HomeMinnesotaBrooklyn Park › Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,828 Google reviews · Running trail in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
7.8 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Mississippi Gateway Regional 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.

Mixed7.8 miScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADAFlat & fastRestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Scenic expanse of the Mississippi River with a dam & observation deck, picnic areas & hiking trails.

What runners say about Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,828 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 6 mentions

“It is very well maintained and has seen tons of new trail/riverfront improvements recently, as well as an entirely new Nature Center and Playground.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“Very well designed to be functional, kid inviting, great views, we'll maintained, with nature still at its core!”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“You can fish the shore here, bike ride, walk your animal, or walk off the beaten path to your own quiet place.”

So this park is big. I did 4.75 miles and didn’t see everything. Very clean, well kept and spacious. This park has a little bit of everything for everyone. Paved trails, bike paths, off trail hiking, playgrounds and many more.

★★★★★ — Sadie , Jun 2024

Such a beautiful, expansive park! It is very well maintained and has seen tons of new trail/riverfront improvements recently, as well as an entirely new Nature Center and Playground. There are many unique animals you are likely to see here.

★★★★★ — Noah , Apr 2026

Our family spent a warm Fall afternoon here and we really enjoyed all the amenities. Plenty of parking space and there is a Gateway Center to help visitors connect and learn about nature. There’s maps throughout the area where we explored to guide us. Restrooms were clean and flushable.

★★★★☆ — B , Oct 2025

This park has so much to offer. The free parking lot is large but on the weekends this is a popular spot so be prepared to possibly Park further away from the main area and walk. There are multiple different playgrounds and lots of nature-inspired equipment for kids of varying ages.

★★★★★ — Laura , Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,828 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“Very well designed to be functional, kid inviting, great views, we'll maintained, with nature still at its core!”

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🛣️ Paved surface 7 mentions

“Outside of the off leash dog area, there is an archery range & aa well as paved trails for whatever activity you may pursue; walking, biking, walking, running, jogging.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 7 mentions

“The free parking lot is large but on the weekends this is a popular spot so be prepared to possibly Park further away from the main area and walk.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 6 mentions

“Very nicely redone Dog Park.”

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🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone 5 mentions

“I also love the wide variety of trail types, from flat and paved to gravel paths through the floodplain.”

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🚻 Restrooms 5 mentions

“Lots of hands on activities inside, bathrooms, changing stations…also ice cream, snacks and beverages available for purchase.”

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Flat & fast 3 mentions

“I also love the wide variety of trail types, from flat and paved to gravel paths through the floodplain.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 3 mentions

“Visitor center is welcoming and it has nice individual bathrooms accessible for all.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“You can fish the shore here, bike ride, walk your animal, or walk off the beaten path to your own quiet place.”

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🪵 Boardwalk 2 mentions

“Beautiful park, trails with river access, playground, facilities, boardwalk, treetop walk”

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

“75 miles and didn’t see everything.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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Plan your run at Mississippi Gateway Regional 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
  • Distance7.8 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitethreeriversparks.org
  • Phone+1 763-694-7790
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5 am–10 pm
Tuesday 5 am–10 pm
Wednesday 5 am–10 pm
Thursday 5 am–10 pm
Friday 5 am–10 pm
Saturday 5 am–10 pm
Sunday 5 am–10 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444

Get directions

Running trails near Brooklyn Park

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 850 reviews

Coon Rapids, MN

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Dam featuring a walkway and scenic views along with paved trails for biking and hikes.

under a mile away

Willowstone Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 123 reviews

Brooklyn Park, MN

Park with swings, slides and picnic tables, plus a castle-themed playground.

under a mile away

Edinbrook Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 24 reviews

Brooklyn Park, MN

1.1 miles away

Mississippi River Regional Trail - Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 120 reviews

Coon Rapids, MN

PavedScenic

Recreational place for hikers and cyclists along the Mississippi River, with some trails paved.

1.4 miles away

Robinson Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 22 reviews

Coon Rapids, MN

Scenic

1.7 miles away

Woodcrest Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 80 reviews

Coon Rapids, MN

Green space with 8 acres featuring a play area, picnic shelters, walking trails, and amenities for disc golf and baseball.

1.8 miles away

All running trails in Brooklyn Park, MN →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.