Battle Creek Regional Park, 846 acres located in the southeast corner of St. Paul and southern Maplewood between l-94 and Lower Afton Road, provides a large natural area in a developing suburban neighborhood. The park's extensive woods, wetlands and grasslands provide habitat for many species of wildlife, including deer, fox, herons, egrets and hawks. Four miles of paved biking and hiking trails offer visitors the opportunity to view the birds and animals as well as the beauty of the vegetation. Winter visitors can tour the park on 10.5 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails.

A large group picnic pavilion is located off Upper Afton Road near McKnight Road. The site includes a children's play area, a large, open, informal game field and walking paths. Evening concerts are provided throughout the summer season.

The lower creek area of the park between Highway 61 and Upper Afton Road is one of the most scenic areas in the Twin Cities. Sandstone bluffs and steep wooded slopes border each side of the creek. A paved bike/hike trail follows the creek as it meanders through the sandstone bluff creek valley.

Due to the severe topography and extensive wooded areas, most of the park remains in a natural state, accessible only by trails. One of the most popular trails is a two-mile loop in the southeast part of the park located between Upper and Lower Afton Roads and east of McKnight Road. The trail is accessible from the picnic pavilion area, following paths across Upper Afton Road, or by using the parking area off Lower Afton Road.