Minnehaha Park Tours

Minnehaha Park
Minnehaha Park featuring a waterfall as well as an individual male
Minnehaha Park which includes forest scenes, fall colors and mountain biking
Minnehaha Park
Minnehaha Park featuring mountains as well as a small group of people


This city park alongside the Mississippi River offers pristine beauty, a big waterfall with pools for wading, paths for activities and lawns for picnics.

Minnehaha Park is located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Each season offers different landscapes and activities, but no matter what the time of year, the park is always popular. Residents and visitors from Minneapolis and St. Paul come here to relax with a picnic, and swim and walk in spring, autumn or summer. In winter the waterfall freezes and the trees are covered in snow, drastically changing the scenery and range of activities.The native Dakota people inhabited this area for centuries before it became a park. The name Minnehaha means “falling water” in the Dakota language. European settlers discovered the waterfall here around 1820 and it featured in a 1855 poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who had seen images of it. The waterfall is still a big feature today, cascading down 53 feet (16 meters) of rock in summer and freezing up into stagnant icicles in winter. Hike along the crisscrossing trails that cover the park. A nice option is to wander down towards the junction of Minnehaha Creek and the Mississippi River. There is a small, sandy beach here that provides a spot to rest and watch the river flow by. Rent bikes inside the park for a small fee and cover more of the area. The wading pool and picnic areas at nearby Wabun are fun places in spring and summer. There are toilets and change rooms located near the pool. Bring the children to one of the large playgrounds with plenty of equipment to enjoy year-round. Listen to jazz, Latin, rock and folk music at free concerts held during summer weekends. Bring sleds if you visit after snowfall, as there are some good slopes around.Minnehaha Park is located just above the sharp river bend between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Entry to the park is free and there is plenty of spaces to park for a fee, or free.

Plan a trip to see Minnehaha Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Quality Inn & Suites Mall of America - MSP Airport
Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington at Mall of America, MN

Browse tours and tickets to explore Minnehaha Park

Tours & day trips

See all 39 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 11 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities

Reviews of Minnehaha Park

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
312
5 - Excellent 66%
4 - Good
119
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
32
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Best to visit during April thru June.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Had a great time at this park it is really nice clean and well cared for. There are bikes you can rent and scooters and Minnehaha falls are lovely to look at.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Super easy to get to- use the light rail

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Inconvenient parking,meters didn't work, no sinage

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

come prepared with a map - the information boards are confusing. Skip the Longfellow House - the public is not allowed and it's only a replica

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

take change for the parking meters, the credit card thing wasn't working

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Minnehaha Park

Walk to Falls/ Close to Everything / Fenced Backyard
Walk to Falls/ Close to Everything / Fenced Backyard
Minneapolis
Walk to Falls/ Close to Everything / Fenced Backyard
Walk to Falls / Close to Everything / Fenced Backyard
Walk to Falls / Close to Everything / Fenced Backyard
Minneapolis
Walk to Falls / Close to Everything / Fenced Backyard
Cozy 3BD Retreat with Plenty Space for Family & Friends!
Cozy 3BD Retreat with Plenty Space for Family & Friends!
2 out of 5
Minneapolis
Cozy 3BD Retreat with Plenty Space for Family & Friends!
Hot Tub Theatre Sauna Arcade Games Gym Sleeps10
Hot Tub Theatre Sauna Arcade Games Gym Sleeps10
Minneapolis
Hot Tub Theatre Sauna Arcade Games Gym Sleeps10
Snelling Motel
Snelling Motel
2 out of 5
5346 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Snelling Motel
5 STARS! MPLS-ST PAUL "THE COTTAGE" LK NOKOMIS/MNHAHA FALLS/MOA/ONE-LEVEL-LIVING
5 STARS! MPLS-ST PAUL "THE COTTAGE" LK NOKOMIS/MNHAHA FALLS/MOA/ONE-LEVEL-LIVING
Minneapolis
5 STARS! MPLS-ST PAUL "THE COTTAGE" LK NOKOMIS/MNHAHA FALLS/MOA/ONE-LEVEL-LIVING
Lake Nokomis Gem - Free WiFi and Close to MSP & Mall of America
Lake Nokomis Gem - Free WiFi and Close to MSP & Mall of America
Minneapolis
Lake Nokomis Gem - Free WiFi and Close to MSP & Mall of America
Luxury Minneapolis 3BR House with Hot Tub!
Luxury Minneapolis 3BR House with Hot Tub!
Minneapolis
Luxury Minneapolis 3BR House with Hot Tub!
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
3.5 out of 5
1601 East American Blvd, Bloomington, MN
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.