Best Skateparks In The Twin Cities

Skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX bikers see cities differently. A handrail - an inconspicuous city staple to most people- is, to skaters, something unique, almost beautiful - both an obstacle and a landmark. However, it's illegal to skate on most city spots. Thus skaters flock to skateparks: local havens of legal skating.

The following list documents a few of the best skateparks in the Twin Cities. It's not meant to be definitive, so don't take offense or hurl obscenities at me if your favorite park isn't on the list. In fact, be sure to write about it in the comments below, so others may see it.

Third Lair

850 Florida Ave. S.
Golden Valley, MN
(763) 797-5283
3rdlair.blogspot.com

Third Lair Skatepark is a sanctuary for skateboarders, inliners and bikers in the Twin Cities. Located in Golden Valley, it has everything: indoor and outdoor ramps and rails, rental equipment, instructors, an experienced staff and a pro shop. It also hosts monthly deals, contests and activities. Session hours are available every day and the cost to ride is $12 to $15.

Overpass

100 Washington Ave.
Hopkins, MN 55343
(952) 979-1101
www.hopkinsmn.com

As the name suggests, the Overpass is built under the Highway 196 bypass in Hopkins. Operated by Third Lair (mentioned above) and owned by the city of Hopkins, it's a wonderful place to skate when the weather permits. It's open to skateboarders, inline skaters and bikers. And it costs $6-$8 depending on where you're from; Hopkins, St. Louis Park and Minnetonka residents get discounts.  Spanning 18,000 square feet, it boasts two great bowls and a number of fun boxes, rails and staircases.

YMCA Tri-City Skatepark

7355 York Ave. S.
Edina, MN 55435
(952) 835-2567
www.ymcatwincities.org

This park is one enormous 17,000 square foot concrete bowl. It's open from April to October to skateboarders, inline skaters and bikers. Helmets and pads are required at all times and the cost is $5 for YMCA member s and residents of Bloomington, Edina and Richfield. For everyone else, it costs $6.50 to get in.

Maple Grove Community Skatepark

12951 Weaver Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 494-6500
www.ci.maple-grove.mn.us

Near the parking lot of the Maple Grove Community Center lies the Maple Grove Skatepark. It's a great place for beginners to learn, offering ramps of various heights, rails and a half-pipe. Admission is free (an obvious plus!) and it's open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons if the weather permits. Appropriate pads must be worn and, if you don't have any, the park offers rentals.

Summit Skatepark

9241 Hudson Blvd. N.
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
(651) 714-1117
www.summitboardshop.com

Along with selling skate stuff, Summit Boardshop offers an awesome place to skate too. In the back the shop is a park with everything a skater might dream, including a 28 foot by 25 foot foam pit into which skaters can hurl themselves without much fear of injury while attempting difficult or yet-to-be invented tricks. It's open every day and entry is $10. Helmets must be worn. BMX bikes are allowed on Thursday nights.