Although it doesn’t compare to International Falls, Minnesota, — the coldest city in the continental United States — Lakeville, Minnesota can get downright nippy. For nearly five months, temperatures here barely crack freezing, while the sun can hide for days at a time. So when the ground starts to thaw and the temperature rises, it’s a cause for celebration. Fortunately, you can find numerous ways to welcome springtime in and around the city. Here are a few of the top destinations and attractions. 
Explore Lakewood Cemetery
It may sound a bit morbid, but exploring Lakewood Cemetery just 30 minutes from Lakeview is an experience unlike any other. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Lakewood Cemetery contains over 100,000 headstones, a chapel modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, several mausoleums, grand statues, and beautifully manicured grounds.
While the scenery is nice to take in during a stroll, the real fun comes when you try to find some of Minneapolis’ most famous sons and daughters. This includes the final resting places of:
- Franklin C. Mars, the inventor of the Snickers candy bar.
- Tiny Tim, a world-famous ukulele player and falsetto singer.
- Callum DeVillier, the world-record holder for marathon dancing (3,780 consecutive hours).
- Buzz Arlett, also known as the “Babe Ruth of the Minor Leagues.”
Plus, you never know what macabre thing you might stumble across on your way through the headstones.
Visit Antlers Park
One of Lakeville’s most scenic and most-visited green spaces, Antlers Park is a superb place to go for some exercise or to relish in nature. Nestled along the eastern shores of Lake Marion, the picturesque park is ideal for photo-ops. With a small beach, it’s also suitable for swimming (if you’re brave enough), or you can just soak up the view as you eat lunch, go for a hike, or take your kids to one of the playgrounds. If you can gather enough people, the volleyball courts are a great way to embrace the weather and indulge your competitive side.
Stroll Through Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Located to the northwest of Lakeville, Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve covers over 1,000 unspoiled acres. Because it’s undeveloped, it’s one of the best sites in Scott County for birdwatchers to spy woodland songbirds, as well as a pristine example of native plant life and trees.
Even if the weather has warmed up, the reserve still might have a bit of snow. If that’s the case, grab your skis and tackle the 8.3-mile cross-country skiing loop that’s one of the most challenging in southern Minnesota. When the snow finally melts, you can grab your mountain bike and hit the same trail, which lies somewhere between beginner and intermediate on the skill spectrum. Horse trails and hiking paths are also available throughout the park. An off-leash dog area also allows your favorite furry friend to get some exercise without harming the local birds or other animals.
From the strange confines of the Lakewood Cemetery to one of the beautiful local parks, enjoying warmer weather in Lakeville has never been more fun.
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