I’m new to MN and this is my first winter: it was recommended that I practice driving. In ice in empty parking lots. I live downtown. Can anyone recommend a parking lot to go to? Willing to drive too if not nearby, But hoping to find something nearby.

  • The Dunwoody College parking lot is close to downtown and should be big enough for what you need

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    Oh! I forgot about the lots over there, that's a great suggestion.

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    It’s actually got a gate u need a badge to get in

    parent root

  • I learned how to drive in winter in a school parking lot, after school let out. Highly recommend. 

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  • Corporate campuses on the weekends are a great option.

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  • There is a self pay lot across from the downtown post office that's been empty the last couple days and might get empty at night. The quarry parking lot (ne target) is large and empty at night. Maybe try lots by Mall of America (IKEA, Walmart). 

    People in the rich neighborhoods park in garages so streets in those neighborhoods just after it snows might be an option after you practice in a lot and want to practice turning on streets.

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    the second suggestion is a great option and if you go late at night it you’re super unlikely to run into anyone (potentially literally lol), i still do this whenever i get a new vehicle to test how it handles in different situations. not always rich neighborhoods but just anywhere there’s not street parking works too!

    parent root

  • I learned to drive in a middle school parking lot in the suburbs

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  • Ukranian event center. Just across the hennepin bridge.

    Depending on timing, DeLaSalle parking lot (on nicollet island) can be empty or packed on weekends.

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  • Cemeteries. The big ones.

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    I did a lot of practice at Lakewood and Fort Snelling while I was learning to drive

    parent root

  • try the uptown cub parking lot

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  • The 35E freeway between the 5 and the 94 is perfect to practice freeway driving since it’s slow and allowed the driver to practice merging and exiting.

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  • Northtown in Blaine might be a good spot. They have a couple of empty parking lots

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  • I’m teaching my teen to drive and I took her to her school’s parking lot, Aldi parking lot, target parking lot all after hours of course.

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  • Thanks so much for all of your suggestions! I will check them out!

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