Hidden Falls Regional Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
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.
Key Highlights
- ✓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.
- ✓Diverse trail system including paved paths (suitable for biking and strolling) and natural dirt/rocky trails near the falls.
- ✓Seating available approximately every 20 minutes along some walking paths, providing convenient rest stops.
Standout Features
- ⭐Panoramic views of the Mississippi River.
- ⭐The 'fantasy realm' pathway leading to the hidden falls, inspiring imaginative play for children.
- ⭐Well-maintained and clean public restrooms, especially near the grilling area.
- ⭐Extensive outdoor amenities including numerous picnic tables, barbecue grills, and large open fields.
- ⭐A highly functional boat launch ramp for various watercraft, connecting to significant river attractions.
- ⭐A comprehensive trail network catering to walkers, bikers, and hikers of varying abilities (paved and natural).
- ⭐Multiple, easily accessible parking lots throughout the park.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →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.
Things to Consider
- ⚠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).
- ⚠Occasional presence of 'shady people' in the park, which has made some visitors feel uneasy.
- ⚠Significant issues with mosquitoes and ticks, particularly at certain times of the year.
- ⚠Noise pollution from a nearby highway can sometimes disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.
- ⚠Some benches are described as 'few and oddly placed,' with one specifically noted for having a pentagram marked on it, indicating potential vandalism or neglected areas.
Price & 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.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Some trails are paved, making them suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
- •The main path up to the hidden falls features dirt and rocky terrain, which may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations.
- •Seating is available periodically (approximately every 20 minutes) along some paths, aiding those who need to rest.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food is encouraged, with abundant picnic tables and outdoor grills provided for visitor use.
🚗Parking Info
- •Multiple parking lots are available, offering plenty of spots for visitors.
- •Parking is reported by a reviewer to be free, despite potential information to the contrary on the official website.
👥Crowd Levels
- •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.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features (e.g., active staff patrols, emergency stations) were explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
- •Visitors should exercise general vigilance due to past reports of 'shady people' and minor vandalism (e.g., a marked bench).
⏰When to Avoid
- • 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.
Pricing/Package/Events
🍎Food Policy
- • The possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited in this park.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Please obey all barriers and signage. Do not trespass into closed areas of the park.
- • Multiple crock pots, coffee pots, roasters and other electric items may cause overloads on the 110 volts power source in the picnic shelter.
- • Water levels in the Mississippi River can change quickly and without warning. Follow all posted signage, do not pass barricades, never enter flooded water, and follow all safety guidance.
📅Booking Policy
- • For shelter rentals and reservations, contact the Park Permit Office at 651-266-6400 or ParksPermits@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
- • Park Permit Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
🚗Parking Information
- • Parking lot available at the bottom of the bluffs (accessed from the north entrance).
- • Boat launch access from Hidden Falls north entrance (Mississippi River Blvd near Magoffin Ave).
- • Gates may close to vehicle traffic during the winter due to steep roads becoming hazardous.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 8 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Sarah Mathre
7 months agoHidden 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.
Allie Hanson
8 months agoBeautiful 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 amazing park and I hope to visit again soon to enjoy the falls in the other seasons! I highly recommend stopping by if you're out for some fresh air and some beautiful sights.
Craig
6 months agoGreat 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.
B A
10 months agoThis park is a pretty solid overall park to check out and walk around. The "hidden falls" can be great to view at times, and at other times are more of a trickle than a waterfalls, all depending on the weather and how much rain we have received. On more than one occasion I have encountered some shady people who are living/hanging out in the park that are tend to put me on edge. Mosquitos and ticks can get pretty bad.
Kate Brandt
a year agoThe falls themselves were impacted but the draught of 2024; smelt bad and was minimal. However, the Mississippi River was pretty and peaceful and people were friendly. No need to pay the parking fee like it says on the website. Lastly, the benches were few and oddly placed, one in particular marked by a pentagram. In closing, this was a fun place to visit.