Summer is made for exploring, and there’s no better place to soak up the sunshine than the Willmar Lakes Area. It’s easy to see why outdoor recreation is one of the region’s biggest draws. With sparkling lakes, miles of scenic trails, sandy beaches, destination playgrounds, campgrounds, and parks around nearly every corner, there are endless ways to get outside and make the most of summer.

Looking for the best parks, beaches, hiking trails, bike trails, campgrounds, splash pads, kayaking spots, and family-friendly outdoor attractions in west-central Minnesota? This guide highlights some of the top places to enjoy summer throughout the Willmar Lakes Area, including Willmar, Spicer, New London, Atwater, and surrounding Kandiyohi County communities.

Whether your ideal day includes hiking through the woods, paddling across a quiet lake, biking between charming communities, casting a fishing line, or watching the kids burn off energy at an incredible playground, you’ll find an outdoor adventure for every age and interest. Home to more than 30 parks in Willmar, six Kandiyohi County parks, a stunning state park, and miles of hiking and biking trails, the Willmar Lakes Area makes it easy to spend every summer day somewhere new.

So grab your sunscreen, lace up your hiking shoes, load the bikes, and discover some of our favorite parks and trails that make summer in the Willmar Lakes Area unforgettable.

Quick Guide to the Best Outdoor Recreation in the Willmar Lakes Area

• Best for Hiking: Sibley State Park & Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
• Best Bike Ride: Glacial Lakes State Trail
• Best Beach: Games Lake County Park & Green Lake Saulsbury Beach County Park
• Best for Paddling: Middle Fork Crow River & Robbins Island Regional Park (Foot Lake & Willmar Lake)
• Best Family Playground: Robbins Island Destination Playground & Wildcat Cove
• Best Splash Pads: Rice Park & Centennial Park
• Best Camping: Sibley State Park & All 5 Kandiyohi County Campgrounds

Destination Parks & Nature Areas (The Big Attractions)

While it’s impossible to feature every park in one guide, these are some of our favorite places to experience summer in the Willmar Lakes Area.

Sibley State Park

If you’re only visiting one outdoor destination this summer, make it Sibley State Park in New London. Nearly 2,900 acres of rolling prairie, hardwood forests, sparkling lakes, and peaceful wetlands make it one of west-central Minnesota’s most spectacular places to explore.

Spend the morning hiking more than 18 miles of scenic trails before cooling off with a swim in crystal-clear Lake Andrew. Bring your bike to ride over three miles of paved trails, or saddle up for nearly nine miles of horseback riding trails.

The adventure doesn’t stop there. Boating, fishing, canoeing, birdwatching, geocaching, and camping make Sibley State Park a place you’ll want to return to again and again, whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or simply looking for an unforgettable day outdoors.

Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center

If your idea of summer includes quiet trails, fresh air, and reconnecting with nature, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in Spicer is the perfect escape. Its 500 acres of prairie, woodland, ponds, and wetlands invite visitors to slow down and explore.

Wander nearly 10 kilometers of scenic hiking trails, tackle more than four miles of mountain biking trails, or rent a kayak, canoe, or fat-tire bike for even more outdoor adventure.

Families can also explore the education center, indoor climbing wall, and Gary Westby Educational Shooting Sports Range, making Prairie Woods an outdoor destination that’s both fun and educational.

Middle Fork Crow River

If a peaceful paddle is your idea of the perfect summer day, the Middle Fork Crow River is one of the best places to kayak or canoe in the Willmar Lakes Area. Launch from the Mill Pond Public Water Access in downtown New London or nearby Neer Park for a relaxing trip on calm, scenic water. It’s an excellent choice for beginners, families, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

If you prefer paddling on a lake, Robbins Island Regional Park offers easy access to the calm waters of Foot Lake and Willmar Lake, making it another excellent spot for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding.

For a longer adventure, more experienced paddlers can continue downstream on the Middle Fork Crow River toward Nest Lake.

Robbins Island Regional Park & Willmar Destination Playground

If you’re looking for a place where the whole family can spend the day, Robbins Island Regional Park delivers. As Willmar’s largest park, it combines lakeside recreation, family fun, and plenty of room to relax.

Kids will love the incredible 19,000-square-foot Willmar Destination Playground, a fully accessible play space designed for all abilities. Meanwhile, the rest of the family can enjoy the sandy swimming beach, cast a fishing line, or launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on the calm waters of Foot Lake and Willmar Lake. It’s one of the area’s best places for a relaxing paddle close to town, along with boating, disc golf, picnicking, and lakeside walks.

Glacial Lakes State Trail

Summer is the perfect time to explore the Glacial Lakes State Trail. Stretching 22 paved miles from Willmar through Spicer, New London, and Hawick, the trail winds through beautiful countryside, lakes, and welcoming communities.

Whether you’re biking, walking, running, or inline skating, you’ll enjoy scenic views around every bend. Horseback riders can even take advantage of dedicated grass trails along portions of the route. Pack a lunch and turn your ride into a full-day adventure by stopping to shop, eat, or relax in one of the lakeside communities along the way.

Lake Parks & Beaches

Pirrotta Park & Wildcat Cove

Few places capture the feeling of summer on Green Lake quite like Pirrotta Park in Spicer. Spend the afternoon watching boats cruise across the water from the observation deck, enjoying a lakeside picnic, or launching your own boating adventure on one of Minnesota’s most popular recreational lakes.

Right next door, Wildcat Cove Playground keeps the fun going for younger visitors. Kids can climb aboard a two-story pirate ship, explore castles and tree forts, conquer climbing walls, race down giant slides, and make music in the interactive play areas. Together, these neighboring attractions make it easy to spend an entire afternoon outdoors.

Green Lake Saulsbury Beach County Park

When the summer heat arrives, Green Lake Saulsbury Beach County Park is one of the best places to cool off. Its wide sandy beach and clear water make it a favorite destination for swimming, while boating, fishing, sand volleyball, and lakeside picnics round out a perfect summer day.

Located next to the DNR boat launch, it’s also an ideal starting point for a day of boating on beautiful Green Lake in Spicer.

Games Lake County Park

If camping by the lake is your idea of the perfect summer getaway, Games Lake County Park in New London deserves a spot on your itinerary. Located along the scenic Norway Chain of Lakes, it’s an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend outdoors.

Spend your days swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, or enjoying a friendly game of horseshoes or sand volleyball. Camper cabins and campsites make it easy to extend your stay, while the on-site restaurant overlooking the lake offers the perfect place to grab a meal after a day of adventure.

From morning coffee by the water to evenings around the campfire, Games Lake County Park offers everything you need for a memorable Minnesota summer weekend.

Family Parks

Rice Park & Splash Pad

Located in the heart of downtown Willmar, Rice Park is a favorite gathering place on warm summer days. Kids can cool off in the splash pad before climbing, swinging, and sliding across the colorful playground, while parents relax in the shade or enjoy a picnic on the spacious lawn.

Centennial Park

Whether you’re planning a family outing or meeting friends for an afternoon outside, Centennial Park in Atwater offers something for everyone. Play a round of disc golf, cool off at the splash pad, cast a fishing line, cheer on a baseball game, or enjoy lunch under one of the picnic shelters.

Sperry Park

It’s the perfect stop for active families, Sperry Park in Willmar offers something for every age. Kids will love the large modern playground, while adults can challenge themselves on Minnesota’s first outdoor Fitness Court or enjoy a game of pickleball on one of six outdoor courts.

Wide-open green space makes it easy to toss a frisbee, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax in the sunshine. Its location across the highway from Robbins Island Regional Park also makes it easy to visit both parks in one fun-filled day.

Miller Park

For a slower-paced summer afternoon, head to Miller Park. With plenty of open green space, a playground, basketball court, baseball field, and picnic shelter, it’s an easy place to unwind. Tennis players can even take advantage of the lighted courts and enjoy a match well into Minnesota’s long summer evenings.

Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Parks

Ramblewood Park

If you’re craving a quieter side of summer, Ramblewood Park in Willmar offers a peaceful escape. Follow the scenic nature trail, watch for birds and wildlife from the observation pier, or simply relax beneath the trees while the kids enjoy the playground. It’s a wonderful place to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the Willmar Lakes Area.

Rau Park

Located along Willmar’s scenic trail system, Rau Park makes a perfect stop during a bike ride or afternoon walk. Cast a line from the fishing pier, enjoy lunch at the picnic shelter, or simply take in the peaceful lakeside setting before continuing your adventure.

Rodvik Park

Nestled along the scenic Crow River in New London, Rodvik Park is a peaceful place to slow down and enjoy a relaxing summer afternoon. Cast a line from the fishing dock, let the kids burn off energy on the playground, or gather with family and friends for a picnic beneath the covered shelter or charming gazebo. With beautiful river views, grills, and plenty of green space, it’s an inviting spot to unwind while exploring the Willmar Lakes Area.

Even More Outdoor Adventures

The outdoor fun doesn’t stop there! The Willmar Lakes Area offers even more ways to enjoy the beautiful summer weather.

Willmar Outdoor Archery Park invites archers of all skill levels to test their aim with seven shooting lanes ranging from 10 to 70 yards.

Traveling with your four-legged best friend? Head to the Willmar Dog Park at Lions Park, where separate fenced areas for large and small dogs provide plenty of room to run, play, and make new furry friends. Seasonal drinking water, shaded seating, and waste stations make it a comfortable stop for both pets and their people.

Sports enthusiasts will also want to check out Swansson Field Recreational Complex, featuring five baseball and softball fields, a playground, skate park, winding walking and biking paths, and plenty of green space for soccer, picnics, or simply enjoying a beautiful summer evening.

Make This Your Best Summer Yet

Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, relaxing on a sandy beach, paddling across a quiet lake, camping under the stars, or discovering a new playground with the kids, the Willmar Lakes Area offers endless ways to enjoy summer outdoors.

The hardest part isn’t finding something to do—it’s deciding where to begin. Pick a new park each weekend, pack a picnic, bring your bikes or kayaks, and discover why outdoor recreation is one of the Willmar Lakes Area’s biggest draws.

Ready to plan your next adventure? Explore our events calendar, discover local dining, find a place to stay, and start building your perfect summer getaway in the Willmar Lakes Area today.