Minnehaha Regional Park & Falls

A 53-foot waterfall inside city limits — the crown jewel of Minneapolis parks, ringed by trails, gardens, and a seasonal seafood shack (Sea Salt) that locals line up for. Free to visit, made famous by Longfellow's 'Song of Hiawatha.' Caveat: the falls can slow to a trickle in late-summer droughts; spring runoff is the showstopper.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to see Minnehaha Falls?

No — the park is free and open 6 am to 10 pm (developed areas to midnight). Parking is the only potential cost: there are pay lots near the falls plus some free parking near Longfellow Gardens and neighborhood streets.

Can I walk behind Minnehaha Falls?

The path behind the falls is officially closed and the fencing is there for a reason — the limestone is unstable and people get hurt. The overlooks and the staircase to the base give you every angle you need, legally.

Are there trails beyond the falls?

Yes — a lovely trail follows Minnehaha Creek downstream through a wooded glen to the Mississippi River, about a mile round trip with staircases. It's the underrated half of the park most tourists skip.

Is Minnehaha Falls good in winter?

It's arguably at its best — the frozen falls form a massive blue-white ice column that draws photographers all winter. Paths get icy, so wear traction; do not climb behind the ice curtain, however many Instagram photos suggest otherwise.

What is Sea Salt Eatery?

A wildly popular seasonal seafood counter in the park pavilion — po'boys, fish tacos, and local beer, roughly April through October. Lines get long on nice weekends but move fast; it's part of the ritual.

What's the Longfellow connection?

Longfellow's 1855 poem 'The Song of Hiawatha' made the falls internationally famous — though he never actually visited. The park leans into it with the Longfellow Gardens and statues of Hiawatha and Minnehaha above the falls.

How do I get to Minnehaha Falls by transit?

The Blue Line's 50th St/Minnehaha Park station sits right at the park's edge — normally the easiest transit trip in town, though buses replace trains through August 19, 2026 for track work. Still very doable, just slower.

Is the waterfall always flowing?

Not equally — it thunders during spring snowmelt and after heavy rain, and can shrink to a trickle in dry late summers. In deep winter it freezes into a spectacular ice column, which is its own reason to visit.

Nearby in Ask Minneapolis

• Minnehaha Falls & Regional ParkAttraction0 km · 0 min walk
• Quixotic CoffeeCafé1.88 km · 23 min walk
• Nokomis Main BeachBeach2.51 km · 31 min walk
• Nokomis East BeachBeach2.51 km · 31 min walk
• Matt's BarRestaurant3.92 km · 49 min walk