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.
Radisson RED Minneapolis Downtown
Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis
Radisson Blu Mall of America

Browse tours and tickets to explore Minnehaha Park

Tours & day trips

See all 38 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 10 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Minnehaha Park

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
 ♥ Your Private Retro Retreat - Unbeatable Location. Mega Mall, Airport, River ♥

♥ Your Private Retro Retreat - Unbeatable Location. Mega Mall, Airport, River ♥

St Paul
♥ Your Private Retro Retreat - Unbeatable Location. Mega Mall, Airport, River ♥
Luxury Minneapolis 3BR House with Hot Tub!

Luxury Minneapolis 3BR House with Hot Tub!

Minneapolis
Luxury Minneapolis 3BR House with Hot Tub!
Welcome Home Away! Cozy Retreat Centrally located close to lakes and trails.

Welcome Home Away! Cozy Retreat Centrally located close to lakes and trails.

Minneapolis
Welcome Home Away! Cozy Retreat Centrally located close to lakes and trails.
InterContinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport by IHG

InterContinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport by IHG

5 out of 5
5005 Glumack Drive, Minneapolis, MN
InterContinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport by IHG
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.

Things to do near Minnehaha Park

Minnehaha Park offers a range of activities for visitors, including scenic short walks through its beautiful landscapes. Be sure to visit the iconic Minnehaha Falls for stunning views. While in the area, you can also enjoy local theater and entertainment options, as well as nearby shopping experiences. If you’re looking for family fun, consider visiting an amusement park close to the park for an exciting addition to your trip.

Food and drinks

At Minnehaha Park, enjoy fresh seafood at Sea Salt Eatery, a local favorite. For a delightful experience, visit Saint Croix Vineyards and 7 Vines Vineyard, both offering charming atmospheres and exquisite wines, just a short drive away from the park.

Shopping

For shopping near Minnehaha Park, visit the Mall of America and Nicollet Mall, both about 5 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of stores and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring additional shopping options further afield for unique finds and local treasures.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at U.S. Bank Stadium, just 5 miles from Minnehaha Park, where you can catch a game or event. Enjoy a round of golf at Hiawatha Golf Course, 2 miles away, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. For fun, skate at The Depot Rink, also 5 miles from the park.

Adventure

Explore the scenic River Road Trail, perfect for hiking and immersing yourself in nature, located 5 miles from Minnehaha Park. For a fun family outing, navigate the Amazing Mirror Maze, situated 4 miles away. Don't miss the thrilling Sky Glider, also 5 miles from the park, offering breathtaking views.

Nightlife

For a vibrant night near Minnehaha Park, catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre, just 5 miles away, or enjoy a family-friendly movie at the nearby Riverview Theater, only 1 mile away. If you're feeling lucky, head to Mystic Lake Casino, 18 miles away, for an exciting evening.

Find the best attractions near Minnehaha Park

Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis offers an array of attractions, including the stunning Minnehaha Falls and the winding Minnehaha Creek, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Visitors can enjoy cultural experiences at nearby colleges and universities, or indulge in entertainment at local arenas. Don't miss a trip to the iconic Mall of America for shopping and dining, making this park a delightful destination for a memorable vacation.

  • Minneapolis Convention Center: A hub for business and events, the Minneapolis Convention Center boasts a modern architectural design and spacious facilities. It's perfect for attending conferences, trade shows, or public events, providing a vibrant atmosphere that connects you with professionals from various industries.
  • Nickelodeon Universe: Dive into a world of fun at Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park that offers thrilling rides and attractions for all ages. With colorful characters and family-friendly entertainment, it’s the ideal spot for creating lasting memories with the kids.
  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities: Explore the beautiful campus of the University of Minnesota, where modern architecture meets rich history. Enjoy the lively city vibes, visit its museums, and immerse yourself in the academic atmosphere that fosters innovation and creativity.

Best time to go to Minnehaha Park

The best time to visit Minnehaha Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January15.1°F (-9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February17.1°F (-8.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
March32.7°F (0.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November35.4°F (1.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December22.1°F (-5.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Minnehaha Park

Minnehaha Park is a budget-friendly destination with free entry and nearby attractions like the Mall of America and the University of Minnesota. To save on travel costs, visit between November and January for lower accommodation prices. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and sort options by price for the best deals. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Always check reviews for hotels to ensure you get the best value for your stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Minnehaha Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Minnehaha Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.