At 256 acres, Ramsey Park is the largest municipal park in Minnesota. Formerly a Minnesota State Park from 1911-1957, miles of trails with footbridges crossing the Redwood River and Ramsey Creek give hikers and joggers the opportunity to explore the heavily wooded park with its deep ravines and beautiful trails.

The trails can be accessed at many signed trail heads, complete with maps, throughout the park. Starting your journey at the trail-head behind the ELCA building, just before you reach the bridge, you’ll come across the old Burmeister Mill Site, marked by a plaque where you are able to overlook the Redwood River gorge.

In 1889, a young German immigrant came to Redwood Falls and established a business that became that springboard for many future enterprises in the community. At this site was located the Burmeister grist mill which received its power from the water of the Redwood River. In 1898, August Burmeister established an electric power plant which provided power for Redwood Falls and a number of neighboring communities. In 1901, he built the dam that today forms Lake Redwood. The construction of the dam was intended to provide a constant source of water for his mill and power plant.

Just around the corner from the Burmeister site you will cross the Redwood River on a walking bridge with the original ‘Redwood Falls’ cascading beneath your feet. This trail will take you to the newly renovated Zeb Gray shelter with a scenic overlook of the Redwood River and the park’s hogback peninsula.

Ramsey Falls

One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Ramsey Falls observation area, which utilizes rather unique bridges and pathways to access many varied scenic vistas of Ramsey Falls and Ramsey Creek. The area also provides ample picnic space with an open shelter, modern restroom building, playground, and access to some of the park’s most scenic hiking trails.

Ramsey Park Zoo

The Ramsey Park Zoo is a favorite among visitors of all ages. The recently renovated zoo features a permanent population of bison, elk, deer, and prairie dogs, along with numerous species of upland game and waterfowl. Friends of the Park, an active non-profit organization in the area committed to improving and maintaining Ramsey Park, has fundraised for many of the zoo and park improvements.

Park Shelters

The park has five park shelters which have been carved out of
the park’s natural woodlands. The Lower Shelter Area is the park’s original and largest recreation area, featuring the 1930’s W.P.A. Vintage Lower Shelter with its massive timber and granite structure. Three shelters can be reserved. Shelter reservations are available at the Redwood Area Community Center or call 507-616-7444. Without reservations, shelters are on a first-come first-serve basis.

Campground

The campground in Ramsey Park has 31 individual sites with 50-amp electrical hookups. There are restroom facilities with modern services and showers with city water and a sanitary disposal station nearby.

Reservations can be reserved online at Redwood Area Community Center. The campground is open mid-May through mid-October. Reservation fees are $24 (not including tax) for electrical hookup and $15 for tent camping area.