10 Best Outdoor Activities in Minneapolis!

Minneapolis is often called the “City of Lakes,” and it truly lives up to that name. With more than a dozen lakes, miles of riverfront, and countless parks, the city is full of outdoor spaces where people can relax, explore, and stay active. You can walk across a historic bridge downtown, bike along the river, paddle on a lake, or hike through wooded trails — all within minutes of each other. In this guide, we’ll take you through 10 best outdoor activities in Minneapolis, explaining each spot in detail so you can plan your own adventure.

1. Minnehaha Regional Park

Covering over 160 acres, Minnehaha Regional Park is one of the most visited outdoor spaces in Minneapolis. The park is famous for Minnehaha Falls, a 53‑foot waterfall that flows in every season and brings people year‑round. Trails inside the park connect directly to the Mississippi River and also link with the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, making it easy for walkers and bikers to explore wider parts of the city. Visitors can also enjoy three public gardens inside the park — Longfellow Gardens, the Pergola Garden, and the Song of Hiawatha Garden — each offering colorful flowers and peaceful spaces.

2. Bde Maka Ska

The Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis, stretching across about 401 acres with its deepest point reaching 87 feet. The name means “White Earth Lake” in the Dakota language, and around the lake, a paved trail circles the shoreline, making it a favorite spot for walking, jogging, and biking. During summer, the lake becomes a hub for outdoor fun, with swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing all available, and three public beaches open for visitors. For those who want to explore more, Wheel Fun Rentals provides bikes and boats, giving people the chance to enjoy both land and water in one visit.

3. Kayaking & Canoeing

Minneapolis is filled with lakes and sits right along the Mississippi River, giving people many chances to enjoy paddling and water activities. One of the favorite places for locals and visitors is the Chain of Lakes, which includes Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake. These lakes are connected, so you can paddle through them in a loop that usually takes a few hours, making it a fun way to spend an afternoon outdoors. For those who prefer guidance, groups like Wheel Fun Rentals and Paddle Bridge Kayak Tours offer safe and easy guided tours along the river.

4. Segway Tours

Segway tours are a simple way to explore Minneapolis without having to walk long distances, and one of the main local companies offering them is Human on a Stick, which has been running tours since 2003. Their most popular ride is the Minneapolis History Tour, covering about six miles in roughly three hours. This route takes guests along the Mississippi River, through downtown streets, and past well‑known places like the Stone Arch Bridge and Mill Ruins Park. Each outing begins with a short training session, and guides share easy‑to‑follow facts about local history, making the ride both fun and informative.

5. Gold Medal Park

The Gold Medal Park a calm green space in Minneapolis that covers about 7.5 acres near the Mississippi River. Opened in 2007, it was designed by Tom Oslund and features wide walking paths, open lawns, and a tall grassy hill in the middle that visitors can climb using a spiral walkway. From the top of the hill, people can enjoy views of the Stone Arch Bridge, the river, and the city skyline. The park is home to nearly 300 trees, most of them native to the area, which add natural beauty. Across the street, visitors will find the Remembrance Garden, which honors those who lost their lives in the I‑35W bridge collapse.

6. Lake Hiawatha Park

Covering more than 240 acres, Lake Hiawatha Park features a lake, golf course, and open areas where people can relax or play. The park has walking paths, tennis courts, a fishing pier, softball fields, and a wading pool that opens during summer. During winter, visitors come for ice skating and cross‑country skiing whenever the snow is good enough. A special feature here is the Listening Vessel, a granite sculpture that lets people hear natural sounds from the lake in a unique way. Lake Hiawatha also connects to Minnehaha Creek and is home to fish like bass and bluegill, making it a nice spot for casual fishing.

7. Powderhorn Park

Covering 66 acres, Powderhorn Park has a small lake in the middle called Powderhorn Lake, where people often fish for sunfish, crappies, and catfish. In the warmer months, visitors can use the wading pool, playground, and sports areas like tennis courts, basketball courts, and soccer fields. When winter comes, the park turns into a place for ice skating, with a rink and warming house, and the recreation center nearby adds more activities. One of the highlights of the year is the Powderhorn Art Fair, which brings together artists, food, and community fun, while the Art Sled Rally is another event that bring families.

8. Centennial Lakes Park

The Centennial Lakes Park is a 24 acres public park in Edina, that blends green areas with water features, making it a favorite spot for outdoor fun. At the center of the park is a 10 acres lake with canals, small bridges, and paddleboats, including swan‑shaped boats that are available during the warmer months. A paved path about 1.5 miles long circles the lake, and families often spend time here playing mini‑golf, trying lawn games, or simply having a picnic on the grass. In winter the lake freezes, and the park becomes a place for ice skating, with rentals available and a warming house nearby to keep skaters comfortable.

9. Boom Island Park

The Boom Island Park is a riverside green space in Minneapolis that is part of the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park. The park has paved paths that are good for walking or biking, along with a playground, picnic tables, and public grills for families and friends. A small lighthouse stands near the river, giving the park a unique landmark that visitors enjoy seeing. From here, you can take in wide views of the city skyline or cross the short footbridge to reach Nicollet Island Park, another nearby spot worth exploring. The park also holds the Memorial to Survivors of Sexual Violence, which provides space for reflection.

10. Loring Park

Covering 34 acres, Loring Park is a public park with a small lake called Loring Pond at its center. Around the pond, there are walking paths and open green spaces where people can sit, relax, or enjoy a picnic. The park includes basketball and tennis courts, a playground, and a wading pool for children. Visitors can also use the fishing pier or stop by the Berger Fountain, which is shaped like a dandelion and sprays water in all directions. Loring Park is also known for hosting events such as the Loring Park Art Festival and the Twin Cities Pride Festival, which bring people together for art, music, and celebration.

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