The best city hikes and walks around Minneapolis
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Urban hiking trails around Minneapolis benefit from the city's extensive park system, which integrates natural features like the Mississippi River, its gorges, and the Chain of Lakes into the urban landscape. The region features diverse terrain, including riverine paths, urban forests, and the iconic Minnehaha Falls. This blend offers accessible outdoor experiences within the city's fabric, providing a mix of paved and natural surfaces for exploration.
Best urban hiking trails around Minneapolis
- The most popular urban hiking route is Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a 103.4 miles (166.4 km) trail that takes 42 hours 52 minutes to complete. This extensive network connects lakes, parks, and historic sites across the city.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Midtown Greenway, a difficult 15.9 miles (25.5 km) path. This route offers a direct urban corridor through the city, suitable for longer walks.
- Local hikers also love the North Mississippi Park Loop, a 2.3 miles (3.8 km) trail leading through riverine parkland, often completed in about 58 minutes.
- Hiking around Minneapolis is defined by river gorges, urban lakes, and integrated park systems. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to more challenging long-distance routes.
- The routes in Minneapolis are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 40 reviews. More than 2000 hikers have used komoot to explore Minneapolis's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
3.76km
00:58
10m
20m
Embark on an easy hike along the North Mississippi Park Loop, a route that offers refreshing views of the Mississippi River. This gentle trail spans 2.3 miles (3.8 km) and involves a minimal elevation gain of just 49 feet (15 metres), making it perfect for a leisurely outing. You can expect to complete the loop in about 57 minutes, winding through a mix of restored native prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Look out for towering cypress trees that provide shade, and in warmer months, the prairie flowers add a splash of color to your journey.
Planning your visit to North Mississippi Regional Park is straightforward, with parking typically available on site. The trails are generally flat to gently rolling and feature paved surfaces, making them accessible and suitable for a wide range of users. This loop is an excellent choice for a quick escape into nature, and its connection to a wider network of trails means you can easily extend your adventure if you wish. Consider visiting during the summer to enjoy the vibrant prairie blooms.
Beyond the scenic path, the North Mississippi Park Loop offers a chance to observe local wildlife, including Great Blue Herons, and you might even spot an active bald eagle nest across the river. The Carl W. Kroening Nature Center is also located within the park, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into the area's natural environment and learn about its ecosystems. This trail provides a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty, highlighting the ecological diversity of the Mississippi River corridor.
3.13km
00:48
10m
10m
Hike the easy 1.9-mile Minnehaha Creek Trail: Tangletown Section through a peaceful urban oasis in Minneapolis.
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25.5km
06:29
70m
70m
Hike the 15.9-mile Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, a difficult urban trail with 227 feet of elevation gain and city views.
166km
42:52
820m
800m
Hike the 103.4-mile Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a difficult route through Minneapolis's diverse urban and natural landscapes.
1.39km
00:22
10m
10m
This easy 0.9-mile (1.4 km) Loring Park Loop hiking route offers serene urban scenery, public art, and skyline views in Minneapolis.
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Popular around Minneapolis
Tips from the Community
This creek runs almost 22 miles in total, and is popular with paddlers of all sorts. If you want to kick back and watch them zoom by on the current, pull over and look for some benches on the east bank.
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Minnehaha Creek runs through south Minneapolis, following the Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail. This stretch connects Lake Harriet to Minnehaha Regional Park, offering a nice ride along tree-lined paths and running water. Enjoy a smooth route through the city with a mix of shade, bridges, and quiet parkways.
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Although named Lock and Dam Number One, this dam is actually the second of the 29 locks and dams on the Mississppi River frAlthough it is called Lock and Dam Number One, this structure is actually the second of the 29 locks and dams on the Mississippi River, which stretch from Saint Anthony Falls in Minneapolis to near St. Louis, Missouri. These structures, starting at Upper St. Anthony Falls in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, create a "stairway of water" that enables boats and barges to navigate the varying water levels of the river.om Saint Anthony Falls in Minneapolis to . These structures begin at the Upper St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, and extend downstream to near St. Louis, Missouri. The lock and dam system creates a "stairway of water" that allows boats and barges to navigate the different water levels of the river.
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This is the eastern trailhead of the Midtown Greenway, which heads directly west to Lake Calhoun on the other side of South Minneapolis.
