Visit Majestic Falls Steeped in History at Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
Address: 4801 S Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
About Minnehaha Falls
People travel to Minnehaha Falls Regional Park to see its crown jewel: the 53-foot stunning waterfall. But after taking in the majestic falls, visitors will find wild magic around every corner.
A trip to Minnehaha Falls will transport families away from a big, urban city to a place where they can spend the entire day discovering the natural beauty of the park. In the summertime, the park’s playground and wading pool are popular spots for kiddos. A big bonus: alongside the park’s terrain, numerous paved trails and sidewalks are ideal for families with strollers.
Majestic Waterfall
Open year-round, the flowing waters of Minnehaha Falls are a sight to see. The actual paved hike to the waterfall is short, but the payoff is well worth it. Throughout the wetter summer months, the flow of the water can be dramatically strong- so much so that visitors can feel the mist on their faces at times. There are several different areas where families can view the falls. A popular option is to walk down a staircase to view the falls from the bottom. Kids can also splash in the creek below if the water levels are low enough. Note: Dedicated park staff members are not on duty at all times, so families are responsible for their own children’s safety.
Historic Destination
As one of the oldest parks in Minnesota, Minnehaha Falls is steeped in history. At one point, there was even a zoo on the park grounds featuring an alligator and a bear pit. Although the zoo is no longer there, several historic buildings remain. A popular one is the “Princess Depot”- a small 1800s-era train station that has been preserved and is open to visitors on Sundays throughout the summer months. The Longfellow House and the Stevens House are also landmark locations on the grounds, along with several famous statues, including Hiawatha and Minnehaha, based on Longfellow’s famous poem “The Song of Hiawatha.”
Sea Salt Eatery
Many people visit Minnehaha Falls to grab a bite from Sea Salt, which is open seasonally at the park. The restaurant is known for its delicious seafood dishes, and patrons can order from two separate windows: one for food and the other for drinks. Once you have your food, you can grab a table to eat or dine al fresco in the park if you bring a picnic blanket!
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Minnehaha Falls Regional Park Highlights
- Iconic Minneapolis waterfall surrounded by walking trails, picnic areas, gardens, and sculptures
- Picnic area, playground, and on-site restaurant
- Wading pool and pergola garden
- Bike rentals offered through Wheel Fun Rentals
- Bandstand concerts throughout the summer
Know Before You Go to Minnehaha Falls
- Website
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. in developed areas, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in undeveloped areas
- Pay and free parking lots are available
- More amenities and upcoming events can be found on their website
Mary McGuire is a mother of two young girls and freelance journalist based in the Twin Cities. Her current interests include searching for lost pacifiers, cleaning up crushed Cheerios, and sharing everything our great state has to offer with other families. Born and raised in Edina, Mary has worked in broadcast television for more than a decade at TV stations across the country.
