Whether you’re training for a race, taking a morning walk, or simply looking for a new place to explore, Minneapolis parks offer countless ways to get outside and move. With more than 185 park properties and over 102 miles of biking and walking paths, there’s always a new trail, neighborhood park, or scenic route to discover.
From riverfront paths and wooded trails to iconic lake loops, these are some of my personal favorite places to move this summer.
Ole Olson Park & 26th Avenue Overlook
Best for: River views, scenic routes, and exploring the North Riverfront
Located along the Mississippi River, Ole Olson Park and the 26th Avenue Overlook offer a beautiful route for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The newly connected riverfront trail provides stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape while creating new opportunities to explore this evolving part of Minneapolis.
Pro Tip: Continue a little farther up the North Riverfront to explore the Heron Rookery and catch a glimpse of the progress at the future Upper Harbor Terminal. While the park is still under construction, visitors can enjoy portions of the new trails, pathways, seating areas, and river views as this exciting new community space takes shape ahead of its anticipated 2027 opening.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Best for: Trail running and outdoor adventure
With more than 700 acres of forests, trails, and natural spaces, Theodore Wirth Regional Park is a destination for runners, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s varied terrain and extensive trail system offer opportunities to explore nature while staying active.
Pro Tip: Before you visit, check out the Loppet’s website for trail maps, route descriptions, and upcoming events to make the most of your experience. Learn more here.
Victory Memorial Parkway
Best for: Neighborhood runs and tree-lined paths
Stretching through North Minneapolis, Victory Memorial Parkway offers a peaceful route surrounded by green space and history. Its wide pathways, mature trees, and connections to nearby neighborhoods make it a welcoming place for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
Pro-Tip: Make a day of your visit by extending your route to nearby Webber Park, home to Minneapolis’ first natural swimming pool and a great spot to wind down off after a day in the heat.
Boom Island Park
Best for: Riverfront strolls and skyline views
Located along the Mississippi River, Boom Island Park offers paved trails, open green space, and views of the Minneapolis skyline. It’s a great spot for an evening walk, a scenic run, or a chance to experience the city’s riverfront.
Pro Tip: Start your route at Sheridan Memorial Park or Graco Park to add a little more distance and to enter Boom Island through the Plymouth Avenue Bridge underpass!
Chain of Lakes
Best for: Classic Minneapolis routes and scenic lake views
No matter how many times you visit, the Chain of Lakes remains one of the best places in Minneapolis to run, walk, and explore. From Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet to Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake, the connected trails offer something for every pace. Whether you’re looking for a quick walk, a longer training run, or a relaxing ride, you’ll find beautiful waterfront views and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Pro Tip: For a quieter lake loop, explore Cedar Lake to the smaller Brownie Lake. Surrounded by natural areas and wooded trails, these lakes offer a more peaceful alternative to the busier routes while still connecting to the larger Chain of Lakes trail system.
Loring Park
Best for: Urban walks and a quick outdoor escape
Located in the heart of Minneapolis, Loring Park provides a vibrant green space surrounded by the city. It’s our own little Central Park! Its walking paths, gardens, and open lawns make it a great place to take a stroll or take a break. In the summer, Loring Park becomes the home of many celebrations, art fairs, weddings,
Pro-Tip: After your loop, cool down at Fawkes Alley Coffee, where every cup supports Futsal Society, a non-profit offering free competitive soccer and mentorship to kids in Minneapolis.
Lake Nokomis
Best for: Relaxed waterfront miles
The paths around Lake Nokomis is a favorite for walkers, runners, and families. With beautiful water views, open green spaces, and a Monarch Waystation, Lake Nokomis makes for a magical loop. If you’re not feeling the loop, you can wind through the nearby neighborhoods, or make your way down the Grand Rounds Scenic Bikeway.
Pro Tip: With its beaches and vast green spaces, Lake Nokomis can get fairly crowded, but visit early in the morning or later in the evening to enjoy a quieter loop around the lake and take in beautiful sunrise or sunset views over the water. You can also grab food & drink at The Painted Turtle until 8:30 p.m.
Minnehaha Regional Park
Best for: Scenic exploration and iconic landmarks
Home to the famous Minnehaha Falls, (and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation!) this beloved park offers wooded trails, creek-side paths, and connections to the Mississippi River. Whether you’re visiting the falls, exploring the surrounding landscape, or taking a leisurely walk up to Longfellow Garden, Minnehaha is a treasure trove of natural bliss.
Pro Tip: In the summer be sure to stop at Sea Salt Eatery, The Sandwich Room, or the street vendors selling ice cream, fresh fruit, or snow cones for a post workout treat!
This summer, lace up your shoes, hop on your bike, or take a stroll through a new park. However you choose to move, Minneapolis parks offer endless opportunities to connect with nature, explore your city, and enjoy the outdoors. See you out there!
What are some of your favorite places to move in Minneapolis parks? Tag us on instagram @mplsparksfoundation to show us your go-to trails & parks in Minneapolis!
Image Credits: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, The Loppet Foundation, The Cultural Landscape Foundation, The Minneapolis Parks Foundation