Hyland Rollerskiing

Hyland has been the ideal location for local rollerski races

Located in Bloomington, MN, Hyland Lake Park Reserve has long been one of the most popular rollerskiing destinations in the metro area. On a fall weekend at almost any time of the day, you'll find a few rollerskiers cruising the trails.

This segment had much sharper twists before the redesign. Photo shows the improved trail just after reopening in the fall of 1999

In 1999 Hennepin Parks tore up the old asphalt pathways. Much of the trail system surface had become very cracked. In addition, the old trails were layed out before the advent of inline skates, so there were sections (particularly on the north loop) were the trail had sharp twists and turns. The new trail work involved improving some of the more tricky sections by rounding out corners and straightening some of the more twisty sections. The trails were re-opened in the fall of 1999 with fresh, smooth asphalt.

Sheltered path on the south loop

The Hyland trail system offers a nice variety of terrain. While most of the course is out in the open prairie and rolling woodlands, there are some nice climbs and descents, and a few sections through the woods. The loop north of the main entrance features mainly prairie and a few rolling hills, while the south loop has at least one long climb and some nice woodland breaks from the wind.

One of the additional features of Hyland is the great kids play area. With an endless variety of slides and climbs, the rest of the family can get a workout while the parents take turns on the trail system. (Note: Hyland is reconstructing the play area, starting in October 2000.)

There are a few negatives about the Hyland trails system:

1. In order to go between the north and south loops, you have to cross the main entrance road. While this is a paved crossing, when you are traveling from the north to south loop, your vision is blocked until your almost to the road, and it's slighly downhill.
2. The trail system can be busy on some days. Hyland is centrally located within Bloomington and people come out for walks and bike rides on the trails, especially late in the day and on weekends.
3. The new material used in the trail system at Hyland seems to have either not fully cured, or is a softer, more heat susceptible grade than other park trails like Elm Creek. Hyland park officials have posted that no poles should be used on the trails when the temperature is above 80F.