Things To Do
in Arden Hills
Arden Hills is a small, residential suburb just north of Saint Paul in Minnesota, forming part of the Twin Cities metro area. The city combines quiet neighborhoods with easy access to lakes, parks, and outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy peaceful waterside views, well-maintained trails, and convenient access to Minneapolis–Saint Paul cultural attractions.
It serves as a calm base for exploring the broader MSP region while staying close to the urban amenities of the Twin Cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Set out for an early kayak or canoe session on the serene Rice Creek lakes, as golden light filters through towering pines. Feel the stillness broken only by gentle paddles dipping into glassy water. Keep an eye out for osprey and herons gliding above the reeds.
Lace up sturdy boots for a guided hike along shaded trails that wind around hidden bogs and wooded ridges. Pause at scenic overlooks to spot turtles and frogs sunning on logs. Unpack a picnic lunch by the water’s edge, savoring local cheeses and fresh fruit.
Stroll along the boardwalk as the sun dips below the treetops, painting the sky in pastel hues. Capture photos of reflections dancing on the creek’s surface. Wind down with s’mores by a campfire circle under a star-studded canopy.
Begin your day wandering through the vibrant wetlands of Tamarack Nature Preserve, listening for chorus frogs and warblers. Admire the delicate tamarack larches clad in golden needles along the boardwalk. Stop by interpretive signs to learn about the bog’s ancient ecosystem.
Join a guided birdwatching tour to scan the marsh for sandhill cranes and marsh wrens. Unpack a brown-bag lunch amid buzzing dragonflies and mossy hummocks. Practice mindful sketching at a secluded overlook where lily pads drift on glassy water.
As dusk approaches, return for a sunset amphibian chorus beneath pink and purple skies. Warm your hands with a thermos of spiced cider while watching the bog’s nocturnal creatures emerge. End the day tracing constellations peeking through the pines.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment | $1,200-1,800 / month |
| 🧺Utilities (monthly for apartment) | $150-250 |
| 🛒Groceries (monthly for a small family) | $320-650 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.00-4.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Safe, family-friendly environment
- Excellent access to parks and lakes
- Strong network of trails and outdoor recreation
- Proximity to Minneapolis–Saint Paul cultural attractions
- Limited nightlife within Arden Hills itself
- Some services require travel to the metro core
- Winter driving can be challenging due to snow and ice
Places to Visit in Arden Hills
Visit one of these nice places.
Lakeside vistas, wetlands, and seasonal wildlife provide diverse photo opportunities across dawn and dusk.
Long, tree-lined corridor with river and lake views ideal for landscape and nature photography.
Accessible vantage points along the Mississippi River offer cityscape shots with water reflections.
Urban-green space with lake reflections and seasonal colors, great for sunset portraits.
Food in Arden Hills
Arden Hills Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A cheese-stuffed hamburger famous in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area; try it at well-known local joints such as The Nook or Matt’s Bar.
Must-Try!
A classic Midwestern casserole featuring meat, vegetables, and a potato or tater tots topping; a staple at local diners and church suppers.
Beer-battered or pan-fried walleye, a beloved lake-town specialty common in Twin Cities taverns and fish shacks.
A thin Norwegian flatbread often served with butter or sugar; found in Scandinavian bakeries and markets in the MSP area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A large year-round market in downtown St. Paul offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and local crafts.
Vibrant market near downtown Minneapolis with a wide range of produce, prepared foods, and street-food vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly hello and light small talk are common in social and service interactions in Minnesota.
Maintain a respectful tone in neighborhoods, transit, and public buildings; loud behavior is discouraged.
Being on time is valued for appointments and events.
Safety
Tipping in Arden Hills
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 15-20% is customary for good service. Cash is widely accepted, but credit/debit cards and digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are also common. Some venues may add a service charge for large groups; always check the bill.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with plenty of daylight; expect humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Perfect for lake activities, outdoor fairs, and evening strolls.
Cool mornings and vibrant fall foliage; ideal for hikes, photography, and harvest-season events. Traffic can be moderate to heavy on weekends.
Cold with snow and ice; layering is essential. Great for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and cozy indoor gatherings; roads can be slick.
Mild with rain showers and budding foliage; wildlife return brings birdsong and active trails; expect variable weather.
Arden Hills at Night
Hiking in Arden Hills
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Diverse trails around lakes and wetlands suitable for easy to moderate hikes.
Extensive trail network through wooded areas and shoreline views ideal for longer hikes.
Urban-to-nature trails with lake views and seasonal scenery.
Airports
How to reach Arden Hills by plane.
Major airport serving the Twin Cities with extensive domestic and international flights; accessible by car, rideshare, and light rail connections.
Smaller regional airport closer to the eastern Twin Cities area; primarily general aviation and charter services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Suburban neighborhoods with good schools and parks attract many families.
Proximity to employment centers in the MSP metro draws young professionals.
Quiet neighborhoods and accessibility to healthcare facilities appeal to retirees.
Access to universities and community colleges in the Twin Cities region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A strong local sport culture with youth leagues, pick-up games, and community rinks during winter.
Popular in community centers, schools, and local gyms across the metro.
Seasonal summer leagues and park fields throughout the area.
Winter trails on regional parks offer miles of groomed routes for all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arden Hills.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian-friendly dining is widespread in the MSP area. Look for veggie burgers, salads, pasta dishes, and vegetable-forward plates; markets provide abundant fresh produce for self-catering.