Exploring Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
Did you know that there is a 53-foot waterfall just south of downtown Minneapolis? Did you know you could hike from this waterfall to the Mississippi River? As part of our efforts to get outside and move before the snow flies, Julie and I stopped by Minnehaha Falls Regional Park a week ago, and we had a chance to explore the park and the trails along Minnehaha Creek. Minnesota weather has been fantastic lately, and with the sun setting in the west, it was a great evening to hike, take some photos and spend some time together.
About Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
Minnehaha Falls Regional Park is located at the following address:
4801 South Minnehaha Park Dr. Minneapolis, MN 55417
Map of the Minnehaha Falls Regional Park. Source: Google Maps
Parking is located just east of the roundabout located at the intersection of South Minnehaha Drive, Minnehaha Parkway and Godfrey Parkway. Parking is pretty inexpensive, so make sure you pay for it at the pay stations near the lot. There is no need to get a ticket!
Minnehaha Falls Regional Park has outdoor picnic sites and a picnic shelter with cooking and restroom facilities. During the summer season, the Sea Salt Eatery is located in the pavilion facility, and I heard that it is pretty good. In addition, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has regular free concerts at the park, and Julie and I have enjoyed a concert or two during the summer. For more information about the history of the park, please see the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board History Page.
There are paved trails from the parking lot to Minnehaha Falls and to the historical structures south of the falls. Gravel trails take hikers from the base of Minnehaha Falls to the Mississippi River. Julie and I opted to take the more rugged trail on the way to the mouth of the Mississippi River, and we walked on the crushed limestone back to the Minnehaha Falls.
You can canoe and kayak Minnehaha Creek and the Mississippi River, but I WOULD NOT recommend tangling with the Falls. DO NOT TRY THIS! LEAVE THIS TO PROFESSIONALS ONLY.
https://youtu.be/hpCNZzpZEE0
Sights along the Way
As we hiked along Minnehaha Creek, we saw a lot of interesting sights along the trails.
Minnehaha Falls at the Minnehaha Falls Regional Park – November 2016
Minnehaha Creek winds along the valley on its route to the Mississippi River – November 2016
The Creek meanders through the Minnehaha Falls Regional Park – November 2016
Bluffs at the mouth of Minnehaha Creek as it empties into the Mississippi River – November 2016
Ford Dam on the Mississippi River from Minnehaha Falls Regional Park – November 2016
Looking south along the Mississippi River from Minnehaha Falls Regional Park. That light in the sky is just before the full Super Moon – November 2016
Explore
The trees along the banks of the Mississippi River make great places to take break, drink it all in and ponder life – November 2016
Kevin Geary stated on the Healthy Lifestyle Podcast Episode 7 that humans are designs to get out and move their bodies. Kevin stated that walking was a great, low-impact way to move, and hikes are great ways to see different sights, enjoy time with family and friends and get some great exercise. Julie and I had a great time, especially with perfect weather and lighting as the sun sank below the ridge.
Get out and enjoy the beauty all around us, and continue to learn, do and grow!