Memorial Park and Mdewakanton Burial Mounds
A serene park along the Minnesota River, featuring ancient burial mounds, scenic trails, and a unique helicopter memorial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ample parking, fewer crowds
Memorial Park and Mdewakanton Burial Mounds
Best Time
Ample parking, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene park along the Minnesota River, featuring ancient burial mounds, scenic trails, and a unique helicopter memorial.
"Great park on the banks of the Minnesota River with beautiful views and historical significance."
🚗 Ample Parking
Plenty of parking available, especially on weekday evenings. :car:
🚶♀️ Paved Walking Paths
Enjoy smooth, paved trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mdewakanton Burial Mounds
Throughout the park
Ancient burial mounds dotted with native prairie flowers, offering a glimpse into history.
Minnesota River Trails
Along the riverbanks
Miles of paved and natural trails with beautiful river views and abundant birdlife.
Cobra Helicopter Memorial
Near the entrance
A striking memorial honoring local fallen soldiers, featuring a preserved Cobra helicopter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Peace and Prairie
Respecting Sacred Ground
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hello, Minnesotan family of three thinking about driving down to go to Worlds/Oceans of Fun Mon thru Wednesday...is it worth the trip?
🚗 Ample Parking
Plenty of parking available, especially on weekday evenings. :car:
🚶♀️ Paved Walking Paths
Enjoy smooth, paved trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog. :athletic_shoe:
What playground is this?
🦆 Birdwatching Hotspot
Great for spotting various duck species, especially in winter. Bring birdseed (no bread!). :duck:
🌸 Prairie Flowers
Summer brings beautiful native prairie flowers to the burial mound areas. :flowerplayingcards:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking
Plenty of parking available, especially on weekday evenings. :car:
🚶♀️ Paved Walking Paths
Enjoy smooth, paved trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog. :athletic_shoe:
🦆 Birdwatching Hotspot
Great for spotting various duck species, especially in winter. Bring birdseed (no bread!). :duck:
🌸 Prairie Flowers
Summer brings beautiful native prairie flowers to the burial mound areas. :flowerplayingcards:
🏞️ River Views
Scenic hiking along the Minnesota River, offering peaceful natural beauty. :river:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Memorial Park and Mdewakanton Burial Mounds for its beautiful riverfront trails, historical significance of the burial mounds, and the unique Cobra helicopter memorial. It's a peaceful escape with ample parking, especially on weekday evenings, and a great spot for families with its playground. Some trails may be impacted by high river levels.
"Really nice park on the banks of the Minnesota River, just out of downtown Shakopee. There was plenty of parking spaces when I went on a nice Wednesday evening. Some of the trails that go over the bridge were closed due to high River levels. They have plenty of miles of hiking along the river with beautiful views. Lots of bird species. They also have Native American burial mounds here."
B A
"The Cobra helicopter caught my eye. There is a memorial to local fallen soldiers here. Also burial mounds planted with native prairie flowers. There is a paved hiking trail."
Lee Witte
"Great park, just out of town. Great trails for river exploring or fishing. The river is a bit high right now though...Koda thinks it's a great place to chill out. I told koda the buildings were off limits...but he don't care..."
Collecting Minnesota
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located just outside downtown Shakopee, MN. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available, especially on weekday evenings.
Information on public transportation options to Memorial Park and Mdewakanton Burial Mounds is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient method.
The park is situated on the banks of the Minnesota River, just out of downtown Shakopee. Specific routes will depend on your starting point, but GPS navigation is recommended.
The park is conveniently located near downtown Shakopee, offering access to local amenities. It's also a good starting point for exploring the Minnesota River valley.
The park features paved hiking trails that are easy to follow. Signage is available to guide you to different areas like the burial mounds and the Cobra helicopter memorial.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Memorial Park and Mdewakanton Burial Mounds is a public park and generally does not require an entrance fee. Enjoying the natural beauty and historical sites is free.
As a public park, Memorial Park and Mdewakanton Burial Mounds is typically open from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check local listings for any specific seasonal hours.
The burial mounds are accessible during park hours. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful and stay on designated paths to preserve these historical sites.
The Cobra helicopter is part of a memorial and is generally accessible for viewing during park hours. Visitors are asked to respect the memorial.
No, advance booking is not required for Memorial Park and Mdewakanton Burial Mounds as it is a public park. You can visit spontaneously.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers miles of hiking along the Minnesota River, with both paved and natural paths. These trails provide beautiful views and opportunities for birdwatching.
Yes, the park is home to the Mdewakanton Burial Mounds, an important historical and cultural site. There is also a memorial featuring a Cobra helicopter.
The park is a haven for bird species, particularly ducks, especially during winter. You might also encounter other local wildlife along the river.
Yes, there is a playground available, making it a great spot for families to visit and for kids to burn off energy.
The park offers opportunities for river exploring and fishing along the Minnesota River. Be sure to check local regulations for fishing licenses and seasons.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots along the Minnesota River trails, especially during sunrise or sunset. The burial mounds with prairie flowers in summer also make for beautiful photos.
Yes, the Cobra helicopter is a prominent feature and can be photographed as part of the memorial. It offers a unique subject against the natural backdrop.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, creating beautiful shadows and golden hues along the river.
General photography is permitted. However, always be mindful of the historical and cultural significance of the burial mounds and maintain respectful distances.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife is ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for river views and a telephoto lens for birdwatching.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday evening to avoid larger crowds and ensure easy parking. Pack some snacks and water, and enjoy a peaceful outing surrounded by nature and history. It's a great way to combine outdoor activity with a touch of local heritage.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
While river levels can fluctuate, the trails generally provide good access to the riverbanks. The native prairie flowers blooming in summer add to the natural beauty, making it a picturesque destination throughout the warmer months.
🏛️ History Buffs
The Cobra helicopter memorial adds another layer of historical interest, commemorating local fallen soldiers. Exploring these different historical facets provides a well-rounded understanding of the area's heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Mdewakanton Burial Mounds
Understanding the significance of these mounds is key to appreciating the park. They represent centuries of history and cultural practices. While the park offers beautiful natural scenery, the historical context provided by the burial mounds is a primary draw for many visitors. Remember that these are not just historical markers but sacred ancestral grounds.
Nature and Wildlife Along the Minnesota River
While the river's high levels can sometimes affect trail accessibility, the overall experience of walking along its banks is consistently praised. The combination of paved paths and natural surroundings makes it an accessible destination for many. The peace found in nature, with the sun on your face and fresh air, is a recurring theme in visitor feedback.
A Touch of Military History: The Cobra Helicopter
Visitors often mention the helicopter as a point of interest, especially for those interested in military history or simply looking for a distinctive landmark. It stands as a testament to the community's remembrance and adds a layer of historical narrative to the park's landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit