Staycation destination
July 4th was a very short work week and we decided to spend some time visiting “off the beaten path” destinations. A simple Google search for “Minnesota top tourist attractions” reveals lists for destinations that are very well known (TripAdvisor, Planetware and Attractions of America ).
TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Things To Do does list the “Minnehaha Park” and rates it as the # 3 destination in Minneapolis.
If you want to enjoy the beauty of Minneapolis, Minnesota then the state has a lot to offer, here are some examples that are truly hidden treasures and offer a unique perspective on life, nature and family fun. Munsinger and Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud MN, Minnesota’s oldest and biggest fireworks show in Delano MN, Sculpture Garden (iconic landmark of Minneapolis, MN), Valley Fair (the amusement park of Minneapolis, MN), etc..
Minnehaha Park
Minnehaha Park is located within minutes of down town Minneapolis and is amid an urban environment. It is very easy to get to the park as it offers a wide variety of public transportation options.
Park offers a wide variety of activities including Disc Golf, Dog Park, Gardens (Longfellow, Minnehaha Falls Pergola, and Song of Hiawatha), Historical Sites (Longfellow house, Princess Depot, and John H. Stevens house), Biking Trails, etc..
The Minnehaha Falls offers a short, easy, family-friendly hike that takes visitors all the way to where the Minnehaha Creek meets the Mississippi river.
The 167 acre park is easy to find and there was plenty of parking for $1 per hour. The big waterfall is just a short walk from most of the parking. You can also walk down to the bottom of the waterfall. There was a fairly large playground, a restaurant, plenty of large picnic areas, pretty gardens, hiking/walking trials, and surrey rentals (bikes for 2-6 people).
The trails are well laid out and some section have board walks, beach areas are a hoot with kids, check out the photos and video. Water is crystal clear and is a great place to be on hot summer days in Minnesota.
Plan on spending between 3 to 5 hours depending on how adventurous you and family wants to be ….
Photos of the falls and creek
Click the Google Map to access high resolution photos from this blog post
Put the Minnehaha Park on your To Do List …………….
The author, KetanDeshpande, lives in Minnesota and writes about a variety of topics in his blog such as global economy, market and industry trends, successful strategies for businesses, and others. Leveraging his global strategic leadership experience from the manufacturing industry to offer insights in to how businesses can meet the sustainable growth and profitability goals.
Ketan Deshpande is also passionate about sustainability and renewable energy; he curates and shares latest updates in his blog posts. Recently the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency(SMMPA) of Litchfield, Minnesota, endorsed Ketan Deshpande for an energy conservation project.
This blog also features memorable events, travel experiences and his favorite places to visit in the great state of Minnesota.
Your photos look so nice. One day I would love to travel to this place. Hopefully one day soon!
Thanks Sandy for the comments, they are greatly appreciated
This a beautiful place where you can just relax. I wouldn’t need to see the tree filled with chewing gum. Thanks for sharing this experience with us.
Thanks Ramona for your comments
One of our favorite place to visit with family and friends. Great photos. Had not come across the “Gum Tree” you have captured, will have to find out where it is. May be you can add geotag the photo so we can all find it
Another one of our favorite places, our kids love the bike rides. Fall season is fabulous time to visit too. Liked the video….gum tree not so much