Best Rivers In Minneapolis Near Me

Andy Smith: The visitor center itself is really nice and has lots of information. There is a short walk down to the river, but the park here is no what I would call a recreation park. If you are exploring other parts of the MNR&RA then this is somewhere to visit as it has all the info about the park and the various sections and how to get to them. Its co-located with the science museum which is well worth a visit.

Rodney Tholen: Fun spot inside the Minnesota Science Museum building. No ticket needed.

Richard Erickson: Nice visitor center that is part of a large museum.

Cam Kay: The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Visitors Center is Awesome. Great Staff and tons of information. Check it out!

Amelia Liu: Nice little exhibit!

Edgar Ramirez: Parking is hard but man what a view!

Leira Snewo: First, the pictures arent the greatest of representation of this museum. In fact these pictures are extremely underwhelming.But to my main point of business. Anyone have a kid that is a PAIN to take anywhere? Or am I the only one? Everywhere I go, this kid just complains about everything & honestly, it's a drag. Nothing makes this kid happy. NOTHING. So after 5 minutes of forcing this kid into the museum, she ended up BEGGING me to not leave. She's a pre-teen btw. That's really important to add because I think the Childrens museum in Boston & Chattanooga are AMAZING. But those are great for tiny kids. MNR is great for kids of all ages, even those who are too cool for school.MNR is 3 stories of educational fun. On the first floor, they have an amazing store, a cafe

Cory Walaitis: Fun place to check out. The floor being a birds eye view of the Twin Cities. Cool to pop in if you're already going to the museum.

Andy Jopling: Cool interactive exhibits.

Daniel J: Looked great, lots of exhibits and informative!

Van Wilder: Prepare to be captivated by the allure of the mighty Mississippi River as you embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a serene escape from city life, this national treasure promises to leave you with cherished memories and a newfound appreciation for the river's significance.The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, spanning over 72 miles through Minnesota, is a haven of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From its humble beginnings at Lake Itasca to its grandeur as it flows through the Twin Cities and beyond, the Mississippi River offers a diverse range of experiences to suit every visitor's desires.One of the highlights of this area is the abundance of recreational opportunities available. Hiking and biking trails wind along the riverbanks, offering picturesque views of the waterway and its surrounding landscapes. You can paddle your way through the gentle currents, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the river. The fishing opportunities are bountiful, providing a chance to catch a variety of fish species.History comes alive within the park's boundaries, and history enthusiasts will find themselves enchanted by the stories of early explorers, Native American cultures, and the region's industrial past. Don't miss the chance to explore the restored historic sites, visitor centers, and interpretive exhibits that offer insights into the river's role in shaping the nation's history and culture.For urban explorers, the section of the river flowing through the Twin Cities provides a unique blend of natural beauty and metropolitan allure. Iconic landmarks such as the Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls offer breathtaking views of the river and the city skyline, making it a photographer's paradise.The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area also boast abundant wildlife. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting a wide array of avian species, including bald eagles soaring above the river. Keep an eye out for playful river otters and elusive deer that call this area home.

Mr. Sam7639: Amazing for the kids

Robert Norman: Quite un informative for a n p site

Phitsamay Chiankhamphet: Went to check out the unnamed waterfall off of the 36th Street parking lot.

Lee Witte: Great for right in the city. Hiking and biking trails in and or adjacent.

Kevin Miller: Spectacularly beautiful all seasons. Enjoy!

Wafaa Almuallim: Visited the park on the 20th of October and was able to see the greatest fall colors!

John Baxter: Nice area.

Mary Farrell: Lots of trails, river views, and a couple of different playgrounds, including a very natural one near the interpretive center.

Dorie Wicklund: We love it here. Have been visiting here since they built it 15 years ago!

Vivian K: Cook, quiet, peaceful. My first bike ride. I bought it last year. Needs adjustments. Rode it anyways.

Kristen Mac: Great place for a walk by yourself or with your pet.

Susan Ramlet: Went to a great "walk and talk" today as part of the Great Northern Festival. Learned a lot about the history of this park and how it came about. What a treasure in the cities and in the neighborhood. A gift for the natural environment and all the flora and fauna that rely on the river. The naturalist was well educated and engaging. The visitors' center is a nice educational space.Playground: There are at least a couple of playgrounds in the park. One is natural by the visitor center, and the other is a large structure near the picnic space.Restrooms: Nice restrooms inside the visitors' center.

Natalia Davis: It's a big park with fun equipment for all ages. Nice scenery except for the homeless camp under the pavilion The splash pad/wading pool is open in the summer and a great place to cool off. You can tell it's old/worn out but it still works. Three Rivers takes good care of its parks and trails.

Gary Berg: I lime to take walks on the paths there

Terry O'Dell: Awesome hiking path with lots of downtown history surrounding. Worth a walk if you're in the area.

Pavan Kumar: Beautiful trail across the Mississippi. Beware of vloggers who will stick their camera in your face out of no where.

