When the weather turns, Edina invites you outside. From championship golf and multi-use trails to patio dining and community parks, the city offers a full menu of outdoor experiences — many of them free, all of them worth your time.
1. Tee Off at Braemar Golf Course
Amateur golfers can warm up in Braemar's year-round driving dome — reportedly the largest indoor golf facility in the Twin Cities — before transitioning to outdoor play. The Academy 9 offers par-3 holes ranging from 70 to 194 yards, while the Championship 18 is Minnesota's first new regulation public course in more than a decade. Equipment seekers can visit PXG at Southdale Center before or after their round.
2. Explore Centennial Lakes Park
This 24-acre development is one of Edina's crown jewels, offering lawn bowling, paddle boats, pond fishing, and a hedge maze complete with a 10-foot pinecone at its center. Every Thursday from early June through early October, a farmers market fills the park with local produce, fresh flowers, and artisan goods. Neighboring Pinstripes offers Italian bistro dining alongside bowling and bocce on its patio.
3. Discover Edina's Public Art
Edina's Arts & Culture Commission funds annual sculptures, paintings, and photography installations throughout the city. The Edina Promenade near Centennial Lakes showcases rotating works — past highlights have included James Bearden's "Lunar Trap," Sam Spiczka's "Crescendo," Dean Holzman's "Time Piece," and the Instagram-friendly "I in Edina" and "Rainbow Bridge" installations.
4. Dine Al Fresco
Edina's patio dining scene is unmatched. Pull up a chair at Barrio for tacos and tequila, Salut Bar Américain for steak frites and French onion soup, Pittsburgh Blue for aged beef, The Good Earth for farm-to-table fare, or CōV for Nantucket-inspired coastal cuisine. Each spot offers an outdoor escape as satisfying as the menu.
5. Hit the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
Nearly 15 miles of paved trail connect Edina to Hopkins, Minnetonka, Richfield, and Bloomington. Edina's section passes through wetlands and woodlands via Bredesen, Fred Richards, and Walnut Ridge parks — a scenic route for cyclists, runners, and walkers alike.
6. Cool Off at the Edina Aquatic Center
The Edina Aquatic Center is a summer institution. Highlights include the 207-foot Pirate's Plunge water slide, an 82–84-degree Olympic lap pool, and The Lost Wave surf simulator. Check edinamn.gov for current season dates, pricing, and hours.
7. Explore What's New at 50th & France
The 50th & France neighborhood continues to evolve with a rotating mix of independent boutiques, restaurants, and services. Recent seasons have brought lifestyle shops, acclaimed restaurants, and locally rooted concepts to the district. Stop in and see what's new — or revisit a longtime favorite.
8. Grab a Craft Pint at Wooden Hill Brewing Company
Founded by brothers with backgrounds in nanotechnology and medicine, Wooden Hill Brewing Company brings an inventive approach to craft beer. Seasonal taps have included a cinnamon toast–inspired brown ale, a cucumber lemon sour, and a non-alcoholic pilsner, alongside hard seltzers in pina colada, mojito, and Moscow mule variations. Dogs are welcome on the patio — complimentary treats and water provided.