Hiawatha and Minnehaha Statue

The Hiawatha and Minnehaha sculpture sits on a small island above the falls and is viewed from the creek edge, not entered or climbed.

The park has pay parking, some free lots, and metered street spaces. Route to the falls, Wabun area, Longfellow Gardens, or dog-park edge rather than assuming the closest visible lot serves every destination.

Developed areas are open 6:00 a.m.-midnight and undeveloped areas 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Pergola Garden is 7:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; food, wading pool, historic sites, and rentals have separate seasonal hours.

Restrooms and drinking fountains are available near the developed falls and picnic areas, with seasonal facilities elsewhere. The lower gorge itself has limited services.

Falls, gardens, trails, playground, wading pool when operating, and historic-site exteriors are free. Parking, food, rentals, reservations, and some programs cost.

The upper falls overlooks and major developed areas have paved access, but lower gorge trails include long stairs, steep grades, roots, mud, ice, and spray.

Leashed dogs may use ordinary park areas. The former Minnehaha off-leash area is being decommissioned; do not rely on old maps or reviews for current dog-park access.

Upper overlooks, Wabun playground, wading pool, picnics, gardens, and historic buildings suit families. Closely supervise children near cliffs, creek edges, stairs, slippery rock, and fast water.

The Hiawatha and Minnehaha sculpture sits on a small island above the falls and is viewed from the creek edge, not entered or climbed. Water flow changes dramatically by season and weather, and gorge stairs become icy or slippery. Check wading-pool status, Sea Salt hours, trail closures, and the current off-leash transition before leaving.

METRO Blue Line's 50th Street/Minnehaha Park station and buses provide strong car-free access; regional bike trails also connect directly.