Longfellow House Minnehaha
Experience the stunning cascade of Minnehaha Falls and explore the natural beauty of Minnehaha Park, a Minneapolis urban oasis.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Longfellow House Minnehaha
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the stunning cascade of Minnehaha Falls and explore the natural beauty of Minnehaha Park, a Minneapolis urban oasis.
"The adjoining Minnehaha park is a jewel!"
📸 Capture the Falls
The waterfall is the main attraction; get there early for the best light and fewer people.
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
Don't just see the falls, wander through Minnehaha Park's trails for a full experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Park
A breathtaking waterfall cascading into a picturesque gorge, perfect for photos and a moment of natural beauty.
Longfellow House Replica
Minnehaha Park
A 2/3 scale replica of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's home, serving as a visitor and botanical studies center.
Minnehaha Park Trails
Minnehaha Park
Explore scenic walking paths winding through the park, offering beautiful views and a peaceful escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours Before You Go
Focus on Minnehaha Falls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Falls
The waterfall is the main attraction; get there early for the best light and fewer people.
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
Don't just see the falls, wander through Minnehaha Park's trails for a full experience.
Went to the falls, did not get shot 😆
🏠 Check House Hours
The Longfellow House replica can have limited or unexpected closures. Verify before visiting.
🍔 Grab a Bite Nearby
Sea Salt at the falls offers a nice spot for a drink or meal, but check their hours too.
TIL Longfellow not only never lived in "The Longfellow House", he never visited Minneapolis, or saw the falls. The House was built by a Minneapolis businessman who was a fan of Longfellow 25 years after his death, and is a 2/3 scale replica of Longfellow's House in Massachusetts
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Falls
The waterfall is the main attraction; get there early for the best light and fewer people.
🚶♀️ Explore the Park
Don't just see the falls, wander through Minnehaha Park's trails for a full experience.
🏠 Check House Hours
The Longfellow House replica can have limited or unexpected closures. Verify before visiting.
🍔 Grab a Bite Nearby
Sea Salt at the falls offers a nice spot for a drink or meal, but check their hours too.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Minnehaha Falls as a beautiful and relaxing spot, with the surrounding park being a true gem. While the Longfellow House replica is noted as having limited activities and inconsistent hours, the natural beauty of the falls and the park's trails are the main draws for most. Some disappointment arises from the house being closed or in disrepair when expected to be open.
"An absolutely beautiful place to visit and relax. The adjoining Minnehaha park is a jewel!"
Ekeba International (EKEBA LLC)
"When I was a kid 1980 - 1983 I volunteered here when it was Ghost Manor. I feel fortunate that I was able to enjoy the house and the area when it was it's most beautiful Sept 15th - Nov 1 every year."
Christopher Merry
"This scaled down version of Longfellow's real residence, now houses the Longfellow interactive visitor's center and Botanical Studies Center. Not much there to actually do, but the highlight of the area is Minnehaha Falls closeby."
Nicole M. de Martinez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Longfellow House is located within Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis. You can drive and park in the park's lots, or use public transportation like buses that stop near the park entrance.
Yes, Minnehaha Park offers several parking lots. During peak times, especially on weekends, these can fill up quickly. Arrive early for the best chance of finding a spot.
Absolutely! Minnehaha Park is accessible by bike paths, and there are bike racks available. It's a scenic ride along the Mississippi River.
Several Metro Transit bus routes serve Minnehaha Park, making it accessible without a car. Check the Metro Transit website for current routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Minnehaha Park and Minnehaha Falls is free. The Longfellow House itself is also generally free to enter, but its hours can be limited.
The opening hours for the Longfellow House can be inconsistent and it may be closed even when listed as open. It's best to check the official Minneapolis Parks Foundation website or call ahead for the most current information.
No, there is no admission fee to visit Minnehaha Falls or Minnehaha Park. It's a public park and a free attraction.
Unfortunately, no. The Longfellow House has specific operating hours, and these can vary seasonally or due to unforeseen circumstances. Always confirm before your visit.
Occasionally, the Longfellow House may host special events or exhibits. Check the Minneapolis Parks Foundation calendar for any upcoming activities.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewing platform offers classic shots of the falls. For different perspectives, explore the trails leading down to the gorge and the creek bed.
Yes, trails lead down to the base of the falls, allowing for closer photos. Be mindful of slippery conditions, especially after rain.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and fewer crowds.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Minneapolis parks to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. Check park regulations before flying a drone.
Photography rules inside the Longfellow House may vary. It's best to ask staff upon arrival if photos are permitted, especially without flash.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Minnehaha Park offers extensive walking and biking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and historical sites like the Longfellow House replica.
The Longfellow House serves as an interactive visitor's center and botanical studies center, though some visitors note there isn't a lot to 'do' inside.
Yes, Sea Salt is located at the falls and offers a dining experience. There are also numerous picnic areas if you prefer to bring your own food.
Minnehaha Park is very family-friendly, with the falls providing a natural wonder and the park offering space to run and play.
The Longfellow House is a 2/3 scale replica of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's home, built by a Minneapolis businessman who admired the poet. Longfellow himself never visited Minneapolis or the house.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Longfellow House replica might be less engaging for younger children, the surrounding park offers plenty of adventure. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many designated areas, making for a budget-friendly and enjoyable family outing. Remember to supervise children closely near the falls and on the trails, especially if they are slippery.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs even lower, pack your own snacks and drinks, or prepare a picnic to enjoy in the park's scenic picnic areas. While Sea Salt restaurant is available, it's a pricier option. The main expense might be transportation or parking, depending on how you arrive.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Minnehaha Falls
Accessing the falls is straightforward, with a main viewing platform offering excellent vantage points. For those seeking a closer look, trails lead down to the base of the falls, providing a more immersive experience. However, these paths can be slippery, especially during wet seasons or when ice forms, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The area around the falls is perfect for picnics, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal with a stunning natural view.
Beyond the immediate falls area, the Minnehaha Creek continues its journey through the park, creating smaller cascades and a tranquil creek bed. Exploring these downstream sections offers a different, more serene perspective of the park's natural beauty. The combination of the majestic falls and the winding creek makes Minnehaha Park a consistently rewarding destination for nature lovers and casual visitors alike.
Understanding the Longfellow House
Currently, the Longfellow House serves as an interactive visitor's center and botanical studies center. While it offers insights into Longfellow's life and work, some visitors report that there isn't a vast amount of interactive content or activities within the house itself. Its primary role seems to be providing context for the park and its namesake.
Crucially, the Longfellow House is known for its inconsistent opening hours and occasional closures, even when listed as open. This has led to disappointment for some visitors. Therefore, it is highly recommended to check the official Minneapolis Parks Foundation website or call ahead to confirm its operating status before making a special trip solely to visit the house.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit