Why Minnehaha Regional Park Is the Urban Escape You Didn’t Know You Needed

There are parks—and then there’s Minnehaha. A soul-stirring blend of wilderness and culture, Minnehaha Regional Park in South Minneapolis isn’t just a destination, it’s a full-body reset. Nestled in the vibrant neighborhoods of Hiawatha and Minnehaha, this 193-acre oasis is where the pulse of the city slows down and the voice of nature speaks loud and clear.

Photo courtesy of @Pinterest

Let’s start with her crown jewel: Minnehaha Falls. A thunderous, 53-foot waterfall that draws over 850,000 visitors a year—and for good reason. Whether it's flowing in full summer glory or frozen into a crystalline ice sculpture in winter, the falls are a backdrop that belongs on your feed, your vision board, and your peace-of-mind playlist. But Minnehaha isn’t a one-hit wonder. She’s a full-on headliner.

A Park with Range

You want options? She’s got them.

• Walking and biking paths that take you from urban edge to river bluff in minutes

• Public art installations that tell deep, local stories—like Ed Archie Noisecat’s “Chief Little Crow Mask,” offering a sacred, skyward gaze through the legacy of Dakota resistance

• Sculptures like “Hiawatha and Minnehaha” by Jakob Fjelde, a bronze ode to Minnesota’s poetic roots that’s been turning heads since the Chicago World’s Fair

• A bandstand for live music, volleyball courts, disc golf, and a wading pool for the little ones

• Gardens, decorative fountains, and shady picnic spots perfect for romantic lunches, birthday hangouts, or solo rejuvenation

• And let’s not forget the Music & Movies in the Park series—free, festive, and peak summer energy

If you’re in South Minneapolis, there’s really no excuse not to stop by. And if you’re not? Trust me, this park is worth the trip.

Know Before You Go

You’ll find Minnehaha Regional Park at 4801 S Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417. It’s accessible by bus, bike, foot, or car (yes, there's pay parking). The park is open from 6 a.m. to midnight in developed areas and until 10 p.m. in undeveloped ones. And yes, there are restrooms and drinking fountains, because this is Minnesota and we do parks right. Want to plan your visit? Contact the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board at 612-230-6400 or via email at info@minneapolisparks.org.

Sip the Falls at Home

Can’t get enough of Minnehaha? Bring that mellow magic home with a cup of North Star Signature Coffee’s Minnehaha Flavor—a tribute to the beauty, grace, and wild heart of what "Minnehaha"-all over Minnesota means to Minnesotans. Crafted with the kind of care that matches the park’s timeless charm, this roast is:

• Mellow & savory with notes of honeydew, cocoa, and crisp acidity

• Ideal for pour-over or Aeropress perfection

• Available in 12oz whole bean or ground

• Ethically sourced from B Corp certified suppliers

• Small batch roasted for unmatched freshness and flavor

• Certified Specialty Grade by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)

Whether you’re sipping it on a sunny bench overlooking the falls or from your kitchen window as you plan your next escape—this brew is more than coffee; it’s a vibe. Find it in the Be Well & Co. store under North Star Signature Coffee is sold or at your favorite local café.