Top Nature Spots in Minneapolis

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Minneapolis | Minnesota Region, USA - Rated 5.7
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1

Minnehaha Regional Park rating icon 7.5

Minnehaha Regional Park, 4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1020 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 305 of 1227
Popularity Worldwide: 7106 of 29088
Parks
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Adam December 19, 2024

Grab a snack from one of the nearby cafes before heading in. It's way cheaper than the overpriced stuff inside the park. You can save a few bucks!

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Lucas October 28, 2024

Don't forget to bring a camera for the falls. I missed some great shots because I was too busy just enjoying the moment. Capture those beautiful views, trust me

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Andrew October 26, 2024

If you're going for a hike, I'd recommend starting early, around 8 AM. The trails are much less crowded, and you get to enjoy the views with fewer people around.

2

Minnehaha Waterfall rating icon 7.2

Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, 55417, United States copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1110 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 82 of 314
Popularity Worldwide: 7968 of 29088
Waterfalls
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James January 6, 2025

Keep your camera ready when it's sunny. You might catch a rainbow in the mist! That said, I suggest bringing a towel or an extra shirt if you get too close; I got soaked and it was kinda chilly!

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Daniel January 3, 2025

Check out the trails! I almost missed them because I was just focused on the waterfall but the paths around are beautiful and totally worth the time. Wear good shoes tho, some spots can be a bit slippery.

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Nathan December 24, 2024

Bring your own snacks and drinks! There’s a lovely picnic area nearby, and buying food there can get kinda expensive. Plus, it’s nice to relax by the water with a packed lunch.

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Eric November 3, 2024

Get there early, like around 8 AM. The morning light is stunning for photos and you won't have to deal with big crowds yet. Trust me, it makes everything more enjoyable.

3

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area rating icon 7.1

120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1194 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 705 of 2522
Popularity Worldwide: 8369 of 29088
Architecture
Nature Reserves
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William April 15, 2025

If you’re planning to bike along the trails, try to go early in the morning around 8 AM to avoid crowds. I made the mistake of going later and it was packed, which made it harder to enjoy the ride.

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Robert March 6, 2025

I think the sunsets over the river are breathtaking, so try to stay until around 7 PM if you can. I caught one and it was a perfect way to end the day

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Maria November 10, 2024

I recommend exploring the Wells Fargo Place for its amazing architecture, but don’t forget to bring your camera. The views from the area are just stunning and you’ll want to capture the moments.

4

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum rating icon 6.2

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1564 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 68 of 184
Popularity Worldwide: 10898 of 29088
Botanical Gardens
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George March 18, 2025

I suggest bringing your own snacks or lunch... The cafe's prices were steeper than I expected, and a picnic among the flowers is such a nice experience!

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David February 16, 2025

I think you should grab a map when you enter. The place is huge, and I got turned around a couple of times. Knowing the areas can save you a ton of time!

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Brandon January 5, 2025

For the best photo ops, go during the golden hour. I missed it and regretted not getting those dreamy sunset shots – seriously, it's worth it!

5

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden rating icon 6

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1646 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 99 of 247
Popularity Worldwide: 11759 of 29088
Gardens
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Betty March 21, 2025

If you're into photography, golden hour (around 6-7 PM) is magical. The light really makes the sculptures pop, plus the crowds die down after dinner.

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Maria March 19, 2025

Pack a small lunch or snacks! There are plenty of spots to picnic around the park, and it saves you money on food. Plus, the views are gorgeous!

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Brandon March 11, 2025

Bring a charged phone for a self-guided tour! I found some really cool info on a few sculptures that I wouldn’t have known otherwise.

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Tyler January 14, 2025

I recommend visiting early in the morning, like around 8 AM. The park is way less crowded, and you can really take your time enjoying the sculptures without feeling rushed

6

Bde Maka Ska rating icon 5.4

W Bde Maka Ska Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1888 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 563 of 1227
Popularity Worldwide: 13330 of 29088
Parks
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Jennifer March 15, 2025

I recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks, as the concessions can be overpriced. I saved a bunch of cash packing a picnic!

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Justin March 12, 2025

I think the sunsets here are incredible, so plan your day to catch one. Around 7 PM is when I saw the best views!

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Zachary November 16, 2024

Check out the trail around the lake early in the morning. I went around 8 AM and it was super peaceful and less crowded!

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Brian October 28, 2024

If you want to rent a kayak or paddleboard, do it early, like before noon. The lines get long, and you’ll want to enjoy the water!

7

Theodore Wirth Regional Park rating icon 4.3

Theodore Wirth Regional Park, 1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN 55422, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2313 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 702 of 1227
Popularity Worldwide: 16774 of 29088
Parks
Sledding
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Justin February 23, 2025

Don't miss the trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing! They were super fun, but I recommend checking the trail conditions beforehand. Some spots were a bit rough when I went.

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Ryan February 16, 2025

I suggest arriving around 9 AM on weekends to snag a good parking spot. It gets pretty busy later, especially if there’s snow! We parked far away and it was a drag walking with sleds.

8

Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium rating icon 4.2

120 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2381 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 71 of 117
Popularity Worldwide: 17045 of 29088
Aquariums & Oceanariums
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Richard March 19, 2025

My advice is to check for any online discounts before buying tickets. I saved a few bucks by booking ahead online instead of getting them at the door.

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Elijah December 18, 2024

I think you should grab a snack at the cafe, but maybe skip the pizza. It was kinda pricey and not great. There are also some good spots nearby if you wanna eat out after!

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Joshua November 3, 2024

I recommend visiting right when they open at 10 AM. It wasn't super packed, and you get to enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed. Plus, the staff seemed more available to chat and answer questions.

9

Mill Ruins Park rating icon 4.2

Mill Ruins Park, 102 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2366 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 711 of 1227
Popularity Worldwide: 17062 of 29088
Parks
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Richard March 23, 2025

I recommend visiting in the late afternoon around 4 PM for the best light and fewer crowds. The ruins look stunning during golden hour.

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Jane March 1, 2025

My advice is to wear comfy shoes! The trails are a bit uneven, and you'll want to walk around and explore the entire area without worrying about your feet.

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George December 17, 2024

I think it's a good idea to bring a packed lunch. There aren't many food options nearby and picnicking in the park is lovely!

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Zachary November 8, 2024

If you like photography, don't miss the stone staircases and old machinery. I suggest bringing a good camera or even your phone—trust me, the pics will come out amazing!

10

Fort Snelling State Park rating icon 4.1

101 Snelling Lake Rd, St Paul, MN 55111, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2385 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 726 of 1227
Popularity Worldwide: 17155 of 29088
Parks
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