Minnehaha Park (Minneapolis)

Park Urban park featuring iconic Minnehaha Falls and trails

Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis centers on Minnehaha Falls and river bluffs; visitors hike riverside trails, picnic near the 53-foot cascade and cycle along connected parkways.

Main image

Minnehaha Park is a city park in Minneapolis that centers on the park’s signature feature, Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot (16 m) waterfall on Minnehaha Creek.

Trails, paved walkways, picnic areas, and small gardens provide access to the falls and creekside scenery; the park is a frequent destination for walkers, cyclists, and picnickers. The park forms part of the broader Minneapolis park system and connects with the regional trail network.

The falls and surrounding landscape were popularized in literature and art in the 19th century and have long been a public recreation site. Park improvements over time have added amenities and formalized trails and viewpoints.

Minnehaha Park lies in southeast Minneapolis along Minnehaha Creek, near the creek’s confluence with the Mississippi River and connected to the city’s Grand Rounds trail system.

  • Waterfall height: The falls drop about 53 feet, making them a prominent urban waterfall with year-round visitation and seasonal changes in flow and ice formations.

What to See #

  • Minnehaha Falls: A 53-foot (16 m) waterfall on Minnehaha Creek that is the park's central feature and primary visitor attraction.
Minnehaha Park (Minneapolis)
44.9172, -93.2061

How to Get to Minnehaha Park (Minneapolis) #

Located in south Minneapolis. Take Hiawatha Avenue (Minnesota State Highway 55) to the park; accessible by Metro Transit buses and within walking distance from the Minnehaha Parkway light rail in downtown Minneapolis.

Tips for Visiting Minnehaha Park (Minneapolis) #

  • Visit at dawn or dusk to see the falls in softer light and avoid midday crowds on summer weekends.
  • Walk the short loop that takes visitors behind the falls - the spray is more impressive than most expect.
  • If planning a picnic, use designated areas and avoid the steep banks which can be slippery.

Best Time to Visit Minnehaha Park (Minneapolis) #

Summer for swimming and picnics; autumn for fall colours and photography. Early mornings are best to avoid crowds.

Summer
June-August · 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Warm weather with full-flow falls - busiest time for visitors.
Autumn
September-November · 5-18°C (41-64°F)
Brilliant fall foliage frames Minnehaha Falls (53 feet/16 m), making it visually striking and popular for photographers.

Weather & Climate near Minnehaha Park (Minneapolis) #

Climate

Minnehaha Park (Minneapolis)'s climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (740 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-16° -5°

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 18 mm.

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-12° -1°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
14° 27°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 29°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 28°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 23°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-12° -3°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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