Hiking with Kids Open
North Mississippi Regional Park
4.6(1,149)4.6 out of 5 stars, 1149 reviews Minneapolis, MN
About North Mississippi Regional Park
North Mississippi Regional Park is a scenic 'hidden gem' offering extensive trails along a creek and the Mississippi River, suitable for hiking in multiple seasons. It features a nature center with educational activities and a splash pad/wading pool during summer, making it ideal for diverse family outings including grilling and gatherings.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Family get-togethers, utilizing grilling spots and park amenities.Cooling off during hot summer days with the splash pad/wading pool.Quiet winter hiking along the river.Parents seeking accessible educational activities combined with outdoor play.Suitable for 'all ages' due to varied equipment (as per Review 3).
Why families love it
- Extensive trails through woods, along a creek, and the Mississippi River.
- A splash pad/wading pool available during the summer months, great for cooling off.
- Seasonal beauty, including vibrant fall foliage and persistent wildflowers.
- Equipment suitable for 'all ages' at the park.
- Scenic trails for hiking, accessible in winter.
- Splash pad/wading pool for summer recreation.
Insider tips
- Visit during summer months to utilize the splash pad/wading pool for cooling off.
- Be aware that Shingle Creek Falls may have low water levels, particularly in late summer; manage expectations if strong waterfalls are a primary draw.
- Consider visiting in winter for a quiet hiking experience with fewer people.
- Be mindful of the reported homeless camp under the pavilion, especially when choosing activity areas.
- Prepare for pay parking in the large parking lot.
Good to know before you go
- If concerned about a homeless presence, you might want to avoid the pavilion area.
- Expectations of strong, flowing waterfalls at Shingle Creek Falls, especially during drier periods or late summer.
- Going without cash or card for parking, as parking is paid.
- Presence of a homeless camp reported under the pavilion.
- Shingle Creek Falls may be 'in need of water' (low flow) particularly at the end of summer.
- Crowds
- Described as 'quiet with not a lot of people' during winter visits.
- Value
- General park access appears to be free, with a specific mention of 'pay parking'. This suggests good value for a large park with amenities like trails, a splash pad, and a nature center, with parking as the primary cost.
- Food
- The presence of 'spots to grill' indicates that bringing food for picnics and BBQs is allowed and encouraged for family gatherings.
- Accessibility
- The nature center is wheelchair accessible.
- Safety
- No explicit safety features like staff supervision or monitored entry/exit were mentioned by reviewers. However, 'Three Rivers takes good care of its parks and trails' indicates general maintenance and upkeep.
What parents say
"End of summer. The Shingle Creek Falls are in need of water but there is a slight scent of fall in the air. There are more than a few spatterings of leaves giving up their green to display their vibrancy with a red and yellow glow. There too are some of my favorite portrayals of defiance. It is the single or twin flowers refusing to say goodbye to summer. They valiantly display their beauty as if to slap the coming autumn into pause. But we know it will be here soon enough. So we admire the little flower’s spunk and say goodbye until spring. — Twin.City.Timothy"
a year ago
"4.5 stars feels about right. A hidden gem with trails through the woods, along a creek and river."
3 months ago
"It's a big park with fun equipment for all ages. Nice scenery except for the homeless camp under the pavilion 🥴 The splash pad/wading pool is open in the summer and a great place to cool off. You can tell it's old/worn out but it still works. Three Rivers takes good care of its parks and trails."
a year ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More hiking with kids in Minneapolis
Hiking with Kids Minnehaha Regional Park
4.8(10,797)4.8 out of 5 stars, 10797 reviews4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis
Hiking with Kids Elm Creek Park Reserve
4.7(4,196)4.7 out of 5 stars, 4196 reviews12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove
Hiking with Kids Theodore Wirth Regional Park
4.7(3,099)4.7 out of 5 stars, 3099 reviews1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley
Hiking with Kids Fort Snelling State Park
4.7(2,594)4.7 out of 5 stars, 2594 reviews101 Snelling Lake Rd, St Paul