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Father Hennepin Bluff Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 787 Google reviews · Running trail in Minneapolis, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Father Hennepin Bluff Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Natural 8-acre riverside park named after a Franciscan priest with trails, bridges & city views.
What runners say about Father Hennepin Bluff Park
“The trails are well-maintained and connect to the larger riverfront trail system, making it a great stop for cyclists and joggers.”
“Father Hennepin Bluff Park is a hidden gem along the Mississippi River, offering stunning views of the Stone Arch Bridge and downtown Minneapolis.”
“This park is perfect for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or simply enjoying nature in the heart of the city.”
How many times have you walked past the sign that says Lower Trail when walking along St. Anthony main area? Take it I say, just go! We did that on Saturday after crossing the Stone Arch Bridge, we found ourselves in another world.
It was nice but really busy for my liking. But don’t get me wrong it was clean and well kept and nothing bad to say about the park itself. You will need to pay for parking which is fine for me but know they charge by the hour. It was worth checking out once for sure. But I like quieter parks to escape the city life.
A beautiful spot to enjoy the Mississippi and it's bridges. It has a great view of the Stone Arch bridge, a nice but somewhat short walk through some scenic nature and even ruins that you can stray a little of the path to enjoy.
Father Hennepin Bluff Park is a hidden gem along the Mississippi River, offering stunning views of the Stone Arch Bridge and downtown Minneapolis. This park is perfect for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or simply enjoying nature in the heart of the city.
Trail conditions & character
“There are things that look like grottos, tunnels that go under the road, waterfall, wildlife, flowers, and the most amazing views of the bridge from underneath it.”
“This park is perfect for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or simply enjoying nature in the heart of the city.”
“Parking can be limited, and the park is relatively small, so it’s more suited for short visits than full-day outings.”
Plan your run at Father Hennepin Bluff Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteminneapolisparks.org
- Phone+1 612-230-6400
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–12 am |
| Tuesday | 6 am–12 am |
| Wednesday | 6 am–12 am |
| Thursday | 6 am–12 am |
| Friday | 6 am–12 am |
| Saturday | 6 am–12 am |
| Sunday | 6 am–12 am |
Running trails near Minneapolis
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 243 reviews
Park featuring a stone arch bridge, trails, and downtown views, plus fireworks displays.
First Bridge Park
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Park featuring a river, walking, biking, and opportunities to learn about history.
Mississippi Walking Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 52 reviews
Riverside green space featuring a paved path and dirt trails, popular for walking and dog-walking.
Loring Greenway
4.6 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
This functional city pedestrian path offers water features, public art, trees & a playground.
Minneapolis Micro Trail
5 ★★★★★ 9 reviews