Name: Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
Rating: 4.3

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Family Friendly Kids will enjoy exploring the area along the creek as well as dipping their toes in the water.

Overview

Starting at the iconic Minnehaha Falls, this 2.1-mile hike will take you on a quick descent to the Mississippi River valley and along the final and fastest portion of Minnehaha Creek as it races to its terminus at the Mississippi River. This is a relaxed and beautiful hike for the entire family. During the spring, summer, and fall you may see a variety of wildlife from Great Blue Herons to painted turtles. This should be toward the top of your list of local hikes to tackle!

Description

This hike starts in the heart of Minnehaha Falls Regional Park. This area provides dining options, playgrounds, and other opportunities to supplement your hike with more time outside! The descent to the base of the falls begins at a staircase in between the falls and the statue of Hiawatha, a prominent Native American Leader in the area. Once in the river valley, follow the flow of the creek until you hit the Mississippi.

The trail down to the river has gradual elevation change; it is the ascent out of the valley will get your blood flowing! Take a few minutes at the wading area to get your feet wet. This part of the creek can move pretty quickly when the water levels are high so exercise caution as you cool off your feet. After following the creek upstream, you can head into a large field which will make the hike back to the top of the valley easier! The recreation opportunities in this park, especially this hike, makes the trip well worth it!