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Mississippi Gorge Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 664 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 Mississippi Gorge 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.
Prairie area scattered with oak trees & offering biking & hiking trails, picnic shelters & fishing.
What runners say about Mississippi Gorge Regional Park
“Very beautiful and peaceful park between Minneapolis and St.”
“Take one of the paths down towards the Ole Miss and be drawn into the quiet serenity of the Gorge.”
Great place to walk with kids and dogs, but watch out for neighborhood Karens. A lady called the cops because she was worried our 4 kids (all between 11 and 13) couldn't handle climbing up this embankment (which is nowhere near the actual river) alone.
This place is beautiful any time of season! There are many trails to walk on that are dog friendly. It’s connected to Minnehaha Dog Park and Minnehaha Falls. The river was a bit hard for us to access for our dog to drink the water cuz the water level was so high.
Perfect for a calm tranquil walk. Also a great place to get to know native and invasive plants. Please pull those invasives if you get a chance and help the natives win out!
A very popular riverfront park in the heart of the city, and if part of the trail weren't paved you'd swear you were out in the wilderness. Those who are bolder and in good shape can go deeper into the wild on natural dirt trails, the lowest of which is only suitable for rugged hikers.
Trail conditions & character
“Then right down on a sandy beach, enjoy the views, especially with poofy clouds and a still river.”
“I would recommend hiking, walking your dog, picnicking, or possibly trail running if you feel that excited.”
“Take one of the paths down towards the Ole Miss and be drawn into the quiet serenity of the Gorge.”
“A very popular riverfront park in the heart of the city, and if part of the trail weren't paved you'd swear you were out in the wilderness.”
“There is a small parking lot but there are lots of other places to park.”
“The scenery wasn't near the water as much, but I bet there other parts that would be more accessible.”
“The one problem is that the Minneapolis sewer project makes the paved trail level of the park a wee bit stinky.”
“Different elevations and kinda cool but muddy when the Mississippi River is high up.”
Plan your run at Mississippi Gorge 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
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking, water — 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.
- Websiteminneapolisparks.org
- Phone(612) 230-6400
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
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.
Shadow Falls Park
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Winchell Trail
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Minnehaha Regional Park
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Minnehaha Falls Lower Glen Trail
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East River Trail
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