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Minnehaha Falls Infrastructure Repairs |
 Minnehaha Falls in August 2022
Three options for repairs on the south side of the falls will be on display at open house events scheduled July 24 and July 30
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is working on a project to repair access and viewing areas on the south side of Minnehaha Falls that are currently closed. The viewing area and staircase that is currently open on the north side of the falls is not part of this project. There are three concepts that outline how the deteriorated area south of the falls could look after repairs are complete.
Two public open house events are planned in July to display the concepts and get feedback from people:
Wednesday July 24, 5-7 pm
Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Ave.
Tuesday, July 30, 5-7 pm
Minnehaha Falls Bandshell, 4801 S Minnehaha Park Dr.
Project Background
Currently, the south portion of Minnehaha Falls is largely inaccessible due to deteriorating stairs and walls, eroding slopes, and unsafe paths.
The project will assess and rebuild these access points and viewing areas, stabilize and replant eroding slopes, and complement the culturally and historically significant landscape of this area. When work is complete, people will be able to enjoy safe and convenient access to observe Minnehaha Falls, Minnehaha Creek, and the natural beauty that surrounds these iconic features.
The MPRB plans to decide on a final design concept later this year, then it will begin detailed design and engineering work. The design and materials of the final concept will influence when construction could begin and how long it will take.
Area History
Minnehaha Falls is located on traditional, ancestral, and contemporary Dakota homeland, and has been gathering place since time immemorial. The name “Minnehaha Falls” comes from the Dakota words mni (water) and gaga (falling or curling).
A mix of infrastructure has been imposed on the landscape since the late 1800s, to varying degrees of success. Stone-faced walls and concrete stairs and platforms that were not appropriate for underlying site conditions have been built and crumbled repeatedly throughout the park’s history. Current conditions have deteriorated to the point that a majority of the infrastructure providing access to the south side of the falls needs to be completely rebuilt.
Project Design
This project’s final design will set a precedent for future infrastructure repair and replacement projects in Minnehaha Regional Park. The concepts that will be on display at the open houses explore different ways materials and designs can work better with the natural environment and conditions of the area. They also aim to provide more inclusive and more convenient access for the millions of visitors to Minnehaha Falls every year.
The concepts will be published online soon, along with a survey to send feedback. Go to the Minnehaha Regional Park Infrastructure Improvements page and sign up for email updates to be notified when the concepts are available.
Project Manager
Carol HeglStone
612-230-6454 | pheglstone@minneapolisparks.org
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