Best Parks & Green Spaces in Minneapolis, United States

Minneapolis, United States, Minneapolis, Outdoor & Adventure, Best Parks & Green Spaces

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.