Minnehaha Park wilderness guide
Regional Park · MN

Minnehaha Park

Minnehaha Park is a renowned park in Minneapolis, Minnesota, celebrated for its stunning Minnehaha Falls and its diverse recreational opportunities.

Regional Park1673+ Trails

Designation

Regional Park

Total Wilderness Area

167

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Minnehaha Park

Minnehaha Park is a renowned park in Minneapolis, Minnesota, celebrated for its stunning Minnehaha Falls and its diverse recreational opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Minnehaha Park, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is one of the oldest and most popular parks in the city. Covering nearly 167 acres, it is best known for the stunning 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, which is a major attraction for locals and tourists alike. The park lies along the banks of the Mississippi River offering scenic views and a variety of ecosystems including woodlands, prairie patches, and riverine environments. This area is historically significant as it was once a gathering site for the Dakota people and later became a popular destination for 19th-century travelers. Today, visitors can enjoy a plethora of activities such as hiking on its well-maintained trails, picnicking in designated areas, biking, and seasonal events hosted within the park. Additionally, the Longfellow House and the John H. Stevens House Museum, both rich in history, are key attractions within the park. The park's appeal extends beyond its natural beauty to its role as a vibrant urban green space offering a welcome respite from city life.

Field Guide · Regional Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Minnehaha Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Minnehaha Falls, a stunning 53-foot waterfall✦ The historic Longfellow House, featuring cultural exhibits✦ The lofty views along the Mississippi Riverfront✦ Gardens showcasing native flora and sculptures
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Minnehaha Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Minnehaha Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access, no permits required

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Minnehaha Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Mendota Heights, Minnesota
⌖ 4.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Mendota Heights, Minnesota, offers a peaceful riverside setting perfect for hiking, paddling, and biking. Just minutes from the Twin Cities, enjoy scenic trails along the Mississippi River bluffs and regional parks, plus winter cross-country skiing nearby.

Late Spring through Early Fall, Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Palace, Minnesota
⌖ 4.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Palace, Minnesota

Palace, Minnesota, offers a peaceful outdoor escape with hiking, paddling, and fishing opportunities amid quiet forests and lakes. Ideal for travelers seeking calm nature experiences year-round.

Late Spring through Early Fall for water and hiking activities; Winter for snowmobiling and skiing
Explore Town
Richfield, Minnesota
⌖ 4.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Richfield, Minnesota

Richfield, MN offers quick access to Minneapolis’s outdoor treasures with urban bike paths, lake paddling, and local parks. Ideal for easy day trips, paddling calm lakes, and light hiking close to city comforts.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Minneapolis, Minnesota
⌖ 5.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis offers urban adventures with its excellent biking trails, scenic walks along the Mississippi River, and city paddling opportunities. Whether you're skiing in the winter or enjoying festivals in the summer, the city's vibrant outdoor scene complements a lively urban vibe.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Saint Paul, Minnesota
⌖ 6.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Saint Paul offers city park trails, river paddling, and winter skiing in a vibrant urban setting. From biking the Mississippi River corridor to exploring historic districts, it’s a welcoming hub for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Spring through Fall for water and land activities; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
West Saint Paul, Minnesota
⌖ 6.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

West Saint Paul, Minnesota

West Saint Paul offers a relaxed riverside escape with biking, paddling, fishing, and family-friendly hiking trails. Perfect for outdoor lovers seeking calm waters and quiet parks close to metro amenities.

Spring through Fall for paddling and biking; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Minnehaha Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Electric Mendota: Pedego Classic for Riders 5'6" and Taller
ADVEXPEDITION
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Bike TourADV Bookable

Electric Mendota: Pedego Classic for Riders 5'6" and Taller

A Pedego electric-bike rental that puts Mendota Heights’ safe, scenic trails within easy reach—this guide explains what to expect from the Classic (bar across) rental.

Bike TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip