Hiking with Kids Open
Hidden Falls Regional Park
4.6(1,312)4.6 out of 5 stars, 1312 reviews Minneapolis, MN
About Hidden Falls Regional Park
Hidden Falls Regional Park offers a unique blend of scenic Mississippi River vistas, an enchanting 'fantasy realm' path leading to its namesake falls (dependent on rainfall), and comprehensive facilities for outdoor family activities. Its prime location includes a boat launch providing direct access to key regional attractions like Ford Lock and Dam, Minnehaha Park, and Fort Snelling State Park, making it ideal for diverse land and water-based adventures.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a scenic walk or light hike with river views.Outdoor picnics and barbecue gatherings with friends and family.Dog owners looking for dog-friendly walking trails (note: trails are dirt/rocky in places).Family bike rides on paved trails.Kayaking, canoeing, or small boat excursions to nearby river attractions.
Why families love it
- Stunning, picturesque views of the Mississippi River from walking trails.
- A captivating path to the hidden falls, described as a 'fantasy realm' walk with trees, flowers, and old stones, perfect for imaginative play.
- Well-maintained and clean bathrooms located conveniently near the outdoor grill picnic area.
- Abundant picnic tables and open fields suitable for various games and activities.
- Dedicated outdoor grill picnic areas for family cookouts and gatherings.
- A versatile boat launch ramp accommodating kayaks and trailered boats, offering access to major river destinations.
Insider tips
- Check recent rainfall or weather conditions before visiting if your primary interest is seeing a robust waterfall flow.
- Bring ample insect repellent (mosquitoes and ticks are noted as being problematic).
- Wear appropriate footwear, especially if planning to hike near the falls, as trails can be rocky and unpaved.
- Consider verifying parking fee requirements, as a reviewer noted it was not enforced despite website claims.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially if visiting alone, due to past reports of 'shady people'.
- Utilize the provided picnic tables and grills for an outdoor meal, as facilities are extensive and well-regarded.
Good to know before you go
- Visiting during extended dry periods or droughts if seeing a full waterfall is a priority.
- If highly sensitive to noise, as the park is near a highway.
- If you have mobility limitations and wish to reach the falls, as the trail becomes rocky and unpaved.
- Without insect repellent, especially during warmer months, due to reported mosquito and tick issues.
- The 'hidden falls' are highly dependent on recent rainfall and can be reduced to a minimal trickle or even smell bad during dry seasons or droughts (e.g., as reported in 2024).
- Crowds
- Generally described as a 'popular spot' for walks, biking, and dog walking. No specific peak times or days are mentioned, implying a consistent level of popularity rather than extreme overcrowding.
- Value
- Excellent value, as entry to the park is free. Parking is also reported by a reviewer to be free, despite potential website claims of a fee. This provides cost-free access to extensive trails, scenic river views, picnic areas, and a boat launch.
- Food
- Outside food is encouraged, with abundant picnic tables and outdoor grills provided for visitor use.
- Accessibility
- Some trails are paved, making them suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Safety
- No specific safety features (e.g., active staff patrols, emergency stations) were explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
What parents say
"Hidden Falls Regional Park is a great place for a walk. I enjoyed strolling along the trails, and it's a popular spot for people to bring their dogs or go biking. The view of the Mississippi River from the walking trail is beautiful. There are a couple of parking lots, and I appreciated the seating available about every 20 minutes along the path. It can get a bit loud due to the nearby highway, but it's still a peaceful place to be. I didn’t see the hidden waterfall, but I still had a good time exploring the park."
7 months ago
"Beautiful park! Amazing views of the river and the hidden falls are incredible. The path up to the falls is lined with trees, flowers, and old stones. It feels like you're walking through a fantasy realm to find a hidden treasure. There are also lots of picnic tables and fields to play with friends. In particular the outdoor grill picnic area seemed super nice (plus the bathrooms nearby were quite well-maintained!) The trails are great to walk your dog—however, these are primarily dirt trails and can get rocky up near the falls so keep this in mind if you have mobility limitations. Overall a"
8 months ago
"Great boat launch ramp for kayaks and trailered boats. Short distance paddle to Ford Lock and Dam, Minnehaha Park, Ft Snelling State Park, Pike Island, Minnesota River, etc. also plenty of picnic tables, grills, hiking trails, paved bike trails, parking lots, etc."
6 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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