Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park
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Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park

4.7
·3k reviews·Minneapolis, United States

A vibrant urban oasis offering scenic trails, water sports, and family fun around Lake Nokomis.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for activities

CrowdMedium
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Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park

Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for activities

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant urban oasis offering scenic trails, water sports, and family fun around Lake Nokomis.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"The pathways are always well-kept and easy to navigate, making the whole experience more enjoyable and safe."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ Separate Paths

Enjoy dedicated walking and biking trails for a safer, more pleasant experience.

🛶 Paddle Minnehaha Creek

Check the official website for creek conditions before you float or paddle.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 2,961 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Nokomis Trails

Lake Nokomis Trails

Around Lake Nokomis

Enjoy scenic, well-maintained paths with separate lanes for walkers and bikers.

Water Sports Hub

Water Sports Hub

Lake Nokomis

Rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards for a refreshing day on the water.

Minnehaha Creek Paddling

Minnehaha Creek Paddling

Minnehaha Creek

Float down the creek for a unique outdoor adventure, checking conditions online.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Trails and Waterways

Enjoy separate paths for walkers and bikers around Lake Nokomis, a key feature highlighted by locals. For water activities, check the Minnehaha Creek website for current conditions and access points before paddling or tubing.

Seasonal Charm and Amenities

The park offers diverse beauty year-round, from summer greenery to fall colors. While amenities like beaches and playgrounds are great, be aware that locker/changing rooms can be basic.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for activities
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Vibrant foliage views
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Route of the Hiawatha
@hey_arnel
68.6K likes • 756.9K views

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ Separate Paths

Enjoy dedicated walking and biking trails for a safer, more pleasant experience. Reddit

🛶 Paddle Minnehaha Creek

Check the official website for creek conditions before you float or paddle. Reddit

Nokomis is always a treat #nokomis #nativegrandma #fyp #foryou #indigenous #native #nativetok #FindYourEdge
@ziibiikwe7
21.6K likes • 128.9K views
@minneapolisparks have begun Major trail improvements at Nokomis- Hiawatha Regional Park. Week 1 - A new bike trail will be added west of Amelia Pond along Lake Nokomis Parkway. This new trail will provide separate paths for walkers and bikers. Week 2 - Construction for a new pedestrian bridge across Minnehaha Creek at Lake Hiawatha will begin. The new bridge will be installed in 2025. Week 3 -...
nokomis.nate
18 likes • 579 views

☀️ Beach & Playground Fun

Great spot for families with open spaces, beaches, and a playground. Reddit

🚗 Parking Options

Paid and free parking available; plan accordingly based on your visit time. Reddit

Beautiful day hike to Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, Minnesota 😍❤️ #minneapolis #minnesota
@summervmarie
17K likes • 304.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ Separate Paths

Enjoy dedicated walking and biking trails for a safer, more pleasant experience. Reddit

🛶 Paddle Minnehaha Creek

Check the official website for creek conditions before you float or paddle. Reddit

☀️ Beach & Playground Fun

Great spot for families with open spaces, beaches, and a playground. Reddit

🚗 Parking Options

Paid and free parking available; plan accordingly based on your visit time. Reddit

🎣 Fishing Pier Access

Convenient and accessible pier for anglers of all skill levels. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park for its beautiful scenery, well-maintained trails with separate paths for walkers and bikers, and family-friendly atmosphere. The variety of activities, from water sports to picnicking, makes it a versatile destination. Some minor drawbacks include basic locker room facilities.

"I love going for rides around Lake Nokomis—it’s one of my favorite spots in the city. The pathways are always well-kept and easy to navigate, and I really appreciate the thoughtful design of having one path for walkers and another for bikers and scooters. It makes the whole experience more enjoyable and safe for everyone, whether you’re moving at a fast pace or just out for a stroll.

The scenery around the lake is beautiful, and depending on the season, you get to enjoy so many different views—lush greenery in the summer, colorful trees in the fall, and even a peaceful, quiet setting in the winter. It’s also a great place for families, since there are open spaces, beaches, and plenty of areas to just relax.

We especially enjoy coming here to watch our son play ultimate frisbee on the fields next to the lake. There’s always such great energy with people gathering to play or cheer each other on, and it makes the whole area feel lively and welcoming. Between the trails, the fields, and the natural beauty, Lake Nokomis really has something for everyone."

Edward Hegemann

"Lake Nokomis is a nice lake located in the heart of the city that offers a relaxing, family-friendly enviroment. They offer many activities such as swimming, Fishing, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. You can also enjoy a walk, run, jog or biking the trails. They offer paid and free parking depending on time. They have a playground with a swingset near the beach area. They also have lots of areas you can have a picnic. I personally enjoyed having BBQ's, fishing, and getting some cardio with my family. Police Park patrol as well for an extra layer of safety and security."

Tam Huynh

"Lake Harriet: A Minneapolis Gem for Recreation and Relaxation
Lake Harriet is truly one of Minneapolis's crown jewels, offering a fantastic array of activities and a beautiful natural setting right within the city. Our recent visit only reinforced its reputation as a wonderful place to spend time outdoors.
We had a fantastic time fishing off the public fishing pier, which proved to be a convenient and accessible spot for anglers of all ages. It's always great when a lake provides dedicated facilities like this, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the sport. The excitement was palpable when one person in our group managed to catch a sunfish! Even a smaller catch like that adds to the fun and creates a memorable experience, especially for those new to fishing or just enjoying a leisurely afternoon.
Beyond the excellent fishing opportunities, Lake Harriet boasts so much more. The paved paths around the lake are perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, offering picturesque views at every turn. In the warmer months, you'll find people enjoying the beaches, paddleboarding, or kayaking. The iconic Lake Harriet Bandshell hosts free concerts and events throughout the summer, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Whether you're looking to cast a line, take a leisurely stroll, enjoy some live music, or simply relax by the water, Lake Harriet delivers a quintessential Minneapolis experience. It's a truly great place to connect with nature and enjoy some recreational fun right in the heart of the city."

Michelle Lea B

What People Like

Scenic lake trails
Separate bike/walk paths
Family-friendly amenities

What People Dislike

Basic locker rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The park is accessible by car, with both paid and free parking options available. Public transportation routes also serve the area, making it convenient for visitors without a vehicle. Reddit

Yes, there are parking lots available. Some are paid, while others are free, depending on the specific location and time of your visit. Reddit

Absolutely! The park features well-maintained pathways, including dedicated bike lanes, making it a great destination for cyclists. Instagram

Information on specific bus routes can be found on local transit authority websites. The park's location within Minneapolis makes it generally accessible via public transit. Reddit

The Minnehaha Creek website provides a map and current conditions for paddling access points along the creek. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park is generally free to enter. There may be fees associated with specific activities or rentals. Reddit

Park hours typically align with daylight hours, but it's always best to check the official Minneapolis Parks website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

While not always required, booking water sport rentals in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to ensure availability. Reddit

The park, particularly areas like Lake Harriet nearby, often hosts free concerts and events during the summer at its bandshell. Check local listings for schedules. Reddit

Access to the playground and beaches is typically free. Lifeguards may be present at designated swimming areas during specific hours in the summer. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy biking, walking, running, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking, and playing at the playground. Reddit

Yes, the park has thoughtfully designed pathways with separate lanes for walkers and bikers, enhancing safety and enjoyment. InstagramReddit

Capture stunning shots along the lake shores, especially during sunrise or sunset, and don't miss the scenic views from the trestle bridges if you venture to nearby Hiawatha trails. TikTok

It's an excellent family-friendly destination with open spaces, beaches, a playground, and various recreational activities suitable for all ages. Reddit

The park is home to various bird species, and you might spot other local wildlife, especially around the lake and creek areas. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are concessions and a mini food spot where you can grab snacks and drinks. Many visitors also enjoy picnicking or having BBQs in designated areas. Reddit

Yes, the park offers many areas suitable for picnics and BBQs, making it a great spot for a family outing or gathering. Reddit

Concessions typically offer casual fare like snacks, drinks, and light meals. It's advisable to bring your own food for more extensive dining. Reddit

Yes, the park is located in Minneapolis, offering a wide range of dining options in the surrounding neighborhoods. Reddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is a popular option, especially for picnics and BBQs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour lighting over the lake. Fall foliage also provides stunning photographic opportunities. TikTok

The pathways around Lake Nokomis, the lake itself, and any new bridges or trail features offer great photo opportunities. Instagram

Drone usage is typically regulated in city parks. It's essential to check the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board's specific drone policy before flying. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and general shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive lake views. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors. Reddit

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