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 and Activities





Visit Minnehaha Park
Plan a trip to see Minnehaha Park

Tru By Hilton Minneapolis Downtown
Reviewed on Mar. 20, 2025

Emery, Autograph Collection Hotel
Reviewed on Mar. 20, 2025
Popular places to visit

Lake Hiawatha Park
After visiting Lake Hiawatha Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities 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 acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices.
Best Lodging Options Near Minnehaha Park









Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- 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
- Lake Nokomis Gem - Free WiFi and Close to MSP & Mall of America
- ♥ Your Private Retro Retreat - Unbeatable Location. Mega Mall, Airport, River ♥
- InterContinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport by IHG
- Luxury Minneapolis 3BR House with Hot Tub!
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport
- Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
- Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mall of America - MSP Airport by IHG
- Cozy 3 bedroom home near airport/Mall of America/Lake. Quiet neighborhood.
- Radisson Blu Mall of America
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington at Mall of America, MN
- Quality Inn & Suites Mall of America - MSP Airport
- Hotels near Minnehaha Falls
- Hotels near John H Stevens House Museum
- Hotels near Mall of America
- Hotels near U.S. Bank Stadium
- Hotels near Target Center
- Hotels near Target Field
- Hotels near University of Minnesota
- Hotels near Nickelodeon Universe
- Hotels near Xcel Energy Center
- Hotels near Minneapolis Convention Center
- Hotels near Minnesota State Fairgrounds
- 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 St. Thomas
- Hotels near Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
- Hotels near University of Minnesota-West Bank Campus