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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Minnehaha Park (Minneapolis)#
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).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 18 mm.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall.
