20 Best Parks in Minneapolis, Minnesota | Regional Parks

Minneapolis has four distinct seasons in a year, which allows for a lot of great outdoor activity. These are the best parks in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis is a city filled with outdoor activities and parks. With parks such as The Commons and Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis is a beautiful place to live in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

From outdoor activities such as biking parks and parks with playgrounds for children to gardens filled with flowers and trees, Minneapolis provides something for everyone.

Parks provide a location to exercise and enjoy nature for those who live in the city and an escape from the city’s noise and pollution for those who reside in the suburbs. Parks are an essential component of Minneapolis, no matter how they may be utilized.

In parks such as Theodore Wirth Park, outdoor activities abound year-round.

Best Parks in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Boom Island Park

Address: 724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413, United States

Boom Island Park is a lovely riverside park open for all ages is positioned at the spectacular historic Mississippi riverfront with beautiful perspectives and sceneries of the Minneapolis skyline and Minneapolis nature’s beauty. Boom Island Park gives a picturesque spot for weddings, picnics, and numerous leisure activities.

In 1982, the park government, funded by the state assembly through the Metropolitan Council, obtained land that lost its status as an island ten years ago due to the accumulation of silt and sawdust. The park’s name derives from the old island’s name to commemorate the islands from what it was before.

The former island gets its name from the “booms” barrier that separates the logs floating on the Mississippi River. Boom Island Park has impressive features and amenities perfect for multiple recreational and outdoor activities.

Some of the park features include a biking path, boat dock, picnic area, restroom facility, walking/jogging path, and grills.

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Mill Ruins Park

Address: 102 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55401, United States

Mill Ruins Park is one of the best sites if you are looking for a relaxing spot to go to after a day of exploring some of the wonders of Minneapolis’s top tourist destinations.

The Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls are also must-stops near this downtown Minneapolis park. This fantastic destination is located on the west side of the Mississippi River. This Minneapolis park is acknowledged as the foundation of Minneapolis’s historic West Side Milling District’s revitalization.

The park interprets the remains of the Minneapolis flour milling and displays the heritage remains of many abandoned factories. It is also one of the best spots to enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures with family and friends.

The amenities of a fantastic cycling route, drinking fountains, walking paths, parking lots, and the incredible vista of a peaceful park may be utilized by everyone who goes to the park.

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Minnehaha Regional Park

Address: 4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States

Minnehaha Regional Park is undoubtedly considered one of Minneapolis’s most refined, aged, and famous parks that deliver pleasure and scenic views. This park is one of the most popular in the Twin Cities and features magnificent 53-foot Minnehaha Falls that attract local and international visitors.

The magnificent vista of the Minnehaha Falls and regal limestone hills is undoubtedly a sight to see. Several notable artists have created unique works of art in Minnehaha Park, a lovely place to visit.

Aside from the fantastic sculptures the park houses, it also has various amenities that make the park more special and cater to every visitor’s needs.

The park’s centerpiece is a large Picnic Area with a shaded pavilion with two shelters. There’s also a massive dog park, disc golf course, volleyball court, and playground. Biking, cross-country skiing, and walking paths are also among the park’s attractions.

The park was purchased in 1899 and was officially named Minnehaha State Park when Minneapolis purchased it for Minnesota. It became a part of Mississippi Park and the lovely trails from Riverside Park’s waterways in 1906.

The well-known Sea Salt Eatery is in the middle of the park, so stop by for some excellent seafood and craft beer in the summer. If you are looking for a more quiet, less touristy park, head over just across the river into St. Paul to visit the Hidden Falls Regional Park.

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Gold Medal Park

Address: Second Street and 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415, United States

One of the most well-known locations in Minneapolis is Gold Medal Park, a 7.5-acre area built out of the revitalized energy of the city’s Mill District. Because of its unique design, his Minneapolis park fosters a portrayal of contemplative moments and artistic awareness.

A 32-foot-high mound connected to a spiral walkway and twenty handcrafted custom-designed excellent Luminescent Benches is among the park’s unique features.

The Gold Medal Park, created by Tom Oslund, a renowned landscape architect, to provide an open area facing two prominent Minneapolis buildings, the Guthrie Theater and the Mississippi River, opened to the public in 2007.

Brower Hatcher’s Prophecy of the Ancients, Mark Di Suvero’s Molecule, Tony Cragg’s Ordovician Pore, and Charles Ginnever’s Nautilus are impressive sculptures moved to The Gold Medal Park from the fascinating Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Apart from the park’s basic but remarkable facilities, these sculptures contribute to the park’s elegance and uniqueness.

