fishing docks and water sports on the lake. Play sand volleyball or go swimming at Parker Lake beach in the summer.

There’s ice hockey on the lake in the winter. Other park amenities include public showers, picnic tables and pavilions, and grills.

See Related: Best Lakes in Minnesota (Ranked!)

4. Hit the Trails in Plymouth

We mentioned a few trails in the sections above, but it’s worth exploring them more in-depth since they are one of the most popular activities in Plymouth, Minnesota. Both city and state trails run through Plymouth proper, so check them out below.

• City Trails: The city trails are well-lit and paved. They’re open to cyclists, skaters, runners, and walkers. Some trails are closed circuits around city parks. Others cross busy streets and meet up with state trails. These include the Medicine Lake Regional Trail that runs through French Regional Park.
• Nature Canyon Park: Find Nature Canyon Park off Fernbrook Lane North. At the entrance of this neighborhood park, you’ll find a sprawling playground and plenty of public parking. Choose from paved walking trails, mountain biking trails, or dirt trails for bikes, as well.
• Northwest Greenway: The Northwest Greenway is a 350-acre nature preserve near Pomerleau Lake. Find the trailhead at Legacy Greenway Park on 60th Avenue North off Country Road 47. You can explore 7.5 miles of paved walking and cycling trails inside the preserve.
• Luce Line State Trail: The Luce Line State Trail is a 63-mile trail. It starts in Plymouth and winds westward to Cosmos, Minnesota. In Plymouth, the paved path consists of a crushed limestone base. Hikers, cyclists, snowmobiles, and skiers enjoy access throughout the year. The trail also has an adjacent horseback riding trail.

See Related: Fun & Best Things to do in Hibbing, Minnesota

5. Visit One of Plymouth’s Dog Parks

Take your furry friend to a beautiful dog park in Plymouth! There are two designated dog parks in the city, with the largest being Plymouth Dog Park on Country Road 47.

It has a fenced-in area for smaller dogs and a large unleashed area where all dogs can roam. At this stop, check out covered picnic tables, water fountains, and dog-friendly walking trails for leashed dogs.

You can find the smaller one, 4 Paws Dog Park, on 36 Avenue North. It has a large, well-kept green area with a fence surrounding it to keep your dog safe. 

See Related: Best Things to do in Willmar, Minnesota

6. Go Swimming

If you love the water, head to the lakes of Plymouth for some great fun! There are three public swimming beaches in the city.

• Medicine Lake East Beach is right on Medicine Lake Boulevard
• Medicine Lake West Beach is on Medicine Lake Drive
• Parkers Lake Beach is located on Country Road 6

The beaches are open seasonally and have lifeguards on duty during regular hours. For indoor swimming throughout the year, check out the privately-owned Life Time Pool next to the Ice Center (we’ll talk about that frosty feature later). Life Time Pool also works with the city to provide discounted day passes for residents of Plymouth who don’t have a Life Time membership.

See Related: Best Beaches in Minnesota

7. Head to an Outdoor Ice Rink in Plymouth

One all-time favorite winter activity in Plymouth is heading to the ice rink after dark. You’ll find the rinks in various parks with warming houses nearby.

Start checking operation hours in early December since the rinks open as soon as it’s cold enough. Often there is live music or concessions offered as well.

A handful of staffed rinks open in city parks each year in Plymouth, and there are also a few unstaffed rinks without warming centers available. Be sure to check the city website for more information and holiday hours.

8. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Next on our list of the best things to do in Plymouth, Minnesota, is visiting the trampoline park. You can find the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park on Rockford Road, just off Highway 55. Besides the three different trampoline areas, there are a dozen other attractions! 

From acrobatic challenges and multi-level indoor playgrounds to rope courses and go-karts, you’ll have hours of fun. You can even take the littlest ones to the play area designated for kids seven and younger.

When you’re hungry, head to the cafe for some pizza. You can also rent out the location for events or reserve a table for your kiddo’s birthday party.

See Related: Best Things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota

9. Go to the Plymouth Community Center

The Plymouth Community Center on 4th Avenue North provides fun activities for people of all ages. Be sure to visit in 2023 for a brand new layout, outlined below.

Active Wing

For some of the best things to do in Plymouth, check out the Active Wing of the Plymouth Community Center. There you’ll find:

• An indoor playground connected to two event rooms
• An indoor walking track with designated walking and running lanes
• A fitness studio for yoga, Tai Chi, cardio classes, and more
• Two full-sized gymnasiums for all kinds of ball sports
• A sensory room for therapeutic experiences
• A domed fieldhouse with high-quality artificial grass and an exterior running track

Keep in mind that strollers aren’t allowed on the indoor walking track. You must take them to the exterior running track around the fieldhouse. 

