Explore with Kids: Elmwood Park

Do the sunny days of summer have your family craving the outdoors? Then Elmwood Park is the perfect place to get active and enjoy nature!

Elmwood Park

Elmwood Park is a large recreational area in West Fargo, split into North and South divisions.

North Elmwood is one of West Fargo’s oldest parks and has recently been developed to provide more amenities for the community.

South Elmwood, on the other hand, offers a more natural, riverfront setting with scenic tree-lined walking paths.

Both sections of the park feature unique playgrounds, baseball diamonds, restrooms, and picnic areas, all connected by the Elmwood Parks Loop trail.

Whether you’re getting in touch with nature on the scenic trails, burning off energy at the playgrounds, or taking in a baseball game — there’s endless family fun to be had at Elmwood Park!

elmwood park fargo
Photo Credit: Anthea Varriano

Recreational Sports

Elmwood Park is a fantastic spot for baseball fans. Those who play can enjoy the many diamonds and batting cages available at both the North and South locations.

Or, if spectating is more your style, you can catch a game at the Essentia Health Baseball Complex.

North Elmwood Park is also home to a newly built skate park equipped with ramps, rails, and ledges. Or, if you prefer to shoot some hoops, you can utilize the basketball hoop located next to the playground!

elmwood park west fargo
Photo Credit: Anthea Varriano

Playgrounds

North and South Elmwood each house sprawling playgrounds perfect for active kiddos.

The South Elmwood playground is equipped with a climbing wall, merry-go-round, swings, and slides. There is also a covered play structure that’s perfect for imaginative play.

The North Elmwood playground is newly developed and features a slide, large rope climbing structure, merry-go-round, and swings. But my kids were most excited to fly through the air on the massive zip line!

Photo Credit: Anthea Varriano

Hiking and Biking Path

Elmwood Park offers great opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

As mentioned, the Elmwood Parks Loop connects both North and South Elmwood. This 1.7-mile trail is a quiet and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The scenic trail winds through wooded areas and offers great views along the Sheyenne River.

Photo Credit: Anthea Varriano

Elmwood Park Amenities

North and South Elmwood have water fountains and bathrooms conveniently located next to both playgrounds.

There are also numerous picnic tables available, so your family may enjoy an al fresco meal. We love having playground picnics to extend our time at the park!

Concession stands also operate during games, so you can pick up your favorite ballpark snacks to refuel for more fun.

fall colors fargo
Photo Credit: Katina Behm

Accommodations for Gatherings

For those interested in hosting a gathering, North Elmwood Park offers an enclosed shelter near the playground for rentals. The shelter accommodates 100 guests and provides indoor restrooms, grills, electricity, and running water.

Additionally, the shelter provides 12 8’ tables and a serving island. Garage-style doors may be opened for easier access to the playground and green spaces. Additional outdoor picnic tables may also be utilized.

Elmwood shelter may be reserved seven days a week. Contact the Park Office at (701) 433-5360 for more information!

Elmwood Park has plenty to offer its visitors, and is a great destination for baseball, exploring the playgrounds, and roaming the scenic trails.

Looking for more fun spots in the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo area? Check out our Explore with Kids series!

Places to Explore with Kids

Previous articleMore Than Therapy: Beyond Boundaries Special Programs
Anthea Varriano
Anthea is a Fargo native who graduated from NDSU in 2012 with degrees in Anthropology and Psychology. She loves the Fargo community and the opportunities available for her family here (but not so much the snow). Anthea is a self-described “Disney Nerd.” The movies, music, and theme parks – she loves it all! Anthea channels her love for Disney into her blog, Inspiring Magical Memories, where she shares Disney-themed recipes and crafts, Disney dinner parties, and trip planning articles for the Disney Parks. She and her husband have two daughters and a son: Aiden (2008), Gemma (2016), and Ezra (2021). With ages ranging from infant to teenager, Anthea keeps herself busy just trying to keep up with her kiddos! In the past 14 years, Anthea has seen the rules of parenting change and evolve, which just goes to show we are always learning and adapting. No parent is perfect! Which is why Anthea feels it is important for moms to have a network where they can support each other and learn from one another. Besides writing, Anthea enjoys cooking, crafting, working out, and attending community events with her family.