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Lyndale Park Rose Garden

Address: 4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55409, United States

A flower-filled garden is undoubtedly an incredible sight; seeing one right before you is especially enlightening after a long Minnesota winter. The Lyndale Park Rose Garden is located near the Northeast corner of Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The perfect garden for various pretty roses growing on this beautiful park field.

Since the first competition in 1917 was held on the hill above the rose garden overlooking the lake, the garden has increased public visibility. Now the garden is well known and part of the best parks to visit in Minneapolis.

Lyndale Park Garden covers an area of ​​1.5 acres and has more than 3,000 rose gardens with 100 different plants. The famous Lake Harriet also locates this, so be sure to stop by the lake to get a dose of two different types of parks in the Twin Cities.

It is recognized as the second-oldest public rose garden in the United States. This is a hidden gem throughout the park system; the expansion of the garden provides beautiful floral landscapes and different types of flowers.

Linden Hills Park

Address: 3100 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410, United States

Linden Hills Park is a lovely park to go on a beautiful walk with nature, do outdoor activities, participate in various sports, and spend time with family and friends in the charming city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

On November 5, 1919, the park’s land was formally reserved for purchase and was named the “Linden Hills Park” on March 2, 1921, for the neighborhood, which features many linden trees.

The park of Linden Hills was formerly called “Oliver Park,” named after the subdivision in which it was located. The park board purchased this incredible park and named it its new name.

It has excellent amenities for every park-goer to use during their stay to perform various activities. A basketball court, hockey rink, ice skating rink, soccer field, softball, and tennis court were amenities that every sports enthusiast could use in the park.

Another great feature of Linden Hills Park has a wading pool, free library, grills, and restroom facilities. Check out our video on Lake Harriet from our YouTube channel to get a flavor of what this park and area are all about.

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Powderhorn Park

Address: 3400 S 15th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407, United States

Powderhorn Park is a simple yet wonderful neighborhood park located in the beautiful town of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The name of the park is derived from the name of the impressive lake in the park. The lake is named after its shape, which resembles ancient gunpowder.

The horns are used to carry gunpowder. In 1892, Powderhorn Park provided a test case for the park management department. The goal was to determine if there was a need for a park and what benefits it might provide to society by clearing the city streets through the park.

In 1900, the northern portion of the lake was destroyed when it was inundated in 1925. Today, this gorgeous park has many facilities and opportunities for all visitors to visit the park for various recreational activities. Powderhorn Park has bicycle pumps, barbecue grills, and parking.

The park offers picnics, clean restrooms, fishing piers, and other recreational activities. The park’s hiking trails and cycling tracks are fantastic options.

Logan Park

Address: 690 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413, United States

Logan Park is easy to access because it is in an excellent location as a neighborhood park in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The park was recognized as First Ward Park before being changed and named Logan Park.

Its new ad, the current name “Logan,” was derived from the brave, great, and major-general of Union Army Volunteers during the Civil War, John A. Logan. The park has a total area of about 68 hectares, which is adequate for every visitor to have their place, do what they want, and enjoy the park’s beauty.

The park’s background is beautiful, and the park itself and the natural equipped with park features and amenities necessities surround the park.

The park has clean and neat restroom facilities, a spacious playground for children, various sports courts, and a good picnic area.

Sports games like baseball, basketball, soccer, and tennis can be played in Logan park because it conveniently allocates spaces for playing sports.

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Mississippi Gorge Regional Park

Address: 3349 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406, United States

The fantastic scenic regional park of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, is located along the great cliffs on both sides of the Mississippi River. From the ideal location south of Bridge No. 9 up to the significant north edge of the park, which covers roughly 132 acres of land on the Mississippi River’s east and west banks.

At least 150 magnificent migratory bird species can be sited in this lovely Mississippi Gorge Regional Park park. It is a home of diverse wildlife and the picturesque beauty of nature. The Mississippi River within the park in the Twin Cities area is the only actual gorge along the entire Mississippi River.

It is a massive park that will let visitors feel the beauty of the wilderness. It offers paved trails, hiking trails, beaches, and even an incredibly scenic drive since it is located right along the Mississippi River National Scenic byway.

Still, there are other things to perform in a great outdoor experience in Mississippi Gorge Regional Park. This is a must-visit to add to your list of Twin Cities parks to visit and is even considered a national park of Minnesota.

