12 Beautiful Parks In Minneapolis, MN (Picture Guide)
Minneapolis, MN, has proven itself as a city with some of the best park systems in the country. The city of Minneapolis has won dozens of parks awards, including:
- Most Bikeable City in the U.S. 🚴♀️
- Best Running Route (Lake Harriet) 📍
- Ranked in the Top 10 Cities for Runners 🏃🏻
- Ranked in the Top 20 Dog-Friendly Cities 🦮
And if you check out the Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore, Both Minneapolis and St. Paul are ranked in the top 12 cities in the country based on park equity, access, investment, amenities, and acreage— now that’s pretty cool.
So why not see what all the fuss is about and check out some of the best, highest-rated parks in Minneapolis? We know we will.
1) Minnehaha Falls Park
The 53-foot tall Minnehaha Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Minneapolis. The falls are located in Minnehaha Regional Park, which is also home to a 48-acre dog park, an off-leash recreation area for dogs and their owners. The park also has:
- miles of walking trails,
- a playground,
- picnic areas,
- and the delicious Sea Salt Eatery.
2) Gold Medal Park
This 7.5-acre park sits on the site of the former Mill City Museum and is adjacent to the Guthrie Theater. The focal point of the park is the “WEDGE” sculpture by MN artist Frank Gehry. Gold Medal Park also has an amphitheater, public art installations, and spectacular views of the Mississippi River and downtown Minneapolis.
3) Lyndale Park Garden
Adjacent to the Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Lyndale Park Garden is a community garden featuring multiple themed gardens, beautiful sculptures, and stunning tours of the grounds. You can also host a wedding or any small event you wish at your request. They are best known for their annual rose garden that blooms with abundance every year. 🌹
4) Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park
The only real gorge on the Mississippi River runs through Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is known as the Mississippi Gorge. As St. Anthony Falls moved slowly upstream, it carved a steep channel while eroding a deep hole in the limestone cap that covers the region cut away from the soft sandstone substrate below. Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park boosts prevalent biking and walking trails throughout its 132 acres of land stretching along the east and west banks of the rushing Mississippi River.
5) Loring Park
Loring Park on the edge of Downtown Minneapolis is one of the most beautiful places in the city. In the summer, it’s filled with people sunbathing on the lush grass, reading books on the banks of the man-made pond, and playing lawn games. Right across the walking bridge in Loring Park is home to the Walker Art Center, one of the best contemporary art museums in the country.
6) Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the United States, and it’s absolutely stunning. The garden features over 40 permanent art installations, as well as many rotating exhibitions. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon strolling around and admiring the incredible artwork.
7) St. Anthony Falls Parks
Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam not only gives you a breathtaking view of the dam and falls but also provides exhibits with extensive information about the significance of the falls in Minnesota history. Rangers are available to answer any questions or lead short walks out onto the locking walls for an up-close look at how these falls have impacted American history.
8) Mill Ruins Parks
Mills Ruins Park is one of the coolest places in Minneapolis. It’s a park built on the ruins of old flour mills that were destroyed in a fire back in 1878. The park has walking trails, a playground, and picnic tables with views of the Mississippi River. The best part is that it’s right next to the Stone Arch Bridge, so you can walk across the bridge and explore the park afterward.
9) Tower Hill Park
Home to the infamous Witch’s Hat Tower, visible from the 94 Interstate, Tower Hill Park provides one of the best views in all of Minneapolis. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction. The Tower is open to the public and gives you an up-close look at how the city has grown over the years.
10) Boom Island Park
Once home to the booming logging industry that started Minneapolis off on the right foot, Boom Island is a small park situated on an island in the Mississippi River. The island got its name from the booms that were used to catch logs that floated down the river. Today, the park is a great place to relax and take in the incredible views of the skyline.
11) Beltrami Park
For a nice park that includes basketball courts, bocce ball, playgrounds, a wading pool, and more, head to Beltrami Park in Minneapolis. The park is a great place to take your dog for a walk, enjoy the outdoors, and take the kids out for a fun day at the park.
12) Theodore Wirth Regional Park
And finally, the wonderful and vibrant Theodore Wirth Regional Park is host to:
- a stunning golf course with a chalet,
- numerous walking trails,
- playgrounds,
- parks,
- and a sledding hill and cross-country skiing in the winter.
It’s a Minneapolis staple, having been around since 1889— but not named Theodore Wirth until 1938. Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is one of the greatest attractions in the park, which brings some stunning nature scenery to the heart of the city.
Enjoy a Local Minneapolis Park While the Weather is Nice
Do you want to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle? If so, Minneapolis holds an abundance of parks (beyond just these) that offer a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. From hiking and biking trails to picnicking and playgrounds, there’s something for everyone.
And as a local business in Minneapolis, Aquarius Home Services encourages each of our customers to enjoy this beautiful city we share, and after you get your HVAC survived, why not celebrate by enjoying the outdoor bounties of our hometown?
Visiting a park can be the perfect way to spend some time around Minneapolis. If you’re in the market for HVAC services, please don’t wait to reach out to Aquarius Home Services today!
