Minneapolis: Minnehaha Falls in Minnehaha Regional Park

I had not realized that it started with Kip Winger.

Maria had seen something about him being at Minnehaha Falls, and we were going to be in Minneapolis and somehow we got this idea that it was something you should make an effort to see. It is actually something that -- if you want to see -- it requires some effort.

We clearly told the driver twice that we wanted to go to Minnehaha Falls, but we were dropped off at the Veterans Home. I wish he had just told us he didn't really know. In retrospect, we probably shouldn't have tipped.

We figured it couldn't be that far, so we started off across this bridge. Was that over the river that the falls poured into?

We couldn't see or hear a river. That seemed like a bad sign. We kept going though.

It was a nice day, and there were lots of walking trails. The park contains gardens and historic buildings, though at least one of the historic buildings, the Longfellow House, is actually a replica. It is a pretty old replica though. Plus there is art!

There were also lots of squirrels.

We eventually asked for directions. No, not from him.

The first people we asked were new in the area and had no idea. The second people were pretty sure it was one way. I was not sure how long I could maintain the party's interest in the goal. Sure, you think online directions, but that was not working. Then I noticed this walkway.

I now know it was the Minnehaha Falls Pergola Garden. On the other side we found the falls in all their quiet majesty.

It was now clear why we hadn't heard any rushing water.

Signage revealed that when they needed to impress Lyndon B. Johnson and Hubert Humphrey, they diverted water from fire hydrants.

Of course, a big part of this is water diversion and development. You can read about restoration efforts here:

https://www.startribune.com/rewilding-minnehaha-a-decade-long-plan-to-repair-the-degraded-creek-begins-to-pay-off/600281830/ 

Regardless, we made it. Because we had intended to see it, there was some satisfaction in doing so. Do I recommend it? Not really. It's not bad, but it works better as a local park (local parks are great) than as a tourist attraction.

However, if you are in Minneapolis, decide to go, and use some sort of ride-sharing app to get there, ask to be taken to the Sea Salt Eatery, even if it's closed. People can find it, and then the falls are right there.

Accessibility: While there is room to criticize navigating in terms of signs, paths are nice, wide, and smooth. If you know where you are going, you should be able to get there.

COVID: All outside with wide open spaces. While the park does seem well-used, there should not be issues with social distancing.

https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/minnehaha_regional_park/