Jwana X Plorer: Great to walk and take scenic photographs. If your prefer the sun and bright view, visit during the day and night for a quiet nature. Parking available nearby with a fee. Clean park. Plan your trip if you want to go to the mills.

Carol D: Good place to visit.

Tia Lauve: Great local school working hard to incorporate itself into the community and welcome kids from all over!

Isaura Lira Greene: Originally opened as one of the first Montessori middle-school and a high schools in the country, GRS honors many of the values of Maria Montessori who believed in hands-on-learning and that every student has their own learning needs and learning styles not considered in more traditional schooling.Though the Special Education program was underfunded as well as the lack thereof programs for mental wellness; these are also issues on the national scale. During the first year of opening, it’s true there were some disappointing stories in regard to some explicit racist acts and ever since the school has been trying to amend and atone, and with great success, I might add. Though the process has slow and challenging, many of the students are passionate about social justice issues.But by the time I was accepted to the school as an 8th grader, the past could have been forgotten. Thanks to the transformation, I met a community of 7th and 8th graders I felt comfortable with. The first day of school, as soon as I stepped down a hallway, a hushed sense of sheer peace came down on me. Something I had never felt before anywhere outside a library or a bookstore. I was never made to feel like the new-kid, or a loner, and I never got lost in the halls or stuck at my locker trying to recall the password. It was a relief. The students were friendly and trusting and shone a diverse mix of curious, and questioning minds way beyond the average IQ score with unique abilities and talents. I did feel undermined sometimes when I met students who prioritized grades and rigorous homework doing over play, though many of the assigments were quite fun.I was so used to thinking that homework wasn’t fun and was always stressful and the stress and anxiety I had accumulated gave me a warped vision that what is difficult is always complex, while it can also be viewed as simple. I thought when things felt simple or the intsructions laid out in a relaxed way meant that they were stupid. How wrong I was!Great River encouraged me to follow my passions no matter what. I received honors for the International Baccalaureate program in Highschool which helped me into college.I loved the Key-Experience trips where our whole class would go on week-long trips at the beginning and ending of each semester. I biked 100 miles, canoed perhaps 50 miles along the St. Croix River, worked on a sustainable farm in Wisconsin, traveled to Michigan, acted in a play, sang in a Choir, went on an Archeological Dig, went Geo-caching, even learned Stop-Motion Animation. I learned how to be independent and flexible, learned the strength to delve deep into any area for a project after every unit.It’s important for parents to know where I am coming from in order to get an accurate picture of what my experience was at Great River. I am an idealist, and at the time, a strict optimist. I also have a tendency to be quite stubborn or tenacious. I also have a loosely defined disability so self-directed learning was a great fit for me for those reasons. I learned to let go of my stubbornness which had put me academically behind. I learned that teachers are human, and my peers are human as well. I learned from my friends, and my teachers learned somethings from me. I didn’t see my teachers as people who sat upon pedastools high above our ranks. I called them by their first names. ”Change is the only constant”, as said by Heraclictus of Ephesus, a quote which I as of yet have no arguments for, was what was embedded inside my brain as I threw my cap into the air. Many of the teachers who changed my life; Molly Keenan, Tami Limberg, Kate, Emily, Enrique, Angela, Christina Beck, Russ, and Aaron, no longer teach at Great River which also changed the dynamics of the community I was part of and am still a part of now as an alumni.And, yes, GRS is changeable but it also highly adaptable to the current times. Though I wish there could have been more transparency and emotional training to my adolescent mind, it was still an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime.

Connor Norton: 4 years spent well

Azzy Aylori: Its gr8 m8 no deb8 would r8 8/8 don't h8 m80

Victoria Mon’e: Extremely fun for kids of all ages. It was quite busy though. Amazing place overall, they do have concessions with minimal snacks but still convenient.Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure …

DP Wieland: get seriously hurt.

CiCi Reviews: Spacious park for kids of all ages. Has some challenging to access parts but overall a great place to hang outWait time No wait …

King Of the Road: Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait

Dale L Dordal: The staff was very kind and courteous.Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure …

Eric Larson: which has semi limited spots or park slightly off-site

KLiv Viking: Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No

Raghavendra Parasharam (Raghu): We been to Hyland park multiple times.Nice park for summer and winter, we frequently visit during winters for skiing 🎿, which is awesomeVisited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure …

Liam Mongin: Visited on Weekday Wait time Up to 10 min Reservation recommended Yes

Sarah: Really awesome trails and nature areasVisited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No …

Les Stordalen: Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure

Gail S: A little bit of nature in the middle of not nature.Visited on Weekday Wait time 30–60 min Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry Free …

Tim Plunkett: They have a great sauna and wonderful water aerobics classVisited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No …

Jeremy Feuk: First time here came on a free swim day will definitely be back. Family friendly from the changing rooms to the pool it's worth a visitVisited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure …

Alyssa Savino: Love this place. Great to bring young kids to play at the water park, good swimming lessons offered here through the city, and the open swim is fun. Nice employees at the front desk and lifeguards.

