BF Nelson Park
A peaceful riverside park offering scenic views, walking trails, and a vibrant community skate event.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Popular for community skate nights
BF Nelson Park
Best Time
Popular for community skate nights

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful riverside park offering scenic views, walking trails, and a vibrant community skate event.
"Nice peaceful little park along the trail. Offers some nice scenery and is pretty quiet."
🎯 Friday Night Skate Meetup
Meet at 6:30 PM, skates depart 6:45 PM for a ~10-mile loop. Hydrate!
🅿️ Parking Info
BF Nelson Park offers 2 hours of free parking. Boom Island Park requires meter payment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverside Trails
Along the Mississippi River
Enjoy serene walks with scenic river views and a peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for relaxation.
Friday Night Skate
Meeting point at BF Nelson Park
Join a lively community skate around the city, a popular weekly event for locals.
Connecting to Boom Island
Adjacent to Boom Island Park
Easily access the larger Boom Island Park for extended exploration and amenities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Skate Night Logistics
Park Vibe & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Friday Night Skate Meetup
Meet at 6:30 PM, skates depart 6:45 PM for a ~10-mile loop. Hydrate!
🅿️ Parking Info
BF Nelson Park offers 2 hours of free parking. Boom Island Park requires meter payment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Mix
Enjoy the blend of open grassy areas, wooded paths, and river views.
☀️ Shade & Sun Balance
The park offers a good mix of shaded and sunny spots for comfort.
Have some family coming into town trying to find a good bike route that includes the best brews and some good views. What do you think of the below route? Starts at BF Nelson
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Friday Night Skate Meetup
Meet at 6:30 PM, skates depart 6:45 PM for a ~10-mile loop. Hydrate!
🅿️ Parking Info
BF Nelson Park offers 2 hours of free parking. Boom Island Park requires meter payment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Mix
Enjoy the blend of open grassy areas, wooded paths, and river views.
☀️ Shade & Sun Balance
The park offers a good mix of shaded and sunny spots for comfort.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
BF Nelson Park is a well-maintained, peaceful riverside park offering a blend of open spaces and wooded areas. Visitors appreciate its serene atmosphere, scenic views, and convenient connection to Boom Island Park. It's a great spot for relaxation, walks, and community events like the Friday Night Skate.
"Nice peaceful little park along the trail. Offers some nice scenery and is pretty quiet so it'd be a good place to just walk and relax or meditate a bit. Has a small parking lot that I've never seen full and a nice statue. Overall the park seems well maintained."
Zach Roper
"This was our 1st time here, we went for fireworks on the 4th! We had a good time, met a lot of very nice people. Didn't really get a chance to explore but will be going back to adventure! 🙂"
Natasha Seibert
"My husband and I needed a walk and decided to go in town instead of our local suburban park. It was lovely here. Large grassy areas to stretch out in. Wooded area, backwaters run through it and a bluff neighborhood with lovely older homes. A great mix that was so unexpected and so nice."
Kathy Jo G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
BF Nelson Park is accessible by car and is located along the Mississippi River. It's also connected to Boom Island Park, offering multiple access points.
Yes, BF Nelson Park has a small parking lot that offers 2 hours of free parking.
Information on public transport routes to BF Nelson Park is not widely available, but it's a popular destination for cycling and walking trails. Check local transit schedules for nearby routes.
Absolutely! The park is part of a trail system and is a popular starting point for the Friday Night Skate, indicating it's well-suited for cycling.
Use GPS navigation to 'BF Nelson Park' or 'Minneapolis, MN'. It's situated along the riverfront, making it a scenic destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, BF Nelson Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy the amenities for free.
As a public park, BF Nelson Park is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific hours may vary, but it's typically open year-round.
No tickets are required for the Friday Night Skate. It's a community event where participants meet at the park.
The park hosts events like the Friday Night Skate and has been known to have fireworks displays on holidays.
Yes, it's perfect for a casual walk, relaxation, or enjoying the river views. The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, relaxing, picnicking, and cycling. It's also a popular spot for the Friday Night Skate.
Restroom availability can vary. It's advisable to check recent visitor comments or plan accordingly, especially if visiting for extended periods.
Yes, the park offers scenic river views, wooded areas, and a mix of open spaces, making it a great spot for photography.
While specific dog policies can change, parks generally allow dogs on leashes. It's always best to check local park regulations.
On non-festival weekends, the park is described as peaceful, quiet, and well-maintained, offering a relaxing atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
BF Nelson Park itself does not have on-site dining facilities. However, its connection to Boom Island Park and proximity to downtown Minneapolis offer many dining options nearby.
Yes, the park has large grassy areas that are perfect for picnics. Bring your own food and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
You can find a variety of restaurants and cafes in the nearby downtown Minneapolis area or at Boom Island Park, which may have seasonal concessions.
Food truck presence can be sporadic. It's best to check local event listings or social media for any scheduled food vendors.
The nearby downtown Minneapolis area offers a wide range of cuisines, from casual eateries to upscale dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverfront offers beautiful shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. The wooded areas and open fields also provide diverse photographic opportunities.
Yes, from BF Nelson Park and its connection to Boom Island Park, you can get excellent views and photos of the Minneapolis skyline across the river.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photos. Weekday mornings are also great for fewer crowds.
The park's blend of urban riverfront and natural elements, along with its connection to Boom Island, provides unique perspectives. The Friday Night Skate can also offer dynamic action shots.
Drone usage in city parks is often restricted. It's crucial to check Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Skaters
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Relaxation Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Friday Night Skate Experience
This tradition has been ongoing for several seasons, highlighting the park's role as a community hub. The route is typically well-maintained, and the energy of the group is infectious. It's not just about the skating; it's about the camaraderie and shared experience. If you're looking for a unique way to engage with the city and its active community, the Friday Night Skate is an absolute must-try.
Park Amenities and Atmosphere
The park's atmosphere is generally described as serene and welcoming. It's a place where you can stretch out on the grass, enjoy the natural surroundings, or simply sit and watch the river flow by. The mix of natural landscapes and proximity to the city creates a unique urban oasis. Whether you're seeking a quiet moment or a starting point for a longer adventure, BF Nelson Park delivers a pleasant and refreshing experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit