Twin Cities' Most Beautiful Places for Stroller Walks

As a local mom and photographer who’s spent the better part of 15 years walking (and sometimes wheeling) through motherhood, I’ve found that some of the most healing, connecting, and sanity-saving moments happen during stroller walks. There’s something about the gentle rhythm of your feet, the breeze on your cheeks, and the quiet gaze of your baby looking up through the tree canopy that turns an ordinary day into something quietly sacred.

Especially in the early months—when you’re exhausted, touched out, and just need five minutes where someone isn’t asking you for something—these paths have been a gift. Here are a few of my favorite serene, stroller-friendly places in the Twin Cities to breathe, bond, and remember how beautiful this season can be.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is more than just a pretty place to look at flowers (though yes, the flowers are stunning). It’s one of the most thoughtfully designed, stroller-friendly escapes in the Twin Cities.

Tips for Moms: The Three-Mile Drive is paved and gentle, with multiple offshoots that are stroller-accessible. There are clean restrooms, shady benches for breaks, and a great little cafe for a post-walk snack. Arrive early to beat the crowds and find easy parking. Admission is free for members. Please note: a photography permit is required to shoot here and is not included in my standard creative fee due to the premium rates charged by the Arboretum.

Why It’s Worth It: The Arboretum is a breath of fresh air—literally and emotionally. It's the kind of space that invites you to slow down and notice the small things, like the way your baby’s fingers curl around your thumb. I’ve photographed many sessions here, and it never disappoints. The light, the quiet, the connection—it’s just as lovely in the lens as it is on a walk.

Lake Harriet

Lake Harriet has long been a favorite for families, and for good reason. It’s the perfect mix of lake breeze, gentle trails, and nostalgic charm. I often recommend it to new moms looking for a beautiful, straightforward stroller walk in Minneapolis.

Tips for Moms: The paved trail loops 2.75 miles around the lake and is mostly flat, making it ideal for strollers. There are multiple access points for parking, plenty of benches, and seasonal restrooms. In warmer months, you’ll find snacks and ice cream at the bandshell—perfect for a reward mid-walk.

Why It’s Worth It: Walking around Lake Harriet feels like returning to yourself. It’s peaceful, but never too quiet. You’re surrounded by other parents, joggers, kids on scooters—it reminds you that you’re not alone in this messy, beautiful life. And as a photographer, I adore the way the light reflects off the water during golden hour. If you ever book a family session with me here, prepare for magic.

Como Park

There’s something timeless about Como Park. Maybe it’s the blend of old trees, open spaces, and the soft hum of families enjoying their day. I’ve taken many stroller walks here with clients and my own kids, often ending at the conservatory to escape the chill in early spring.

Tips for Moms: The park is spacious and well-kept, with paved paths winding past the zoo, conservatory, and lake. It’s easy to spend an entire morning here. Parking is free, and there are restrooms near major attractions. Pack a blanket—you’ll want to sit in the grass and linger.

Why It’s Worth It: Como feels nostalgic in the best way. It’s where toddlers first feed ducks, where newborns nap under maple trees, and where moms can take a deep breath. I’ve captured some of my favorite family photos here—images full of laughter, leaves, and real-life love.

Hidden Gem: Nine Mile Creek Trail

This might be one of the best-kept secrets in the metro. Nine Mile Creek Trail stretches through Edina and Hopkins, offering long, winding paths that feel both secluded and safe. While I haven’t walked every stretch of it myself, I’ve heard wonderful things from fellow moms and clients alike.

Tips for Moms: This is a great choice if your baby naps better on the move. The trail is wide, well-paved, and shaded in many areas. Parking is available at various entry points, and while there aren’t many built-in rest stops, it’s worth bringing a coffee and making a morning of it.

Why It’s Worth It: This trail offers solitude without isolation. It’s peaceful enough to let your mind wander or to talk with a friend while pushing the stroller side-by-side. While I haven’t photographed a session here yet, it’s on my list of places to explore further for its peaceful vibe and natural beauty.

Walks That Heal, Moments That Last

Whether you’re recovering from birth, easing into a new routine, or just trying to keep your sanity while your baby fights nap time, stroller walks can be a gentle reset. These Twin Cities paths have held my feet, my clients, and my camera through countless seasons, and I’m always grateful for the pause they offer.

If you’ve walked any of these trails—or if you have a favorite I haven’t discovered—leave a comment below! I’d love to hear your stroller story. And if you ever want to capture a quiet moment like the ones you find on these walks, reach out. These in-between seasons deserve to be remembered.

Because this is your story, too.

Michele Quattrin is a Minneapolis-based motherhood and family photographer with over 15 years of experience behind the lens. As a mom herself, she understands how meaningful (and sometimes chaotic) early parenthood can be—and how powerful it is to find small pockets of calm. Through her work, Michele captures the quiet, in-between moments that often go unseen but matter most. When she's not photographing families, she's usually exploring the Twin Cities' most peaceful paths, coffee in hand, scouting the best spots for stroller walks and golden-hour light.

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