Discover Rogers
16 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve
Rolling prairie, river gorge, marshes and mixed woods along the Crow River offer varied subjects — migrating songbirds, beaver ponds, seasonal wildflowers and reflective water scenes. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and long shadows; spring and fall for migration and color. Main parking off Park Dr; trails and boardwalks are free but can be muddy—sturdy boots recommended. Weekday mornings have fewer visitors; some viewpoints are accessible but bring insect repellent in summer.
Crow Hassan Trailhead
Small trailhead on the Crow River offering river meanders, wetland boardwalks, prairie and riverbank views — good for reflections, migrating waterfowl, fall color and intimate landscape compositions. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft side-light and mist; late spring brings birds and wildflowers, autumn offers color. Easy car access with a small parking lot; trails are mostly flat and gravel—good for carrying modest gear. Expect mosquitoes in summer; check local trail closures in winter.
Shadow Woods Park
Small suburban woodland with mixed hardwoods, meandering trails and seasonal wetlands — strong for intimate forest scenes, reflections in still water, and seasonal color. Visit at golden hour or after light rain for saturated leaves and low-angle shafts; spring brings wildflowers, fall offers peak color, and winter gives stark compositions. Easy access from a roadside parking lot with no fee; trails are generally flat and family-friendly. Weekday mornings are least crowded.
Hassan Hills Park
Hassan Hills Park offers rolling bluffs, prairie grass, small wetlands and tree lines that create layered landscape compositions. Ideal for wide vistas, seasonal wildflowers and autumn color. Free public access with parking at the trailhead; trails are mostly unpaved and moderate—bring good shoes. Best light is at sunrise and sunset for warm side-light on the hills; weekdays and early mornings minimize dog-walkers and families. Weather can be windy on exposed ridges; check forecasts for dramatic
Edgewater Park
Small lakeside park with shoreline, mature trees and open vistas ideal for reflections, golden-hour skies and intimate nature scenes. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and mirror-like water; spring and fall offer color; winter yields stark ice textures. Public, free entry with a modest parking lot and paved trails—easy walk-from-car access and family-friendly facilities but limited amenities and crowds.
Sunny Side Park
Small community park with a pond, tree-lined trails and open grassy areas—good for reflective water shots, seasonal foliage, candid family or pet photography, and intimate landscapes. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and calm water; weekdays and early mornings minimize visitors. Easily accessible off 138th Ave with free parking; paved paths and picnic areas make gear transport simple. No special permits for casual photography; check city site for organized shoots.
Fox Creek West Park
Small suburban park featuring a meandering creek, wetland pockets, open prairie and wooded trails — great for intimate landscape, water reflections and birdlife. No entry fee; roadside parking and accessible paths near the trailhead. Best at golden hour and sunrise for soft light and reflections; spring and fall for migrating birds and color. Weekday mornings are quieter; expect mosquitoes in warm months.
Lions Central Park
Small community park with open lawns, mature trees, walking paths and a pond—good for reflections, seasonal foliage and casual portrait or family shoots. Free entry and roadside parking; easiest on weekdays. Best at golden hour for warm light and at leaf-change season for color.
Dutch Knolls Park
Small rolling-knoll park with native prairie, wetlands and scattered trees — good for intimate landscape compositions, seasonal color (golden grass in late summer, fall foliage) and birdlife. Easy roadside parking on Elm Pkwy, no entry fee; mostly flat, accessible paths. Best at golden hour or overcast mornings for mood; weekdays and dawn reduce human traffic. Bring insect protection in summer.
Brookside Meadows Park
Small suburban park with open meadows, ponds, mixed wetlands and tree lines — good for meadow landscapes, reflective water shots, wildflowers and songbird/waterfowl in spring–summer. Visit sunrise or golden hour for soft directional light and long shadows; late spring–early summer for blooms and migratory birds, autumn for warm grasses. Easy access with free parking and paved trails; family-friendly, no entry fee. Weekdays have fewer dog walkers and joggers.
Henry's Woods Park
Small woodland park with mixed hardwoods, wetlands and winding trails offering intimate nature scenes: spring wildflowers, fall color, and reflective pools. Easy roadside parking and short, accessible trails make it good for quick shoots; no fee. Best light is early morning or late afternoon for warm side-light and calm water; avoid heavy rain when trails get muddy.
Lynch Park
Small community park with ponds, mature trees and open lawns offering calm reflections, seasonal color and simple landscape compositions. Best at golden hour for warm side-light and mirrored water; spring/fall for blooms and foliage; winter for stark snowscapes. Free parking on-site; easy paths and wheelchair-accessible sections make it practical for quick shoots. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded.
Hector's Woods
Small mixed-woodland preserve with winding trails, native oaks and prairie edges — great for intimate forest scenes, seasonal color (spring greens, fall foliage), creek-side reflections and close-up plant/wildlife studies. Easy roadside parking and informal trailheads; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or after rain for saturated colors and mist; weekday mornings have fewer people. Trails are unpaved; wear boots and tick protection.
South Community Park
Small community park with a pond, tree-lined paths, open lawns and a playground — good for reflective water shots, intimate landscapes, seasonal color (fall foliage, spring greens) and casual wildlife (ducks, songbirds). Easy on-site parking off Main St, paved accessible paths, no entry fee. Best light at sunrise or golden hour; weekday mornings are quieter. Summer midday offers family activity shots; winters bring stark trees and frozen reflections.
North Community Park
Small community park with ponds, walking trails, native prairie and scattered trees — good for reflective waterscapes, intimate landscape shots, seasonal color and casual wildlife (ducks, songbirds). Best at golden hour for warm light and reflections; late spring–fall for foliage and wildflowers, winter for stark snowy compositions. Easy access with free parking at the lot on Bittersweet Ln, no entry fee, paved and natural trails suitable for quick gear hauls. Weekday mornings are quieter; watch
Rogers Veteran's Memorial
Small outdoor veterans memorial on Rogers’ Main Street featuring monuments, flagpoles and engraved plaques—great for intimate architectural and memorial portraits. Easy roadside access and nearby street parking; wheelchair accessible. Visit at golden hour or during Memorial/Veterans Day ceremonies for emotional light and local activity. Weekday mornings are least crowded; watch for harsh midday shadows on plaques.