Minneapolis is a modern city with plenty to do; museums offer both classic and contemporary art, music venues bring the latest artists to the Twin Cities, and plenty of shopping and dining options make it easy to forget that there’s a natural world beyond the modern city. But one of Minneapolis’ best attractions is a nature area that looks like something from Middle Earth. When you visit, you’ll be taken out of the city and into a landscape that feels almost like the fantasy-filled world of Lord of the Rings. Read on to learn more about this beautiful park.
Minnehaha Falls Regional Park is one of Minneapolis’ best natural attractions. This 53-foot waterfall attracts people from all over the state.
schwa021/Flickr
A series of stone steps surrounded by lush greenery lead down to the base of the falls, when you can truly appreciate the mighty height of Minnehaha Falls.
Dennis Brekke/Flickr
The creek that flows into the falls starts at Lake Minnetonka and flows south, passing through beautiful woods and wetlands.
amee@work/Flickr
Many enjoy kayaking the usually calm creek, though the waters can occasionally be rough or rocky.
jpellgen (@1179_jp)/Flickr
There are also hiking trails that crisscross the park, some of which lead to picturesque bridges straight out of a Tolkien novel.
Leif Kurth/Flickr
One of the best times to go is in fall, when the surrounding leaves are at their peak color. The falls flowing over limestone bluffs is like something out of a storybook.
jpellgen/Flickr
Summer also brings lush greenery that you won’t want to miss.
sparkle-motion/Flickr
In the winter, the park becomes even more magical.
Drew Geraets/Flickr
Covered in snow, the stillness that descends on this little oasis in the city is almost unreal.
Drew Geraets/Flickr
If you make a trek in the winter, the frozen falls offers an otherworldly vibe. It’s the perfect backdrop to a quiet winter day.
l.hillesheim/Flickr
Behind the frozen falls is an even more magical sight. The bright blue of the ice has to be seen to be believed!
MJI Photos/Flickr
No matter how (or when) you enjoy this park, you’re going to have an enchanting experience.
Evan Miles/Flickr
Have you ever been to this beautiful park in Minneapolis? Did you think it looked like Middle Earth? Let us know in the comments below – and don’t forget to share your photos of this fantasy land with us on Instagram (@onlyinminneapolis) and the Only In Minneapolis Facebook page for a chance to see them featured!
schwa021/Flickr
Dennis Brekke/Flickr
amee@work/Flickr
jpellgen (@1179_jp)/Flickr
Leif Kurth/Flickr
jpellgen/Flickr
sparkle-motion/Flickr
Drew Geraets/Flickr
l.hillesheim/Flickr
MJI Photos/Flickr
Evan Miles/Flickr
For more Minneapolis natural beauty, check out these amazing places to watch the sun set in the Twin Cities and don’t miss these incredible State Parks in and around Minneapolis!
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