Explore the top 10 parks in Minneapolis, the city of lakes. Each have different scenic spots to explore, therefore making each of them unique.
Minneapolis is well known for the expansive park system, therefore was ranked number one for park systems in the nation. The city took its crown back in 2020 from Washington DC who took the title in 2019.
Park Facts:
In the 2020 statistic, 98 percent of residents live within a 10 minute walk of a park. Therefore, up by 2 percent from last year when it was at 96 percent.
Parks are excellent for people of all ages. First of all, many parks are rich with history. Secondly, they provide ample space to people watch, have a picnic, or read a book. Last but not least, they provide a way to exercise in the fresh air with scenery all around.
It is not a surprise when we heard the city of Minneapolis get 26 million visitors to the parks annually.
Playgrounds are a hot commodity for those with kiddos. There are 180 properties of park land, and most of them have at least one playground per property.
Highlights when Exploring the Top 10 Parks in Minneapolis:
- Multiple waterfalls
- Mississippi river
- 7 golf courses
- multiple hiking trails
- 22 lakes
- 51 miles of Grand Rounds scenic biking trails
- Minnehaha Creek
- Almost 7,000 acres of park land
- 12 Gardens
- 55 miles of parkways
In conclusion, Minneapolis Parks were voted number one in the nation 7 out of the last 8 years for a reason. See what parks made our cut, and explore the top 10 parks in Minneapolis.
In absolutely no specific order:
Waterfall, hiking trails, historic sites, gardens, as a result, there is something for everyone when you explore this top 10 park in Minneapolis.
2. Nokomis Park
80s fitness equipment, large lake, two beach areas, and multiple playgrounds are just a few reasons to visit.
Sculptures, art, views of the Mississippi river, and a spot to relax downtown.
This park is unique. For example, the ruins are from old flour mills provided many residents with jobs way back when. Also, take note of the massive stone archways and skyline views from this spot.
5. Mississippi River Regional Park
Hike along the one and only river gorge along the Mississippi, yes please. In conclusion, there are an abundance of parks you will find along the way.
Sundials, roses, water fountains all next to the gorgeous Lake Harriet. Need I say more?
Enjoy views of the Minneapolis skyline. More importantly, the only lighthouse in Minneapolis at this spacious park.
8. Loring Park
This downtown park with a pond hosts the Holidazzle every winter. However, in the summer the greenery will amaze you.
The purpose of this park, honors Minnesota veterans with this art piece of shields that lights up reflecting over the river at night.
Theodore Wirth Park is almost the same size as Central park in New York city, however there is not a zoo located inside. Enjoy the golf course, trails, and my favorite the wild flower garden.
Enjoy the all the parks with these fun activities:
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I love that there were so many parks available – that’s great! They are so pretty too – I love the pictures. Especially the waterfalls. As a dog owner, we make use of our local parks ALL the time and I would love to have so many options so close at hand.
I really need to visit Minneapolis. I have friends there that keep trying to get me to visit, but they never told me about these parks!
The parks look so dreamy! I love spending my time there is a huge joy
I’m sure these are lovely places to visit. In light of current circumstances I hope you’re all staying safe if you live in Minneapolis!
These places all look so calm. Hope everyone in the area is protesting safely
So many beautiful parks! Green, waterfalls, amazing places to relax and regroup yourself!
With all the happening around the place this is still the best and beautiful place to visit.
Wow..these places looks so beautiful and fascinating..would love to visit once..as they all full with natural beauty..Thanks for the review..loved these places….
I am so surprised I haven’t ever been to the Lyndale Park Rose Garden! I will have to add it to my growing list of places to check out this summer when we are staying close to home.
Oh wow, all of these look so amazing, the mill ruins park is so amusing and different. Given a chance, would love to visit it.
Interesting to see considering all that is going on. Minneapolis is beautiful and the home of Prince so i look forward to visiting.
I was meant to be in Minneapolis this summer so I’m very sad that I won’t be any more! I’m going back next year so I’ll check these out
The parks all look lovely. Singapore has a number of parks too, but nothing too impressive.
I love that there are so many parks you can go to in Minneapolis and all are beautiful. We only have one so I am jealous!
The parks are wonderful to be in! Thanks for the photos!
xoxo
Lovely
http://mynameislovely.com
These all look like some amazing parks. I will have to get to some of these for sure if I’m ever in the area.
I love a good waterfall. The sights and sounds of it is so comforting. Plus, the Mill Ruins park looks super interesting.
Lots of places that I would love to check out. I will be sharing this with family who lives there.
If I said it once. I’ve said it a million time. Next travel is America! We love outdoors and visiting parks and all that jazz! Very well written and informative post
So many parks to see! It would be great to do a park hopping day and spend some time at each one!
I did not imagine that Minneapolis offered so much choice in matter of parks and above all all really beautiful!
All of those parks look beautiful and so peaceful. There’s not one that I wouldn’t want to visit.
I love exploring parks I think they are very calming and stress relief. This is a nice list.
I love going to parks. it’s nice that you have lots of parks in Minneapolis!
This is something that I’d love to visit soon. Looks like a great place!
I just saw the comment about park hopping too. We just started doing that here in Michigan, but Minneapolis would be an even better spot to do it in!
I love the looks of the parks. It would be nice to have picnic in one of them.
Wow I am amazed that there are a lot of parks being visited by the people here, uhm can I have a park hopping? kidding!
These look amazing! I love the waterfall in #1. Thank you for sharing.
What a great list of parks that you’ve put together for the Minneapolis area. When we travel, we sometimes visit tourist areas, but are most likely looking for nature areas like parks, etc. I’m more into walking, hiking, bike riding and visit various neighborhoods. Thanks for sharing such a great list!
Yay! What did you think of them? I love the way they look and feel on my feet.
These look like lovely parks! I’d love to visit them when the world gets back to normal.
Minneapolis looks amazing! I have a 16 month old so looks like a great place to take him as there are quite a few parks and nice places for him to walk. Thank you for sharing!
I haven’t been yet, thanks for sharing! Will bookmark this on my next trip.
I’ve never been to Minneapolis other that going through the airport once or twice. It looks like it’s a good spot to visit when things settle down with this pandemic.
wow…i definitely would want to visit the waterfalls. Looks so stunning and beautuful.