Minnehaha Creek Parkway
A serene urban forest escape along a winding creek, offering miles of trails for walking, biking, and paddling.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming trees and fewer crowds
Minnehaha Creek Parkway
Best Time
Blooming trees and fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban forest escape along a winding creek, offering miles of trails for walking, biking, and paddling.
"Escape into the wilderness without ever leaving the city – a true treasure in our city parks."
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot or Bike
Miles of beautiful trails perfect for walking, running, or biking [^Review]. New bike paths are being added .
🛶 Check Paddle Conditions
Use the official creek website for maps and water levels before you paddle .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Tree Tunnel' on Minnehaha Parkway
Near Cedar Avenue
A magical canopy of flowering crabapple, cherry, and serviceberry trees creates a stunning natural tunnel.

Minnehaha Creek Waterfalls
Minnehaha Regional Park
While not the main focus of the parkway, the iconic Minnehaha Falls are a short distance away and a must-see.

Canoeing/Kayaking Adventures
Various access points along the creek
Navigate serene stretches or thrilling 'tunnels of darkness' for a unique water-based exploration.

Dog-Friendly Off-Leash Park
Near the parkway
A spacious area where dogs can roam and play freely, a big hit with canine visitors [^Review].
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Seasons
Water Levels Matter for Paddlers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot or Bike
Miles of beautiful trails perfect for walking, running, or biking [^Review]. New bike paths are being added.
🛶 Check Paddle Conditions
Use the official creek website for maps and water levels before you paddle.
🌳 Discover Hidden Forests
Experience a true urban wilderness escape with native plants and trees [^Review].
🐶 Bring Your Furry Friend
The large off-leash dog park is a major draw for pet owners [^Review].
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot or Bike
Miles of beautiful trails perfect for walking, running, or biking [^Review]. New bike paths are being added.
🛶 Check Paddle Conditions
Use the official creek website for maps and water levels before you paddle.
🌳 Discover Hidden Forests
Experience a true urban wilderness escape with native plants and trees [^Review].
🐶 Bring Your Furry Friend
The large off-leash dog park is a major draw for pet owners [^Review].
📸 Capture the Scenery
Beautiful natural settings offer great photo opportunities year-round.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Minnehaha Creek Parkway as a beautiful, natural escape within the city, perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying the creek's scenery. Many appreciate the abundance of trees, the seasonal beauty, and the dedicated off-leash dog park. While generally well-maintained, some minor trail upkeep is noted.
"Miles of walking trails along a lovely creek with native plants and flowers. This is a hidden forest in the middle of the city, best seen when the trees are leafed out so the nearby streets are out of view. For three seasons of the year it's a sanctuary."
Jacque G
"Walking, running, biking, or whatever you prefer: do it here if you’re close by. Some small parts need maintenance, but it’s beautiful!"
Jordan Hadley
"Too many people in Minneapolis, who've never had the opportunity to visit other cities here in the States, don't grasp how fortunate we Minnesotans are, to have such a treasure in our city parks. We can escape into the wilderness without ever leaving the city. I suggest a hike from Franklin Ave. - 46th Street along the West Bank of the Mississippi. The walk along the top of the bluff has beautifully maintained and paved paths, while the opportunity to climb through lesser developed terrain lies just between the path and the river."
Anthony Fokken
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Minnehaha Creek Parkway is accessible by car, with various parking areas along its length. Public transportation options are also available, with bus routes serving areas near the parkway. Many visitors also arrive by bike, as it connects to the wider Minneapolis bike trail network.
Yes, there are several parking lots and street parking options available along the parkway, particularly near trailheads and popular spots like Minnehaha Regional Park.
Absolutely! Minnehaha Creek Parkway runs through Minneapolis, offering easy access from many neighborhoods. It's a beloved local spot for residents.
The main paved trails along Minnehaha Creek Parkway are generally stroller-friendly, making it accessible for families with young children [^Review].
The parkway is ideal for walking, running, and biking [^Review]. You can also enjoy it by canoe or kayak on the creek.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Minnehaha Creek Parkway is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or ticket for general access to the trails and creek areas [^Review].
The parkway and its trails are generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities within Minnehaha Regional Park may have their own hours.
While parkway access is free, activities like bike rentals or visiting specific attractions within Minnehaha Regional Park might have associated fees.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the parkway, and there's a large off-leash dog park that's very popular [^Review]. Please ensure dogs are leashed in other areas and clean up after them.
Yes, the parkway is accessible year-round, offering different beautiful experiences in each season, from spring blooms
to winter snow.🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the 'tree tunnel' near Cedar Avenue,
the various scenic points along the creek, and the nearby Minnehaha Falls. For adventurers, the 'tunnels of darkness' for canoeing are unique.You can often spot various bird species, including ducks,
and other small urban wildlife as you explore the natural habitats along the creek.Restroom facilities are available, particularly within Minnehaha Regional Park and at some trail access points.
Activities include walking, running, biking, picnicking, birdwatching, and paddling on the creek.
There's also a popular off-leash dog park [^Review].For the most part, yes, but it's crucial to check water conditions and be aware of potential obstacles like fallen trees or low water levels.
Some sections can be challenging.🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Minnehaha Regional Park has a restaurant,
and there are numerous dining options in the surrounding Minneapolis neighborhoods. Picnicking is also a popular choice.Absolutely! There are many scenic spots perfect for a picnic along the parkway and within the adjacent parks.
You'll find various cafes and coffee shops in the neighborhoods bordering Minnehaha Creek Parkway, offering a chance to refuel.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'tree tunnel' in spring,
the creek itself with its bridges and natural beauty, and the nearby Minnehaha Falls are prime photography locations. Fall foliage also offers stunning shots.Yes, it's a fantastic urban nature escape with diverse flora and fauna, making it ideal for nature photographers [^Review].
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a beautiful glow on the landscape.
The parkway features some beautiful historic homes,
and while you can photograph them from public spaces, be mindful of private property.Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to check with the Minneapolis Parks Foundation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🛶 Adventurous Paddlers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Minnehaha Creek by Water
Access points vary, and Redditors suggest checking the official resources for the best launch spots. The journey can range from a leisurely float to a more demanding paddle, depending on the chosen route and water flow. Be prepared for potential obstacles like fallen trees or shallow areas, especially after periods of heavy rain. The experience is often described as a 'fluke ride' when water levels are just right, offering a unique amusement park-like thrill.
The Parkway's Natural Beauty and Seasonal Charm
Each season brings its own charm. Spring bursts with blossoms, summer offers lush greenery, fall transforms the parkway into a canvas of vibrant colors, and winter provides a tranquil, snowy landscape. The parkway is described as a sanctuary for three seasons of the year [^Review], highlighting its consistent appeal. Even with some areas needing minor maintenance [^Review], the overall beauty and the feeling of being immersed in nature without leaving the city are consistently praised.
Community and Recreation Hub
The creek itself is a focal point for recreational activities, with opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. The annual Minnehaha Creek Duck Race is a fun community event. The presence of historic and architecturally interesting homes along the parkway adds another layer of local character, making it a place where nature, recreation, and community life intertwine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit