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.
Minnehaha Park Tours
![Minnehaha Park](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/220000/220349-Minnehaha-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Minnehaha Park
Plan a trip to see Minnehaha Park
![Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/13000000/12790000/12786200/12786116/a3720009_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis
Reviewed on Jul 27, 2024
![Hyatt Regency Minneapolis](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/22900/22839/a1a7c6d7_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024
![Graduate Minneapolis](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/17800/17728/4355cd2f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Graduate Minneapolis
Reviewed on Jul 24, 2024
Browse tours and tickets to explore Minnehaha Park
Tours & day trips
See all 25 activitiesOpens in new tab![Saint Paul Gangster Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4939793/a1a86973-acdd-41cc-908f-27ca7653ccef.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Saint Paul Gangster Tour
Attractions
See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tab![Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/5053436/e6c6fa31-57bb-4551-a263-589d33f65296.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tab![All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46068471/c13d127c-77f5-4299-af09-4eec43e8dcde.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tab![Mall of America: Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf Ticket](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/45894179/f14b0c8c-c567-4a5b-896b-968dd8656583.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Mall of America: Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf Ticket
Reviews of Minnehaha Park
5/5 - Excellent
Best to visit during April thru June.
5/5 - Excellent
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
Super easy to get to- use the light rail
1/5 - Terrible
Inconvenient parking,meters didn't work, no sinage
4/5 - Good
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
take change for the parking meters, the credit card thing wasn't working
Popular places to visit
Lake Hiawatha Park
Explore the great outdoors at Lake Hiawatha Park, a lovely green space in Minneapolis.
Riverview Theater
You can make plans for a show at Riverview Theater during your stay in Minneapolis. Amble around the area's lakeside or attend a sporting event.
Lake Nokomis
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Nokomis during your travels in Minneapolis. Visit the area's shops or amble around its lakeside.
Parkway Theater
You can make plans for a show at Parkway Theater during your stay in Minneapolis. Stroll along the lakeside or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Minnehaha Falls
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Minnehaha Falls during your travels in Minneapolis.
John H Stevens House Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at John H Stevens House Museum in Minneapolis. Experience the area's entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene.
Best Lodging Options Near Minnehaha Park
Check availability on hotels close to Minnehaha Park
![1 Bed / 1 Bath / Fenced Backyard / Side 2](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/57000000/56500000/56499800/56499724/be3bb4da_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Cozy 1 bed 1 bath/ Fenced Backyard / Side 1](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34520000/34512600/34512569/cdb420c7_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Snelling Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9740000/9738900/9738894/f5e957cd_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Cozy Home: WiFi, Parking, 5 Mi to Dtwn Mpls!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67690000/67682700/67682626/99f527db_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![5 STARS⭐️ MPLS-ST PAUL BEST LOCATION "THE COTTAGE" LK NOKOMIS-MINNEHAHA FALLS-MOA](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/32000000/31950000/31949100/31949064/522474d6_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Lake Nokomis Gem - Free WiFi and Close to MSP & Mall of America](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33940000/33937300/33937259/1482be53_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![♥ Your Private Retro Retreat - Unbeatable Location. Mega Mall, Airport, River ♥](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/21000000/20170000/20167800/20167724/df20af3a_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![InterContinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport, an IHG Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/19000000/18260000/18258300/18258246/1e50965a_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Luxury Minneapolis 3BR House with Hot Tub!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/88000000/87900000/87894900/87894883/3b4eaf0d_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
- Vacations and getaways similar to Minnehaha Park
- Other Hotels near Minnehaha Park, Hiawatha
- Hotels near popular Minneapolis - St. Paul Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Minnehaha Park
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Mall of America
- U.S. Bank Stadium
- Target Field
- Nickelodeon Universe
- Minnesota State Fairgrounds
- Xcel Energy Center
- Target Center
- Minneapolis Convention Center
- University of Minnesota
- Mystic Lake Casino
- Valleyfair Amusement Park
- Paisley Park
- Lake Minnetonka
- Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
- Orpheum Theatre
- Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis
- Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
- Radisson Blu Mall of America
- Chic Minneapolis Apartment < 2 Mi to Lake Nokomis!
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mall of America - MSP Airport, an IHG Hotel
- Modern, Cozy unit - Great Location
- Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
- Summer Oasis 5bd 3bath,10mins to MSP✈️, MOA🛍 & Both Downtowns🌇!
- Great Wolf Lodge Bloomington
- Days Hotel by Wyndham University Ave SE
- Hotels near John H Stevens House Museum
- Hotels near Mall of America
- Hotels near U.S. Bank Stadium
- Hotels near Target Field
- Hotels near Nickelodeon Universe
- Hotels near Minnesota State Fairgrounds
- Hotels near Minneapolis Convention Center
- Hotels near Target Center
- Hotels near Xcel Energy Center
- Hotels near University of Minnesota
- Hotels near Mississippi River
- Hotels near Huntington Bank Stadium
- Hotels near Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
- Hotels near Orpheum Theatre
- Hotels near The Armory
- Hotels near Nicollet Mall
- Hotels near University of Minnesota-West Bank Campus
- Hotels near University of St. Thomas
- Hotels near Guthrie Theater
- Hotels near Twin Cities Premium Outlets