
Best Parks & Green Spaces in Minneapolis, United States
1. Minnehaha Falls Park
A city park featuring a beautiful waterfall and limestone bluffs, perfect for hiking, picnicking, or taking scenic photos.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning natural scenery with a picturesque waterfall.
- Activities: Features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a seasonal farmers market.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by bike or public transportation.
2. Lake Calhoun
A large lake offering swimming, boating, biking, and scenic views of the city.
- Water Activities: Offers swimming, paddleboarding, and sailing opportunities.
- Scenic Views: Provides beautiful views of the Minneapolis skyline.
- Pet-Friendly: Allows dogs on leashes in designated areas.
3. Theodore Wirth Park
A large park with diverse landscapes, including woods, wetlands, and meadows, great for hiking or cross-country skiing.
- Diverse Landscapes: Offers a variety of natural habitats to explore.
- Seasons Activities: Popular for hiking, skiing, and sledding in the winter.
- Bike Rentals: Offers bike rentals at the Lyndale Farmstead parking lot.
4. Lake Harriet
A popular urban lake with a beautiful pavilion, perfect for picnics, walking, or renting a paddleboat.
- Picnic Pavilion: Features a picturesque pavilion with grills and tables.
- Boat Rentals: Offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals during the summer.
- Fitness Trail: Has a walking/running trail with fitness equipment along the way.
5. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
A large public garden showcasing native and adapted plants, ideal for educational tours or peaceful strolls.
- Native Plants: Showcases over 500 acres of native and adapted plants.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and guided tours.
- Seasonal Displays: Features seasonal displays such as fall foliage and spring blooms.
6. Lake of the Isles
A scenic urban lake with a popular walking path, perfect for jogging or birdwatching.
- Walking Path: Features a scenic, 2.4-mile paved trail around the lake.
- Birdwatching: Popular spot for birdwatchers due to the variety of species found in the area.
- Tennis Courts: Has seven public tennis courts available for use.
7. Peace Park
A peaceful urban park with a serene pond, perfect for quiet reflection or feeding the ducks.
- Serene Pond: Features a beautiful pond where you can feed the ducks.
- Quiet Reflection: Offers a peaceful atmosphere for quiet reflection or meditation.
- Monuments: Features monuments dedicated to peace, such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
8. Fort Snelling State Park
A state park with beautiful views of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, ideal for camping or picnicking.
- Camping: Offers campsites for tent and RV camping.
- Historical Sites: Features historic fort ruins and a museum.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers.
9. Nicollet Island Park
A charming riverfront park with historic homes, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
- Historic Homes: Features beautiful historic homes along the riverside.
- Leisurely Strolls: Offers a peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing walk.
- Pet-Friendly: Allows dogs on leashes in designated areas.
10. Lyndale Park Rose Garden
A beautiful rose garden with over 6,000 bushes, perfect for a romantic stroll or photography.
- Romantic Stroll: Offers a picturesque atmosphere for a romantic walk.
- Photography: Ideal for photography enthusiasts due to the vibrant roses and beautiful landscaping.
- Seasonal Roses: Features over 6,000 rose bushes in various colors and varieties.
11. Boom Island Park
A small riverfront park with beautiful views of the Stone Arch Bridge, perfect for picnics or watching boats.
- Stone Arch Bridge Views: Offers stunning views of the historic Stone Arch Bridge.
- Picnic Areas: Features picnic tables and grills for outdoor meals.
- Boat Watching: Ideal for watching boats on the Mississippi River.
12. East Phillips Urban Farm
A community-based farm offering fresh produce, educational programs, and events.
- Fresh Produce: Grows a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for kids and adults about urban agriculture.
- Community Events: Hosts community events such as cooking classes, film screenings, and concerts.
13. Northeast Regional Park
A large park with a variety of sports fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds for families.
- Sports Fields: Features multiple soccer, softball, and baseball fields.
- Picnic Areas: Offers picnic tables, grills, and shelters for outdoor meals.
- Playgrounds: Has playgrounds suitable for children of all ages.
14. Thomas Sadler Robertson Park
A peaceful riverside park with a beautiful gazebo and scenic views, perfect for picnics or family gatherings.
- Gazebo: Features a picturesque gazebo for special events.
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River.
- Picnic Areas: Has picnic tables and grills available for use.
15. Franklin Steele Park
A peaceful urban park with a playground, perfect for families or picnics.
- Playground: Features a modern playground suitable for children of all ages.
- Picnic Areas: Has picnic tables and grills available for use.
- Quiet Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful atmosphere for families and picnics.