Parks are more than just beautiful green spaces—they reflect our community’s stories, natural wonders, and shared responsibility to protect them. While everyone has their favorites that they return to time and time again, Minneapolis and area residents and visitors benefit from 185 unique park properties, 55 miles of parkways, and 102 miles of biking and walking paths. To inspire deeper connections with these spaces, we’ve launched Know Your Parks, a blog series exploring the history, significance, and unique features of our parks. Join us in discovering the hidden gems that make our parks special!
This month we’re highlight Hawthorne’s own, Farview Park. Established in 1883, Farview Park is one of Minneapolis’ oldest parks, known for its stunning panoramic views of the downtown skyline. Its rich history and scenic beauty make it a cherished destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Historical Significance
Designed by renowned landscape architect Horace Cleveland, Farview Park was one of the original parks in the system; it was featured in Cleveland’s initial plan for the Grand Rounds. Cleveland, known for his work on many of Minneapolis’ iconic parks, crafted a space that would provide both aesthetic value and a sense of openness for the rapidly growing city.
Originally named Prospect Park, the park’s name was changed to Farview Park in 1890. The new name originally caused some confusion, with many mistakenly calling it “Fairview” with an extra “i”, but it’s said that the name “Farview” was chosen because it referred to the far-reaching vistas seen from the hill at the center of the park.
In 1906, park superintendent Theodore Wirth encouraged children to use the park’s hills for sledding, marking a significant step in the city’s embrace of active recreation and highlighting the park’s long-standing role in fostering outdoor activities for the community.
Scenic Views & Landmarks
Perched on one of the highest points in Minneapolis, Farview Park offers some stunning vistas of downtown Minneapolis, making it a popular spot for photography and peaceful reflection. The park’s expansive green spaces and mature tree canopy offer a serene environment for relaxation and leisure activities.
At the top of one of the park’s scenic hills sits a bench dedicated to President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, who enjoyed their lunches there while helping build a Habitat for Humanity home in the neighborhood during the 2000s. You can see this bench in person, or in our image above.
Farview Park is home to the striking “Purple Raindrop,” a public art installation inspired by the legendary artist Prince and his iconic song, Purple Rain. Designed by artist Esther Osayande and installed in December of 2018, the sculpture doubles as a park bench, inviting visitors to sit, reflect, and connect. Its vibrant design adds a unique touch to the park and offers a space for both quiet contemplation and shared moments.
Farview Park to the 26th Ave Overlook
The 26th Avenue North corridor, located along the southern edge of the park, is the only protected off-street walking and biking trail that crosses I-94 in North Minneapolis. This vital pathway links Farview Park to the Overlook at 26th Ave N and the Mississippi River. Built as part of the RiverFirst Campaign in 2021, the Overlook has become a key connection between Minneapolis’s Northside and the river. The Minneapolis Parks Foundation created a Walk & Talk from Farview Park to the Overlook at 26th Ave N, which highlights notable park features and historical insights along the way. Explore the self-guided tour here.
Mississippi Flyway Habitat Project
The 26th Avenue North corridor was selected for a pilot project to enhance connectivity within the Mississippi Flyway, linking urban parks to the Mississippi River through habitat expansion. The project, funded in-part by the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund, aims to improve bird migration routes and is prioritized based on criteria such as habitat, equity, Green Zones, and opportunities.
The View Up Ahead
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board recently completed a community engagement assessment at Farview Park that will help guide future park improvements. You can take a look at the full community engagement plan here, which shows an overview of the guidelines, goals, and timeline for these upcoming improvements to the park.
Plan Your Visit
Farview Park is located at 621 29th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411, and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. With amenities for all ages, it offers a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy!
Check out the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s website for more information on events and activities happening — have fun!