Education Wing

The Education Wing houses art rooms, an art gallery, and music rooms. You can take classes, watch presentations, or reserve a space to practice. 

You can also book one of the multi-purpose rooms equipped for STEM classes and educational presentations of all kinds. Older adults can enjoy relaxing with others their age in the Senior Spaces. Activities include playing a game of cards or reserving a space for clubs or gatherings.

Event Wing

Check out the Event Wing, with a ballroom for wedding and black tie events. You’ll love the newly renovated Black Box Theater for educational films, film presentations, and seminars. Plus, there are also new conference rooms for meetings.

Millennium Garden

Spend time in the Millennium Garden on the Plymouth Community Center grounds. This beautiful outdoor space is often booked for weddings and private parties. When it’s open to the public, it’s a great place to take a walk.

Check out fountains, waterfalls, flowering gardens, and a stepping-stone labyrinth. Enjoy garden sculptures, dirt walking paths, and grassy spaces. Although this is also a popular place for people to take professional photos, you must have a permit first.

See Related: Best Things to do in Forest Lake, Minnesota

10. Hilde Performance Center

Head to the Hilde Performance Center, right behind City Hall off Plymouth Boulevard, anytime during the year.

The bandshell is a work of art and features a glass back so you can see the trees and water behind it. Besides the breathtaking bandshell, find yourself surrounded by trees, ponds with fountains, and green grass.

Tiered seating is built into the hillside, and a walkway leads to the bandshell itself. There are walking paths on the grounds, concession stands for events, and picnic tables.  The Hilde Performance Center hosts many city events throughout the year. Check out summer Movies in the Park, live music events, car shows, and more.

Come for the annual Music in Plymouth event, held for one day in July. Bring a picnic blanket and the kids. Besides live music, there’s an award ceremony, fireworks, family-friendly activities, and food vendors.

See Related: Minnehaha Falls Regional Park Guide

11. Attend an Event in Plymouth

Some of the best things to do in Plymouth, Minnesota, are city events! Check out exciting things that are always going on around the city, and review the city calendar for the latest gathering in this close-knit community. Our favorite annual activities include the following:

• Fire and Ice Festival: Come to this annual event held in Parkers Lake Park. This fun citywide event begins in January when anyone can hunt for a medallion hidden on city property. Check for clues on social media. Find the medallion and win a prize of $300 at the Fire and Ice Festival in February! There are all kinds of activities during the festival. Enjoy hayrides, coloring contests, ice games, and ice-fishing competitions. There will also be food vendors and live music.
• Plymouth Pie Day: Support charity at this sweet event held in May. Head to Northwest Greenway Pavilion, where you can buy homemade pie by the slice or the pan. While you’re there, top it with ice cream for a classic treat! Choose from several flavors and pick the ice cream to go with it. When you support this event, the money goes towards the free senior programs offered by Plymouth.
• Halloween at the Lake: This family-friendly event is held the Friday before Halloween at Parkers Lake Playfield. Kids can take a tour of first-responder vehicles and collect candy from police and firefighters. Play fall-themed games and get your face painted.

12. Plymouth Township Ice Center

The Plymouth Township Ice Center is in the same building as Life Time Fitness on Plymouth Boulevard and holds three professional-sized rinks. Here, local high school teams play home games and have other events like scrimmages and camps. 

Head to the city website to buy tickets to the next high school hockey game or come for public open skating and hockey.

Skating passes are $5 for anyone four years and older, or just show your Life Time membership. You can either bring your skates or rent them at the Ice Center. Keep in mind that open hockey is for adults only, and you must bring your own equipment.

See Related: Best Skiing Resorts in Minnesota

13. Go Disc Golfing

For more outdoor recreation and some of the best things to do in Plymouth, Minnesota, go disc golfing! There are two established free disc golf courses in Plymouth:

• Plymouth Creek Disc Golf Course: This course is on the southwest side of the Plymouth Creek Playfield Park parking lot. The city offers a map online, which will help you along. Simply start at hole one on the grass and head into the woods for a total of 12 holes. Follow the beaten path with a mix of uphill and downhill tee shots.
• Zachary Playfield Disc Golf Course: This open disc golf course winds between the playfields. Use the map and follow nine holes. Hole one is right next to the parking lot, and the following holes move into the woods, then to the playground, and finally to the ball fields. 

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