Parks and trails are open!

While the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Boards's recreation centers and programming buildings are closed, there's still plenty to do outdoors!

Going outside to take a walk, ride a bike or just sit and breathe fresh air can be helpful during stressful times. If you are out with others or encounter others using the same amenities, please be mindful of social distancing and maintain a safe, appropriate distance.

The Minneapolis park system was planned so that nearly every resident can get to a park in about a 10-minute walk. You're probably familiar with your neighborhood park - did you know Minneapolis has 161 of them, most with paved paths. Regional parks offer opportunities to explore the city's lakes, creeks, river and natural areas: Scroll down to find one near you. 

Pets are welcome - but they must be on a leash.

In early spring, many wildlife species are protecting their young, so keeping dogs leashed is especially important.

Off-leash dogs are welcome at MPRB's seven dog parks - if their owner has a permit. Get details on off-leash dog-park permits and several options for purchasing them.

Signs of spring

While you're out, look for early spring plants emerging. MPRB gardening staff report that:    Magnolia buds (which resemble pussy willows) are beginning to swell.   Skunk cabbage may soon start to show up near near the Mississippi River in Minnehaha Regional Park.   Snowdrops (also known as galanthus, pictured here) are due for an appearance.

Regional parks, trails and parkways near you

North Minneapolis

• Above the Falls Regional Park - including  Orvin “Ole” Olson Park, West River Parkway
  
  
• Luce Line Trail runs from near Parkers Lake in Plymouth through Theodore Wirth Regional Park to I-394 near Bryn Mawr Meadows Park
  
  
• North Mississippi Regional Park
  
  
• Shingle Creek Trail runs along Shingle Creek from Webber Park west to Brooklyn Center
  
  
• Theodore Wirth Regional Park and Theodore Wirth Parkway 
  
  
• Victory Memorial Drive runs from Theodore Wirth Regional Park to Webber Park
  
  
• West River Parkway runs along the west bank of the Mississippi River from Plymouth Ave. N to Godfrey Parkway

Northeast/Southeast Minneapolis

• Above the Falls Regional Park - including Edgewater Park, Gluek Park, Marshall Terrace Park, Sheridan Memorial Park
  
  
• Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park - including B.F. Nelson Park, Boom Island Park, Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Historic Main Street Park, Nicollet Island Park, Stone Arch Bridge, West River Parkway
  
  
• Northeast Diagonal Trail runs from Hennepin Ave. and Stinson Blvd. to Walnut St. past Gross Golf Club
  
  
• Ridgway Parkway runs from Stinson Blvd. to St. Anthony Blvd. next to Hillside Cemetery
  
  
• St. Anthony Parkway runs from North Mississippi Regional Park to Stinson Parkway 
  
  
• Stinson Parkway runs from St. Anthony Parkway to New Brighton Blvd.

Downtown Minneapolis / U of M

• Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park - including Bluff Street Park, Boom Island Park, First Bridge Park, Mill Ruins Park, Nicollet Island Park, Stone Arch Bridge, West River Parkway 
  
  

• East River Parkway runs along the east bank of the Mississippi River from the University of Minnesota to Eustis Street
  
  

• West River Parkway runs along the west bank of the Mississippi River from Plymouth Ave. N to Godfrey Parkway

South Minneapolis

• Minnehaha Creek Park and Minnehaha Parkway along Minnehaha Creek
  
  
• Minnehaha Regional Park
  
  
• Mississippi Gorge Regional Park - including  Bluff Street Park, Bohemian Flats, East River Flats Park, Franklin Terrace Dog Park, Riverside Park, West River Parkway 
  
  
• Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park - including Lake Hiawatha Park and Lake Nokomis Park 
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• West River Parkway runs along the west bank of the Mississippi River from Plymouth Ave. N to Godfrey Parkway

Southwest Minneapolis

• Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park - including Beard’s Plaisance, Bde Maka Ska Park, Brownie Lake Park, Cedar Lake Park, Cedar Lake Regional Trail, Dean Parkway, Lake Harriet Park, Lake of the Isles Park, Lyndale Park, William Berry Park, William Berry Parkway 
  
  
• Kenwood Parkway runs from Lake of the Isles Park to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
  
  
• Kings Highway runs east of Lyndale Park and Lakewood Cemetery
  
  
• Minnehaha Creek Park and Minnehaha Parkway along Minnehaha Creek

Stay Informed on MPRB news about COVID-19

• Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for updated FAQs and cancellation listings.
  
  
• Subscribe to email updates at minneapolisparks.org/subscribe. Enter your email and select the COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.