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Ole Bull was a 19th-century Norwegian violinist, often referred to as the "Paganini of the North." In July 1856, he held a benefit concert at the Minnesota territorial capital to raise funds for his fellow Norwegians who had settled in Minnesota. A statue of Ole Bull was erected in Loring Park in 1896. Every year on Norwegian Constitution Day (May 17th), Norwegians gather at the statue to honor their fellow patriot. All of my relatives on my father's side are descendants of these early Minnesotans, and the story of Ole Bull was an important part of my childhood upbringing.
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This 13-acre garden near the creek is always worth a stop. The plants are at their prettiest from June to September, and if you're lucky you might even see hummingbirds.
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Minnehaha Creek flows 22 miles from Grays Bay in Lake Minnetonka to its confluence with the Mississippi River. This highlight is on the Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail, which winds through south Minneapolis along Minnehaha Creek, connecting Lake Harriet to the Minnehaha Regional Park.
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Every late fall/early winter, Lake Harriet plays host to rare waterfowl and gulls before it freezes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many urban hiking trails are available in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis offers a wide variety of urban hiking experiences, with over 60 routes available on komoot. These range from easy strolls through city parks to more challenging paths along river gorges.
What makes urban hiking in Minneapolis unique?
Minneapolis is renowned for its exceptional integration of nature within its urban landscape. You'll find extensive park systems, the iconic Chain of Lakes, and the majestic Mississippi River Gorge, all providing diverse hiking opportunities right within the city. This blend allows for both natural beauty and urban accessibility.
What is the best time of year for urban hiking in Minneapolis?
Spring, summer, and fall offer pleasant conditions for urban hiking in Minneapolis. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer is ideal for lakeside walks, and fall showcases stunning foliage, especially along the Mississippi River Gorge. Winter hiking is also popular, with many trails suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, offering a unique perspective of the city's natural beauty.
Are there any urban hiking trails with waterfalls in Minneapolis?
Yes, Minneapolis is home to the iconic Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot waterfall within Minnehaha Regional Park. Trails here, such as the Minnehaha Falls Lower Glen Trail, follow Minnehaha Creek towards the Mississippi River, offering stunning scenery. You can also find Saint-Anthony-Falls, another notable urban waterfall.
Can I find urban hikes around Minneapolis's famous lakes?
Absolutely. Minneapolis is famous for its 'Chain of Lakes,' including Lake Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Lake of the Isles. These lakes are encircled by popular trails, offering picturesque views and a vibrant city-meets-nature atmosphere. Lake Nokomis and Cedar Lake also provide excellent walking opportunities.
Are there family-friendly urban hiking options in Minneapolis?
Many urban trails in Minneapolis are suitable for families. Parks like Minnehaha Regional Park offer easy, paved paths and amenities. The trails around the Chain of Lakes are also popular for family strolls. For a shorter, easy option, consider the North Mississippi Park Loop.
Are Minneapolis's urban trails suitable for dogs?
Many urban parks and trails in Minneapolis are dog-friendly, though leash laws are typically enforced. Always check specific park regulations before heading out. The extensive park system generally welcomes leashed dogs, making it easy to enjoy a walk with your canine companion.
Are there urban hiking trails in Minneapolis accessible by public transport?
Yes, Minneapolis has a good public transportation system, and many urban trails are easily accessible. The city's extensive park system and greenways are often well-connected to bus routes. For example, trails around the Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Regional Park are generally reachable via public transport.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on urban hikes in Minneapolis?
Despite being an urban environment, Minneapolis's parks and natural areas are rich in wildlife. Along the Mississippi River and in wetland areas, you might spot various bird species, including migratory birds, ducks, and geese. Deer, squirrels, and rabbits are common in wooded parks. Areas like the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary within Theodore Wirth Park are particularly good for birdwatching.
Are there any circular urban hiking routes in Minneapolis?
Yes, many urban trails in Minneapolis are designed as loops, offering convenient circular routes. The Loring Park Loop is a great example of an easy, central city loop. The trails around the Chain of Lakes also form popular circular paths. For a longer, more challenging option, the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway offers an extensive network of interconnected loops.
Where can I find easy urban hikes in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis offers numerous easy urban hikes perfect for a leisurely stroll. Many of the trails around the Chain of Lakes, such as Lake Harriet or Lake Bde Maka Ska, are paved and relatively flat. The Minnehaha Creek Trail: Tangletown Section is another easy option, offering a pleasant walk along the creek.
Are there urban trails in Minneapolis that offer historical or cultural points of interest?
Absolutely. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway is a 102-mile network that connects lakes, parks, and historic sites throughout the city, offering a rich blend of nature and history. Fort Snelling State Park, located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, also offers trails with significant historical context.
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