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Waite Park

Address: 1810 34th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418, United States

Waite Park is a neat and pleasing park for family and friends to visit and do outdoor activities. Edward Foote Waite, the town’s Hennepin County juvenile court judge, was honored by having his park named after him. The land was previously known as the Cary-Cavell site after the nearby Edith Cavell School, established in 1949.

A survey of park and playground needs conducted in 1944 established the rapidly increasing population in the city’s northeast corner as one needing additional park amenities. Waite Park is to the west, and Columbia Park is on the opposite side of town, with several more parks.

The Wanton Park Community Centre has excellent and exceptional services that contribute to the wellness of its residents by providing outstanding facilities and features that may be utilized for community convenience.

The park also has sports facilities and areas for park visitors who like to play sports. The Waite park’s unique features for families looking to bond and dine inside were picnics and grills.

Loring Park

Address: Loring Greenway, Minneapolis, MN 55403, United States

Looking for a lovely outdoor adventure-filled neighborhood park within the charming town of Minneapolis, Minnesota? Loring Park was not the park’s original name; its first name was Central Park when it was purchased in 1883.

Loring Park had gone through variously named before it was named Loring Park. This wonderful park was renamed Spring Grove Park in sometime 1885, but the park’s assembly agreed to change the name back to Central Park.

The park was renamed in honor of the park board’s first president, Charles Loring, in 1890, responding to William Folwell’s suggestion. The park is accessible to everyone and features a fantastic playground for children, allowing adults to participate in various activities.

A bandstand, cycling, and walking routes, a beautiful garden, and other amenities are available at Loring Park. It has picnic areas, sports centers, a small library, and more.

Corcoran Park

Address: 3334 20th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407, United States

Corcoran Park is a charming and serene park in the stunning city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The park was named after the Corcoran School, an establishment that had previously occupied the site where the lovely garden of Corcoran is situated. The school’s name, “Corcoran,” was given to give recognition to the great philanthropist William Wilson Corcoran.

The park was completed in 1979 in a lovely neighborhood that needed an additional recreation area and facilities to provide a great place to improve community wellness.

Today, Corcoran Park is acknowledged as one of the city’s first recreational facilities to install a computer lab. The park is filled with great amenities that provide a fantastic park facility that the community of Minneapolis can use while staying in Corcoran Park.

It has a drinking fountain, a mini library that is free to use, a perfect picnic area for family and friends to bond, a fully equipped playground, sports areas, and a wading pull to share.

Theodore Wirth Regional Park

Address: 1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN 55422, United States

Golden Valley is a lovely town In Minnesota filled with spectacular parks and located right on the edge of Minneapolis; one of the best parks it houses is the Theodore Wirth Regional Park. Given the massive size of this park, part of this park is in Minneapolis, and the other part is Golden Valley.

It’s a big park with a lovely lake, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, a clubhouse, golf courses, and beautiful gardens to discover and explore. This park is among the best in the United States for cross-country skiing. They even held national competitions here.

At one point, this park was called Saratoga Park in 1889, Glenwood Park in 1909, and last changed it into “Theodore Wirth Regional Park.” Theodore Wirth Regional Park is a lovely park with a nice feature that every park-goers can use and enjoy during their visit and stay. The park is also fully equipped with great amenities and valuable facilities.

The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is one of the most lovely places in the park, with various attractive plants to see. The Glenwood golf course is an exciting element that the park provides for its residents. Given the massive size and variety of activities, this is one of the most popular parks in the Twin Cities.

Painter Park

Address: 620 W 34th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408, United States

Painter Park, also called the old Lyndale Park, is one of the best recreation centers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Its original name was Jonathan E. Painter Park, named after the first industrial arts teacher in the Minneapolis school system who created the industrial arts curriculum in the city school Jonathan Painter.

The park’s main attraction is its playground, which is suitable for children visiting it. A basketball court, pickleball court, soccer and softball field, and a tennis court are all available at Painter Park. The park’s playground is the highlight of its attractions for kids.

This park is a beautiful recreational area where people can participate in various outdoor activities with their family and friends, such as picnics and sports.

Every park visitor may utilize the free library and picnic facilities for pure pleasure and unwinding, regardless of their interests or needs.

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Gluek Park

Address: 2000 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418, United States

One of the simple yet lovely parks to visit in the spectacular city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the excellent Gluek Park. The location of the park used to be an old brewery and mansion where the park named is based. 1857 the Gluek Brewery opened its doors, and in 1995 the park formally assumed the name Gluek.

Gluek Park is a good spot for the community’s wellness, where families can bond and individuals can enjoy recreational activities. The park has convenient amenities of a drinking fountain, great grill equipment, a lovely picnic area, and a walking trail.

