Hidden Valley Park – Cottage Grove

It was a beautiful, sunny, 40-degree February day. What better way to spend it than exploring Cottage Grove’s Hidden Valley Park and Open Spaces?

According to Parks and Recreation Director Zac Dockter, “Hidden Valley is 26 acres of park and open space. It starts with the little patch of prairie between Hinton Avenue and Hidden Valley Trail… and includes the ponds along Hardwood Avenue.”

That is where my story began, at the corner of Hardwood Avenue and 73rd Street. My feet were moving. The ice melting. Heart quiet. The wind rustled against my face, making it feel colder than it was, but one cannot complain about any temperature above freezing in Minnesota during the month of February.

Starting up 73rd Street I paused to take in the surrounding winter scenery of a frozen pond with a dock and a snow-covered overlook.

“The north pond is the only stocked fishing pond within the city park system. Crib beds were placed on the bottom of the pond in 2017 to encourage reproduction and quality fishing opportunities,” explained Dockter.

Situated behind the North Pond were the rushing cars of 70th Street moving up and down the valley, but the distance made it only an image with no sound, providing a calm and intriguing juxtaposition.

At first, I scaled the icy sidewalks, until I saw the footprints of those who frequent the park to be most comfortable with the quiet roadway of 73rd Street. People were out running and walking their dogs along the street with ease and happy hello nods. I thought it best to follow their lead and moved my journey to the safety of the road.

As I traveled upward leaving the valley, boughs of pine trees waved to me in the wind, free now from their heavy snow slumber. Halfway up the hill, 73rd Street was greeted by Hidden Valley Trail. The trail, completely clear of ice and snow was, at this time of day, full of the sun’s glow.

Houses of Hidden Valley reside directly to the left of the trail, but the distance between the path and their abodes felt balanced and not intrusive. I was simply walking. They are simply living.

As I traveled upwards it just felt lovely. Lovely to be outside. Lovely to be walking. Moving. It felt like I was participating in something.

At the top of the trail, out peeked a fun looking jungle gym. Footsteps in the snow surrounding the jungle gym marked the energy of play, expression, and release.

Dockter noted that the existence of this open space was due to the housing development construction in the 1980s and 1990s. The land was dedicated for public use, with the playground portion of the park originally constructed around 2002, and the new playground installed in 2021.

The trail continued east to Hinton Avenue where there is a pedestrian crossing expanding the ability to journey forth in wherever your adventure leads.

“Hidden Valley is connected by park space on all four sides. It connects to West Draw Park in the west, Oakwood Park to the south, Hardwood Park to the north, and Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor to the east,” said Dockter.

There was no bathroom or parking lot, but garbage cans and free doggie bags are readily available. Offstreet parking can be found at the top of the hill near Hinton Avenue. There are also interpretive signs available, providing education about monarch butterflies and the North Pond.

As I turned around, one foot in front of the other again, I gained a view of the valley that stopped me in my tracks. There was awe in witnessing the curves and crevasses of the natural landscape of Cottage Grove.

The removal of invasive species and renewal of native prairie and wetland habitats intended to reclaim the natural beauty of this open space occurred between 2016–2018 with the help of the City of Cottage Grove and the Minnesota DNR.

“The restored landscape provides great habitats for animals, birds, fish, pollinators and more, while also providing beautiful grasses and flowers that change with the seasons,” Dockter said.

Slowly I made my way down the slope, looking out at the hills and up at the sky until I found myself back in the valley where I first began. How quickly it snuck up on me like it was in disguise. The name of the park truly gives a great description of its essence. Hidden is the valley that lies below the hill.

Once at the bottom of 73rd Street, I looked up to see the top of the hill where I had recently stood and realized the disguise was a two-way street, for it was completely hidden from view. What a clever park. If you find yourself in search of Hidden Valley Park the address is 7220 Hidden Valley Trail South, Cottage Grove but just in case, I’ll provide a hint, Hinton Avenue is a very good start.

Solovitz

Photo by Nerissa

Right: Hidden Valley Trail leading upward. Photo by Nerissa Solovitz

Pictured on the right: Hinton entrance to Hidden Valley Park. Photo by Nerissa Solovitz

Informational sign for fishing the pond helps visitors at Hidden Valley Park. Photo by Nerissa Solovitz

Above: Hidden Valley Park boasts a new park playground.