Minneapolis Attractions: Visit Minnehaha Falls

One of the most popular destinations for joggers, roller-bladers, and picnickers in South Minneapolis is Minnehaha Falls. While it doesn't have the epic appeal of Niagara Falls or Hoover Dam, the 53-foot waterfall is still a pleasant place to visit.

Minnehaha Creek is a small stream that feeds the falls. It starts in Lake Minnetonka in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities and runs through Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Edina, and Minneapolis. As it flows over the falls, it continues on until it pours out into the Mississippi River.

Located just west of the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Park features a number of amenities for both tourists and locals. Numerous walking and cycling paths snake through the heavily wooded 193-acre park and picnic tables and park benches are dotted throughout the park. On a sunny summer day, the grounds will often be teeming with people enjoying the warm weather. A small bandshell also hosts a number of concerts and other events throughout the warmer months and, from May to October, Wheel Fun Rentals rents out a variety of both unusual and conventional bicycles and surreys.

The Falls first became a popular tourist destination in 1853 when Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, Song of Hiawatha, was published. Longfellow never visited Minnehaha Falls himself but approximately 500,000 people do every year. Though most of these are locals, groups of tourists can also be spotted photographing the falls from the scenic overlook.

In 1994, part of a large building in the main picnic area was converted into the restaurant, The Sea Salt Eatery. The restaurant is only open from April to October but, if you're lucky enough to visit during those months, you can enjoy a wide variety of seafood from broiled oysters to a calamari taco.

At this time, the Longfellow House Hospitality Center was also moved to the area. Built in 1907 by Robert F. Jones, the Longfellow House was a scaled-down replica of Henry W. Longfellow's home in Cambridge, Massachussetts. After Jones passed away, he willed the home to the city of Minneapolis. It now serves as a visitor's center for the surrounding park.

The John F. Stevens House is also located in the park. It was the first wood framed home built west of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Originally located near St. Anthony Falls near downtown Minneapolis, the house has been moved twice. In 1896, over 10,000 children pulled the house to Minnehaha Park. A similar project happened in 1982 when it was moved to where it currently sits.

Yet another historical landmark is the Princess Depot, a tiny train station originally built in 1875 that was part of Minnesota's first train line. It ran from Minneapolis to Chicago until the station was shut down in 1963 and given to the Minnesota Historical Society soon after. Tours happen every Sunday from Memorial day to Labor Day between 1:30 PM and 3:30PM.

Minnehaha Falls is an active park filled with both history and recreation. Sculptures near the falls recreate Longfellow's poem. The Minnehaha Falls Pergola Garden features a number of flowers and other plants.

Minnehaha Park is located near the intersection of Hiawatha Avenue and Minnehaha Avenue. For more information and up to date hours of museum and restaurant hours, contact the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board at (612) 230-6400 between 6am and 10pm.