This lovely park in Minneapolis is for all ages, where adults can relax and have fun, and children to play at Gluek Park’s playground. The river overlooking the park’s picnic area is one of the best features Gluek Park has. The exceptional beauty of the park’s landscape is a good reason it is a lovely place to visit.

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Lowry Park

Address: 900 Douglas Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403, United States

Thomas Lowry Park is a lovely small site to spend quality time with family and friends in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The park was initially named Douglas Triangle for the Street on which it is situated. Still, it was changed to Mt. Curve Triangles in 1925, and in 1984 it officially changed to Lowry Park to honor Thomas Lowry, the man behind the developing street railway system in Minneapolis.

In the summer of 1899, Thomas Lowry and others petitioned the park board to improve and preserve the triangle as a park, which was the first mention of the property in park board records. It is now one of the city’s most famous and well-liked parks.

Lowry Park is an excellent location for hiking, bike trails, or participating in group outdoor sports. The park has a decorative fountain, a grape arbor to admire, and seven lovely cascading pools with exquisite ornamental plantings.

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Bryant Square Park

Address: 3101 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408, United States

Finding a great spot open for all ages in Minneapolis, Bryant Square Park is a great city park. This beautiful park and recreation center is an entire block of fun created for the community to use and enjoy.

The park was initially referred to as 8th Ward Park and continuously used the name until 1907. Right after the 8th, Ward Park was approved to rename Bryant Avenue Park in honor of its site.

This wonderful city park features an excellent hillside amphitheater perfect place to conduct an incredible summer concert. It also has a playground, and the park has an ice rink during winter, clean restroom facilities, and an expansive sports field.

The theater, one of the park’s great features, has a circular plaza of about 20 feet and retaining wall seating.

Aside from fantastic summer concerts, the Bryant Square Park amphitheater is a potential spot to enjoy various activities performing comedy skits, a park movie theatre, a camp, and other social gatherings to share.

See Related: Best Things to do in St. Paul, Minnesota

The Commons

Address: 425 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415, United States

The Commons Park, also called Downtown East Commons, is a lovely urban park for various activities in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This unique 4.2-acre broad park landscape covers two town squares between South Streets and South and Park Avenue locks. Commons Park opened its doors to the public in July 2016, providing an excellent green space for the community.

The park was created to host various fanfare gatherings, services, and daily activities that will attract people of all ages and interests while highlighting the work of local organizations and performers.

Green Minneapolis established The Commons as a new and welcoming downtown oasis where family and friends can bond and do various fun activities. The Commons today is a great place for the community of Minneapolis to share—a great place for hosting visitors from the many events.

With various entertaining outside activities, the park is open to downtown residents and international visitors, given the proximity to US Bank Stadium. The park features outdoor movies and fun games during the summer. This is easily one of the better city parks I’ve encountered in the midwest.

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Lake Nokomis Park

Address: 4955 W Lake Nokomis Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lake Nokomis Park is a lovely and safe park for people of all ages. The lake was named after Hiawatha’s grandmother “Nokomis” in Longfellow’s epic poem… The Song of Hiawatha.

The lake’s name is derived from George Gooding, the ship’s captain. However, they changed it to Lake Nokomis after his daughter suggested it. There’s also a playground for children aged five to twelve, where they may play and navigate arches and bridges in a spherical playground design.

The park’s playground offers exceptional equipment features. Since the play is unconstrained and unconstructed, it will help strengthen the children’s minds by allowing them to develop organizational skills.

Lake Nokomis Park is a captivating outdoor and recreational center that provides a great sports facility, outdoor activity areas, and beautiful sceneries, making it one of the best parks in Minneapolis during the summertime.

The park is a community center and playground that improves the neighborhood’s health. One of the best beaches in Minneapolis can be visited if you enjoy the sunshine and relaxation.

Brownie Lake Park

Brownie Lake Park in Minneapolis is the city’s northernmost lake, forming part of the Chain of Lakes, a collection of lakes with Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet.

The park itself is located on the western banks of Cedar Lake Parkway. It is far enough away from civilization to offer tranquility that you will hardly remember that you are in the middle of Minneapolis.

Minneapolis has many lakes, allowing residents to stay active during the winter by ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country, or even ice fishing. The Twin Cities is nationally renowned for its local parks because it has many lakes and natural beauty.

Minneapolis also attracts tourists with its art installations, such as the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, venues for theater performances like the Lake Harriet Bandshell Park, and otherworldly attractions.

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