If you’ve spent any time in the south metro, you know Lakeville doesn't exactly lack green space. But honestly, Steve Michaud Park is the one place that usually ends up on the "must-visit" list for anyone with kids or a soccer habit. It’s located at 17100 Ipava Avenue, and while it officially covers about 42 acres, it feels a lot bigger once you’re actually wandering around the trail loops or trying to track down a rogue toddler in the Land of Amazement.
Most people around here still remember it as North Park. It was renamed years ago to honor Steve Michaud, a long-time Parks and Recreation Director who basically shaped the way Lakeville looks today. It’s a flagship spot, meaning it’s where the city puts its best foot forward. You’ve got tournament-grade soccer fields on one side and a massive, community-built playground on the other.
The Land of Amazement 2.0: What’s Different Now?
If you haven’t been there in a few years, you might be surprised. The original playground was this iconic, sprawling wooden fortress. It was great, but let’s be real—the splinters and the "is this structurally sound?" anxiety were starting to peak by the early 2010s.
In 2016, the city organized a massive "community build" to create Land of Amazement 2.0. We’re talking over 200 volunteers and about $360,000 in funding. They managed to keep that "fortress" vibe that kids love while upgrading to modern, safer materials. It’s huge—about 21,000 square feet of play space.
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- The Zipline: This is the undisputed king of the park. There’s almost always a line, but it moves fast.
- Imaginative Play: They kept the puppet theater from the old design, which is kinda rare for modern parks.
- The Layout: It starts with a ramp system that makes it remarkably accessible. It’s not just a "box of sand" with a swing set; it’s a maze.
- Shade Factor: This is a big one. Because of the way the structures are built and the surrounding trees, it stays cooler than those plastic-and-metal playgrounds that turn into frying pans in July.
Beyond the Playground: Sports and Trails
While the playground gets the most Instagram love, Steve Michaud Park is basically the HQ for Lakeville soccer. If you’re here on a Saturday morning in the spring or fall, expect chaos. The parking lot (which has about 350 stalls) fills up fast when the tournaments are in town.
The park features nine soccer fields. They are well-maintained, lush, and—fair warning—usually very busy. There’s also a major-league-sized baseball field and a softball diamond.
If you aren't here for sports or kids, the 1.2 miles of paved trails are the real draw. These paths aren't just a circle around the park; they actually connect to the broader Lakeville trail system. You can easily bike or walk from the surrounding neighborhoods like Rock Ridge right into the heart of the park. It’s mostly flat, making it a favorite for local runners or people just trying to get their steps in without a massive incline.
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Practical Tips for Your Visit
Parking can be a bit of a nightmare during peak soccer hours. The main entrance is off Ipava Avenue, and traffic can back up quite a bit. Honestly, if there’s a big tournament, try to arrive 20 minutes earlier than you think you need to.
- Restrooms: There is a permanent park building with real, indoor plumbing. This is a game-changer compared to the portable toilets you find at smaller neighborhood parks.
- Picnics: There’s a large pavilion you can rent, but there are also plenty of scattered picnic tables and benches. If you’re planning a birthday party, the indoor meeting area is available for rent through the Lakeville Parks & Recreation Department (952-985-4600).
- Dogs: They are allowed, but keep them on a leash. If you want to let them run, Lakeville has a dedicated off-leash dog park elsewhere, but Michaud is strictly a leashed-walking zone.
The Haunted Forest and Seasonal Magic
One thing most casual visitors miss is how much this park changes in the winter. While the playground is technically open year-round, the trails become a hub for cross-country skiing once the snow sticks.
And then there's the Haunted Forest Festival. This is a Lakeville staple. Every October, the park transforms into a spooky trail walk. It’s handled perfectly—they usually have a "lightly spooked" version for the little kids earlier in the day and a "scarier" version once the sun goes down. It’s one of those local traditions that makes the park feel like a community hub rather than just a piece of municipal land.
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Why It Still Matters in 2026
In an era where every new park feels like it came out of the same "modern playground" catalog, Steve Michaud Park feels different. Maybe it’s the history of the community build or the fact that it’s named after someone who actually cared about Lakeville's outdoors. It has a soul.
Whether you're there to watch a high-stakes soccer match, let the kids burn off energy on the zipline, or just enjoy a quiet walk on the paved trails, it’s a spot that justifies its reputation. It’s well-maintained, safe, and big enough that you don't feel like you're on top of other people—unless, of course, it’s tournament day.
Next Steps for Your Trip
If you're planning a visit, check the Lakeville Parks and Recreation weather hotline at 952-985-4690 (Option 2) before you head out, especially if there's been recent rain. The soccer fields can close quickly to protect the turf. For the best experience at the Land of Amazement, try to hit the park on a weekday morning or late afternoon to avoid the mid-day weekend rush. If the main lot is full, there is often additional street parking in the residential areas to the west, but always be mindful of local signage to avoid a ticket.