In the area:

The West Metro region owes much of its appeal to Lake Minnetonka, the largest and perhaps the best fishing lake in the Twin Cities area. Any summer weekend will find the many bays of this 14,000-acre lake filled with boats searching for walleye, northern, panfish, and some of the best largemouth bass fishing to be found in the state. While most of the shoreline is private, there are several public access points, including one at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, which also has a fishing pier, a swimming area apart from the lake, and a 20,000-square-foot creative play area for the kids. Also on the lake is Noerenberg Memorial Gardens, with a gazebo and walkways through an extensive flower garden. (No picnics or water-based activities are permitted at this park.) Several cruises operate on the lake as well.

There are other parks/nature centers in Victoria, Plymouth and St. Louis Park. Nearly a dozen fine golf courses are scattered across the region, and there's also a wealth of light/dinner theater and other arts.

Click here for info on the Greater Metro area.