3 Best Hiking Trails in Minneapolis, MN

Expert-recommended Top 3 Hiking Trails in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All of our hiking trails actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

10+ YEARS IN TBR
CALL EMAIL

MINNEHAHA REGIONAL PARK

4801 South Minnehaha Drive,
Minneapolis, MN 55417 Directions

Since 1883

Specialty:

Hiking Biking Path Garden Pet-friendly Crushed Limestone Playground Beautiful Wildflowers Picnic Area Decorative Drinking Fountain Wildlife Walking Rented Bikes Picnicking Biking National Park Scenic Railroad Bird Watching Waterfalls Kid-friendly Hikes Barbecue Grill Cycling Lanes Picnic Tables Slides Swings

"Minnehaha Regional Park has a spectacular 53-foot waterfall, calcareous bluffs, and river views that draw over 850,000 visitors annually. There are beautiful paths that overlook the falls and meander nearby. The total length of the trail is 1.8 miles, and the trail's elevation gain is 167 feet. This is a loop-type trail. The trail also has a family-friendly outdoor dining spot. During the summer, the gardens are so stunning that many people at this location want to hold weddings. Minnehaha Regional Park also features numerous picnic areas, bike paths, public restrooms, and pedestrian paths for the convenience of the visitors. Dogs are also welcome in leash areas.

2026 Update: This 193-acre riverfront park offers a scenic setting for hiking, with miles of well-maintained trails that pass through natural landscapes and lead to a central waterfall. The trails include paved and unpaved paths, steps that lead down to the base of the falls, and routes that continue along the river toward a small beach area. Hikers can enjoy views of the creek as it connects to the Mississippi River, along with bridges, wooded areas, and open spaces. Benches are placed along the trails for resting, and the park also includes picnic areas, gardens, and open spaces for outdoor activities. The trails are suitable for individuals, families, and pets, providing a peaceful environment for walking, short hikes, and exploring nature within the city."

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review

Contact:

(612) 230-6400

Mon-Sun: 6am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

7+ YEARS IN TBR
CALL EMAIL

ELOISE BUTLER WILDFLOWER GARDEN AND BIRD SANCTUARY

1 Theodore Wirth Parkway,
Minneapolis, MN 55405 Directions

Since 1907

Specialty:

Hiking Walking Path Public Art Picnic Shelters Biking Nature Trails Garden Visitor Shelter Drinking Fountain River Outdoor Activities Guided Self-guided Tour Trails Kid-Friendly Hiking

"Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary features over 600 species of plants and 130 birds and attracts 60,000 visitors a year. This trail is generally considered an easy route. Visitors can enjoy impressive seasonal shows in woodland, wetland, and prairie areas of native wildflowers. Each environment has a diverse ecosystem supporting various plant, animal, and bird types. The large variety of flora and fauna in Minnesota is portrayed here, which offers various opportunities to research and appreciate the beauty of its natural heritage throughout the season. The sanctuary is an excellent destination to get away from the city.

2026 Update: The sanctuary offers a peaceful setting for hiking with easy, well-maintained trails suitable for all ages. The loop trail is about 3/4 mile, and features mulched paths, boardwalk sections, and gentle hills, making it comfortable for walking. The trails pass through different natural areas, including woodland, wetland, and prairie landscapes, with native plants and seasonal wildflower blooms. Benches are available along the paths for resting and enjoying views of birds and nature. The sanctuary includes a visitor center with helpful staff and educational displays. It provides a quiet, natural environment for walking, relaxing, and spending time outdoors, though pets are not allowed."

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review

Contact:

(612) 370-4903

Tue-Sun: 7:30am - 6pm
Mon: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

 Minnehaha Falls Lower Glen Trail - Minneapolis, MN Hiking Trails
CALL EMAIL

MINNEHAHA FALLS LOWER GLEN TRAIL

4801 South Minnehaha Drive,
Minneapolis, MN 55417 Directions

Since 2010

Specialty:

Hiking Running Dog Walking Birdwatching Walking Hiking Out-and-back Trail Easy Trail

2026 Update: Minnehaha Falls Lower Glen Trail offers an easy hiking experience with a network of short walking trails, bridges, and viewpoints around a large waterfall and river. The 2.1-mile trail loop begins and ends at the base of the iconic Minnehaha Falls. Visitors can enjoy different perspectives of the falls from the top, side, and ground level, along with scenic paths that run along the river. The main trails are beginner-friendly and suitable for walking, running, birdwatching, and photography, making it a popular urban outdoor destination. Parking is available nearby, but it can be limited and mostly paid. While the central waterfall area is well-visited and generally safe, some of the farther paths may be quieter and less maintained, so many visitors choose to stay near the main falls. It provides a scenic and accessible nature escape within the city.

Reviews   |   Write a Review

Contact:

(612) 230-6400

Mon-Sun: 6am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report: