River Rambles & Classic Comfort: An August Afternoon in St. Paul

Juni Park — Seward, Minneapolis
Korean-American UX designer, outdoors obsessive, the person your friend group texts when nobody can agree on what to do Saturday.

Alright, friends, it’s August. We’re in that beautiful, slightly bittersweet part of summer where the days are still long and warm, but there’s a crisp whisper of fall in the evening air. Before we swap our sandals for wool socks (yes, I own Yaktrax, no I don’t like it either, but necessary), let’s squeeze in one more outdoorsy Twin Cities adventure that won’t break the bank or feel like a tourist trap.

Today, we’re heading to St. Paul for a genuine hidden gem: Crosby Farm Regional Park. This isn’t your manicured city park; this is raw, wild, Mississippi River floodplain beauty. Think winding dirt trails, ancient cottonwoods, and serious birdwatching opportunities. After working up an appetite, we’ll hit up a classic St. Paul institution for some honest-to-goodness comfort food. Let’s do this.

The Great Outdoors: Crosby Farm Regional Park

Where: Crosby Farm Regional Park, 2595 Crosby Farm Rd, St Paul, MN 55116

What it is: A vast, 700-acre natural park tucked away in St. Paul, bordered by the Mississippi River and just south of the Highland Park neighborhood. It’s a network of interconnected lakes, wetlands, and wooded trails, home to all sorts of wildlife – eagles, deer, turtles, and a seriously impressive array of migratory birds. It feels miles away from the city, even though it’s right here.

Your Crosby Farm Adventure Plan:

I recommend dedicating at least 2-3 hours here, more if you plan to really explore. The main trails are relatively flat, making for easy walking or biking, but they can get muddy after rain, so choose your footwear wisely.

• Walk or Bike the Trails: There are miles of trails here, from wide gravel paths to narrower dirt single tracks. You can stick to the main paved-ish loop that circles Crosby Lake or venture onto the more rustic paths that hug the river. Keep an eye out for hidden picnic spots with river views. It’s also a perfect place for a leisurely bike ride, connecting directly to the larger Big Rivers Regional Trail network.
• Birdwatching: Bring your binoculars! Because of its diverse habitats, Crosby Farm is a hotspot for birders. Seriously, it's amazing what you can spot here without leaving the city.
• Picnic with a View: Pack a lunch, find a secluded spot, and enjoy the tranquility. There are some picnic tables near the main parking area, but I prefer to throw a blanket down by the river.

What to Bring:

• Good Shoes: Waterproof or water-resistant if you have them, especially if it’s rained recently. Trail shoes or sturdy sneakers are perfect.
• Water Bottle: Hydration is key, even in August.
• Bug Spray: This is a floodplain park. In August, mosquitoes are a real thing. Don’t skip this.
• Binoculars: For all that amazing birdwatching.
• Snacks or a Picnic Lunch: There are no concessions in the park.

Cost: Free! It’s a city park. Parking is free too.

Skip this if: You prefer manicured lawns and paved sidewalks, you're allergic to mosquitoes, or you need amenities like restrooms every five minutes (there are limited vault toilets near parking). This is a natural area, and sometimes that means a bit of grit.

Getting There:

I don’t own a car, so I've mapped out the options for you.

• Drive: Take West 7th Street or Ford Parkway to reach Crosby Farm Road. There's a free parking lot at the main entrance that usually has plenty of space.
• Bus: Take Metro Transit Route 54 (West 7th St) to the Ford Parkway & West 7th Street stop. From there, it's about a 15-20 minute walk south along West 7th Street and then west on Crosby Farm Road to the park entrance. Route 74 (Randolph Ave) also gets you within a longer walk.
• Bike: This is my favorite way to get here. Crosby Farm connects directly to the Mississippi River Boulevard bike paths and the Big Rivers Regional Trail. It’s a beautiful ride from almost anywhere along the river.
• Walk: If you live in Highland Park, it’s a very doable walk. From the center of Highland Park (like the corner of Ford Parkway and Snelling Ave), it’s roughly a 2-mile walk to the main park entrance.

Post-Ramble Refuel: Neighborhood Cafe

After all that walking, you’re going to be hungry. And thirsty. Not for anything fancy, just good, honest, filling food. That’s where Neighborhood Cafe comes in. This place is a true St. Paul classic, the kind of diner that feels like it’s been there forever (because it practically has) and serves up exactly what you want without any fuss.

Where: Neighborhood Cafe, 1572 W 7th St, St Paul, MN 55102

What to Expect:

This is a quintessential American diner. Think hearty breakfast all day, classic sandwiches, burgers, and daily specials that feel like home cooking. The coffee is always flowing, and the atmosphere is unpretentious and friendly. It’s the kind of place where locals linger over their morning paper or grab a quick, satisfying lunch.

My Go-To Order:

I usually go for a classic grilled cheese with a side of their perfectly crispy fries, or if I’m feeling a bit more adventurous, one of their daily lunch specials. Their soups are also consistently good. And of course, endless coffee.

Cost: $ (Most entrees are under $15, very budget-friendly for a full meal).

Hours: Generally open early morning to mid-afternoon. Check their door for exact current hours, but usually something like 6 AM - 2 PM daily. Perfect for a late breakfast or early lunch after your park adventure.

Skip this if: You're looking for artisanal coffee foam art, avocado toast with edible flowers, or a place to see and be seen. This is classic, no-nonsense diner fare for people who appreciate good food without the frills.

Getting There:

The Neighborhood Cafe is conveniently located on West 7th Street, making it an easy stop after leaving Crosby Farm.

• Drive: Plenty of free street parking on West 7th Street or nearby side streets.
• Bus: Metro Transit Route 54 runs right past the door. Super convenient! Just hop on from near Crosby Farm Road and head north.
• Bike: West 7th Street has some bike lanes in sections, and it’s a fairly straight shot from the park.
• Walk: From the main Crosby Farm parking lot, it’s about a 20-25 minute walk up West 7th Street to the cafe. It’s a pleasant enough walk, especially after a long ramble in the park.

So there you have it: a perfect August afternoon. A dose of wild nature, some fresh air, and a satisfying meal that reminds you why simple pleasures are often the best. Go explore, friends!

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Photo by Thomas Parker on Pexels