Jacob Boucher: Fantastic time. Sundays are free from noon to 5 for the foreseeable future. A great place to bring children. 01/22/2024

Viggo Rama: I went to lap swim and it was very empty and enjoyable.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No …

Tina Smith: Visited on Weekend

Siray Jones: Beautiful view and trails.Parking: 8+ parking spotsRecommended activities Hiking, Running, Biking, Dog Walking, Birdwatching, Walking Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Free parking lot …

Navjot Sandhu: Recommended activities Hiking, Running, Dog Walking, Walking Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Free parking lot, Free street parking

SUSMITA SINHA: Recommended activities Hiking, Running, Biking, Dog Walking, Birdwatching Parking space Somewhat difficult to find parking Parking options Free street parking

Arielle Johnson: Recommended activities Hiking, Running, Biking, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Leigh Miller: Recommended activities Hiking, Dog Walking

Lisa Carmichael: Beautiful trail. The 2023 autumn leaves were gorgeous. The 40+ steps lead down to the Mississippi River. Pictures can’t do justice to the beauty. The view was breathtaking. Attended a wedding which was perfectParking: Had to park in a residential neighborhood which was fine

Jose “Chuche” Morelos: Recommended activities Biking, Walking

Brandy Churchill: Pretty area and options for difficulty once you get going. Hiking boots and plenty of time to explore recommendedParking: The small parking lot fills fast, but side streets have decent availability.Dog-friendliness: Lots of people with their dogs along the trail. Lots of trees to sniff and squirrels to watch. Narrow, steep, or rocky in places.

Evie: Recommended activities Hiking, Running, Birdwatching, Walking Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Free street parking

Sindhu Mol: Beautiful trail to walkRecommended activities Hiking, Walking …

Friedrich Siefferman: Great place to walk.Recommended activities Running, Biking, Walking Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Free parking lot …

Trypp Adams: I hiked the total 5.4 miles out along the river where I could and stayed on the river road walking path coming back. There is a small parking lot at the south end of the trail, but plenty of parking on the residential streets nearby. You can make the trail as short or as long as you like as there are multiple on/off trails. The trail isn't far from the river road trail on the southern end but you feel far more removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Would be great in the fall!Dog-friendliness: Dogs on leash allowed

Tony Dewitt: Place is great . Super chill 😎Restrooms: Clean and private.Picnic area: Great place for a picnic

Maysa Alqaisi: I love this park to run and just absorb the outdoors

Steven Mosborg: Love the little known East River Trail that runs between East River Flats Park and the Masonic Institute for Brain Development along the east bank of the Mississippi River below East River Parkway. Well worth exploring in any season.

Cody Hawkins: Stopped by here early in the morning on our way out of town just to see the river, beautiful ambiance.

Maurice Hearne: Restrooms: everything is great here except the restrooms are always locked, except when they're being serviced. Go figure. City government at it's best. Sometimes there are portapottys but not to be relied on.

Richard Estlick: It would have been nice to see it in the daylight but was still beautiful to see at night

Raunak Pandey: Great location to see the Mississippi River

Trish Deutsch: Our annual Bladder Cancer Walk is here. Beautiful park. Often flooded though!

Ирина: . Fishing spot. And even a dog walking area

yin gang: This is a great place for family or friends gatherings. There are plenty of dining tables here. Barbecue grills, and there's also a playground for children. There's a beautiful beach here. You can rent canoes and kayaks here. You can bring your own canoe here. There are specialized fishing platforms here too. It's a wonderful experience to paddle a bamboo boat alone on the lake under the autumn sun. The special feature of this lake is the large area of lotus flowers it has. As you paddle through the lotus groves, the refreshing fragrance surrounds you. In autumn, you can also pick lotus seeds. Let's bring your friends along!

Wade Mickelsen: Another amazing park from Three Rivers, the Disc Golf course is well marked and maintained. The picnic area are just as wonderful. Overall this park is a great place to plan a day trip for fun.Playground: GreatRestrooms: Well maintainedDog-friendliness: GreatPicnic area: Great

Jeffrey Grier: Very nice park with large play area, beach, and disc golf

Chuck Smith: Best dog park ever. We have a membership and we go everyday.

Ryan Menning: I like the dirt trails!

Travis Dickinson: Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No

Steff W (Steff): We have gone here for years and love it. Only complaint is we use an E leash for our dog because its legal in Maple Grove. Unfortunately Elm creek park doesnt acknowledge that. And believe me the park police are out to get you! Lol. I guess if dogs on an electric leash is their biggest issue during the day, then thats a good thing!Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait …

Ed Newman: Great place to ride or walk.Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait …

David Helm: Amazing trail system and friendly staff!Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Yes …

G P (GP): Visited on Weekend Wait time 10–30 min Reservation recommended Yes

M`barikiwa Channel: Wait time No wait

Jason Geyen: Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No