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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Minneapolis' best

Cool parks

A park that manages to be genuinely interesting without needing a dozen amenities to justify its existence.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated April 2026
01
Minnehaha Falls image 1
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Tourist attraction

Waterfall and surrounding trails create a scenic setting with breathtaking views. Large open grounds include an outdoor theatre and public food court, supporting a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. Families enjoy play areas and pedal carts, while music and art add cultural touches.

Beautiful waterfalls stand out in this well-maintained park. Plenty of picnic areas make it great for a relaxing day with easy walking paths.

Waterfalls stand out as very cool with flowing water that adds to the vibe. The spot offers a cool place for a hike and a scenic stop that feels refreshing and interesting.

People are saying

"I found the park beautiful with its wonderful waterfall."

"It's so peaceful here, with beautiful natural beauty all around."

"The waterfalls here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Entry to Minnehaha Falls is free for all visitors.

2

Parking costs $1.30 per hour and requires license plate recognition.

3

The park occasionally hosts festivals and events, so check the calendar.

02
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden image 1

Large open-air park combines modern sculptures with serene natural elements like wind chimes in trees. Visitors find a peaceful atmosphere ideal for quiet walks and reflection. Iconic pieces such as the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture stand out against views of historic architecture.

A large, free park with prairie flowers and expansive outdoor space. It features the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture and ranks among the largest sculpture parks around.

Sculptures here are cool and quirky, creating a unique vibe. The park offers a variety of interesting pieces to explore in an urban setting.

People are saying

"I loved how the sculpture integrates with nature and everyday life."

"I found the sculptures here to be really cool."

"I loved how the sculpture park blended art with nature and everyday life."

Good to know

1

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free to visit.

2

Parking at the adjacent lot costs $4 for the day.

3

The park is open until midnight.

03
Minnehaha Regional Park image 1

Powerful waterfall anchors a spacious park with open picnic grounds and accessible bike paths. Peaceful atmosphere blends with natural scenery featuring bridges, creeks, and sandstone climbing spots. Play areas and a concert pavilion add to the family-friendly vibe.

Big frozen waterfall stands out as a key feature with wonderful walking paths weaving through the park. It offers a kid and pet friendly environment with easy access to nearby trails.

Great views and cool graffiti stand out here. Walking trails, a nearby restaurant, and live band add to the natural attraction's vibe. Throwing rocks into the water feels like a fun, casual activity.

People are saying

"You have to see the frozen falls at this park; it's incredible."

"It's a great kid-friendly place with fun playground areas."

"I found this place pretty cool for walking trails."

Good to know

1

Parking is not free; be prepared to pay.

2

There are concerts in the summer at the park.

3

Expect local art events and food stands during special occasions.

04
Mill Ruins Park image 1

Park combines historic mill ruins with river views and urban skyline. Atmosphere stays peaceful and scenic, with sounds of rushing water and quiet paths. Visitors enjoy walking among weathered stone walls and watching landmarks like the Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls.

Offers a blend of history, nature, and urban scenery with well-maintained paths and lush green grass. Provides fantastic views of historic buildings and the Stone Arch Bridge, welcoming dogs and kids with engaging historical presentations.

Built partially inside an old mill, the museum adds a historic vibe to the area. Walking trails, a cool bridge over the river, and summer concerts create a lively spot for strolls and bike rides.

People are saying

"I loved learning about the history of the milling industry here."

"This park has gorgeous riverfront views and a great view of the Stone Arch Bridge."

"I thought the historic ruins and mill were really cool."

Good to know

1

Parking at Mill Ruins Park requires payment at a pay station.

2

There are no restrooms available at Mill Ruins Park.

3

The park is ideal for watching the Target Aquatennial fireworks.

05
Tower Hill Park image 1

Park centers on highest natural elevation with an iconic tower offering panoramic city views. Atmosphere feels serene with a Halloween vibe and beautiful surrounding homes. Small size and limited amenities make it a quiet spot for photos and picnics.

A small, serene green space offers a great view of the city skyline from a clearing near a tower. The park is about one city block long and suits a quick, peaceful stroll in an urban setting.

Small size and rich history make this park stand out. It offers a unique vibe that feels both relaxed and interesting.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great view of downtown."

"The parks here offer great views of the city skyline."

"I enjoyed the great views from here."

Good to know

1

The Witches Tower offers one of the best views of downtown Minneapolis.

2

Expect great sunset views from Tower Hill Park.

3

There is only street parking available at Tower Hill Park.

06
Bossen Field Park image 1

Large park dominated by baseball diamonds and softball fields with lights offers plenty of space for sports and activities. Playground areas feature unique structures and a kiddie wading pool, attracting families and children. Open spaces include seating and walking areas, with planes flying overhead adding to the atmosphere.

Wide open fields with lights for night games host softball and baseball leagues. The playground offers unique, challenging structures and a small wading pool for kids. The park stays clean and well maintained with plenty of space for running and walking.

A really cool park for kids features a small wading pool and a relaxed vibe. Bossen Field Park feels chill and fun.

People are saying

"It's a big park with lots of baseball and softball fields."

"The playground here has unique structures and lots of space."

"It's a really cool park with a small wading pool."

Good to know

1

The park has plenty of space for activities and is dog friendly.

2

There are lots of free parking spaces and accessibility for handicapped and families with strollers.

3

The only bathroom facilities are a few porta potties and one actual bathroom across the whole park.

07
Kids Empire Bloomington image 1
Indoor playground

Indoor playground features large colorful play structures with separate zones for toddlers and older kids. Atmosphere stays bright and clean with a dragon-themed design and areas for parents to watch comfortably. Music varies in volume, and activities include go-karts, ball pits, and glow dance rooms.

Spotless and well-maintained, the park offers a large, safe space with a steep pink slide, a pitball area for toddlers, and motorbikes and vehicles for kids to ride under the jungle gym. The playground's height allows easy entry without bending, making it comfortable for adults.

A cool jungle gym stands out with soccer and big Legos. The whole setup feels super cool and fun for kids.

People are saying

"It's a great place for kids; they had a blast!"

"This park is spotless, well-maintained, and feels so inviting."

"It's cool how many activities there are to do here."

Good to know

1

Admission costs $20 per child for the entire day.

2

Two adults can enter for free with the purchase of a $25 all-day pass for a child.

3

You can't bring food into the facility and can only buy it there.

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