Minnehaha Falls — Attraction in Minneapolis

The park overall is very sprawling with lots of walking paths that are all paved. It is easily accessible by biking as well, as it connexts to the bike trails. There is a parking lot, but it fills up fast on weekends; you may want to park for free in the nearby neighborhoods and walk a block or two to enter the park. There are mature oak trees that cover the park, so it's all dappled light that filters through the leaves. There is plenty of shade to be found on a sunny day.

The falls are lovely. They look the best after it rains because there is more water flowing in the creek. You can view them from the park, and it's all handicap accessible. There are stairs that go down to the bottom of the falls with lots of walking paths. Those are not handicap accessible. You can rent those little pedal powered buggies to ride around on, the seat around 6-8 people.

There's a great restaurant in the middle of the park that serves beer and wine and lots of seafood options. Highly recommend the Panko crusted walleye, the scallop tacos, and the beans and rice cups are served with chips and is surprisingly good. There are limited vegetarian/vegan options since it's a seafood focused restaurant.

They sell Sebastian Joe's ice cream around the back, which is a locally owned and operated business, and all their flavors are fantastic. Their style of ice cream is comparable to Ben and Jerries, high quality and they don't really do toppings but there are flavors with caramel, chocolate, or fruit swirled into the ice cream so you aren't missing anything.

There is a sandwich shop now open in the same spot as well, so they might have more vegetarian or vegan options. I haven't tried it myself, but I've heard good things.

There are festivals and events held at the park occasionally, so check the calendar for those details.

Also, there's a kids playground in the park that is a decent size. Swings, monkey bars, slides, teeter totter, that kind of thing. The base is sand so they can go barefoot.

If you venture down the stairs and down the path a bit, there's a wading area where the creek widens out and is shallow. It's built up along one side so you can sit comfortably and put your feet in while the kids go splash around.

If you keep walking eventually, you'll reach the mouth of the creek where it empties into the Mississippi. The sand there is rocky in some parts, and some parts are soft white sand. There's some sandstone bluffs that are bright yellow and orange and fun to explore. People fish down by the Mississippi as well. It's a decent walk, probably a half hour from the falls to the river, and a half hour back again.

This is my favorite park in Minneapolis, without question. I've lived in...

In the days when whispers of Hiawatha's deeds were carried on the wind, I found myself wandering through a verdant realm where the earth speaks in murmurs of water. There, amidst the towering trees and the breath of the wild, I chanced upon Minnehaha Falls—a vision of nature's artistry.

The Falls A cascade of laughter, the falls plunged with a grace that belied their power, their mist rising like the spirits of the land. The water, a painter's stroke of purest azure, sketched stories upon the rocks—tales of love, of life, and of the eternal dance between the sky and the earth.

The Park The park, a tapestry woven with the threads of tranquility, cradled the falls in its gentle embrace. Here, the song of the falls harmonized with the rustle of leaves, composing a symphony for the soul. The paths, like the lines of a well-loved poem, invited the feet to follow, to discover, to wander and to wonder.

The Legend And there, in the heart of this natural splendor, the legend of Hiawatha echoed. It was as if the hero himself had walked these grounds, his presence a silent guardian over the waters that bore the name of his beloved Minnehaha. The legend, a bridge across time, connected me to the past, to the stories that are the lifeblood of this place.

The Experience As the sun dipped low, painting the sky with the hues of an artist's final flourish, I stood in awe. The falls, the park, the legend—they all converged into a single, timeless moment. I was but a traveler, a poetic soul who had stumbled upon a scene from a bygone era, a scene that would live on in the heart long after the journey had ended.

In the presence of Minnehaha Falls, I understood the true essence of beauty—it is not merely to be seen, but to be felt, to be experienced, to be lived. And as I departed, the falls whispered a farewell, a promise that their beauty would endure, as enduring as the tales of Hiawatha that linger in the...

This stunning waterfall, located within the larger Minnehaha Park, is one of the city's most cherished natural landmarks, and it's easy to see why. The falls themselves are a spectacular sight, with water cascading down a 53-foot drop into a serene pool below, creating a mesmerizing display of power and beauty.

Walking through Minnehaha Park to reach the falls was an experience in itself. The park is lush and well-maintained, offering ample opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and leisurely strolls along the shaded paths. The sound of the falls grows louder as you approach, building anticipation for the breathtaking view that awaits.

Once at the falls, I took my time enjoying the view from various angles. There are multiple spots around the falls where you can take in the scene and snap some fantastic photos. I particularly enjoyed the vantage point from the bridge over the creek, where you get a full view of the waterfall framed by greenery.

Minnehaha Falls is not just a summer destination; it's also known for its striking frozen state in the winter, where the falls turn into an icy sculpture. Although I visited in the fall, the changing leaves provided a colorful backdrop that highlighted the natural beauty of the area.

The park also features historical sites like the John H. Stevens House and the Longfellow House Visitor Center, which add a cultural touch to the visit, providing insights into the area's history and heritage.

Overall, my visit to Minnehaha Falls was a highlight of my time in Minneapolis. It offered a perfect combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical exploration. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a trip to Minnehaha Falls is an absolute must for anyone looking to enjoy one of the city's most beautiful and accessible natural...