Minnehaha Park is known for the falls that give this south Minneapolis park its name. The creek flowing out of the basin of the falls continues east towards it's confluence with the mighty Mississippi just below the Ford Dam. The path along this 1.5 mile journey leads hikers through the mini canyon created by the creek, under a canopy of northern hardwoods, alongside a variety of wetland wildflowers, eventually to the steep banks of Old Man River himself. The path can be muddy at times with a few toe-catchers along the way, especially if you take the woodsy backside instead of the main thoroughfare (I don't even know if the lesser path through the brush is even still there?). It's a pleasant walk between the creek and the yellow-tan sandstone walls that rise up to offer a glimpse of blue sky beyond the lattice-work branches overhead. Once you reach the river, you'll see folks picnicking, tossing rocks into the current or just enjoying the cooling shade on a hot Minneapolis afternoon. The descent down the long, long flight of stairs from the parking lot up at the level with the lip of the falls awaits your climb back up at the end of this 3-mile loop, but the journey will be well worth it.

The falls are pretty, regardless of season; in fact they're quite a site when frozen in winter. The park is spacious and occasionally has live entertainment, and the hike along Minnehaha creek to the Mississippi river is an easy one. A great way to get out and enjoy nature, and a special treat for out of town visitors.

We went when the water was higher than normal and it was great! We actually had our anniversary the same day, so we knocked two birds out with one stone. It was great and I can't understand why we didn't go sooner since it's so close. GOOD TIMES!!!

We spent a Sunday afternoon strolling through Minnehaha Park, and were very impressed by all the improvements the city had made to the landscape, such as the park buildings, trails and railings, flower gardens, and gazebo and arbor areas.

Our one disappointment is that the waterfall are no longer there; our friend from the city told us that the stream has been dry because of the drought this past summer, and may have been diverted upstream for farm use. We hope it's not a permanent state of affairs; the photo of the waterfall in its heyday is lovely, and would be a welcome site for family gatherings in the summertime.