North Mississippi Regional Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
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.
Key Highlights
- ✓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.
- ✓Nature center with educational activities, a restroom, and large windows for bird and squirrel watching.
- ✓Seasonal beauty, including vibrant fall foliage and persistent wildflowers.
- ✓Equipment suitable for 'all ages' at the park.
Standout Features
- ⭐Scenic trails for hiking, accessible in winter.
- ⭐Splash pad/wading pool for summer recreation.
- ⭐Nature center equipped with restrooms and engaging educational activities.
- ⭐Designated spots for grilling, facilitating family get-togethers.
- ⭐Proximity to the Mississippi River offering riverfront views.
- ⭐Quiet environment, especially during winter visits.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →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.
Things to Consider
- ⚠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.
- ⚠The splash pad/wading pool is described by one reviewer as 'old/worn out' though still functional.
Price & 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.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •The nature center is wheelchair accessible.
- •A wheelchair ramp is available inside the nature center for accessing large windows to watch birds and squirrels.
- •The large parking lot is wheelchair accessible.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •The presence of 'spots to grill' indicates that bringing food for picnics and BBQs is allowed and encouraged for family gatherings.
🚗Parking Info
- •There is a large parking lot available.
- •Parking is paid.
- •The parking area is wheelchair accessible.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Described as 'quiet with not a lot of people' during winter visits.
🛡️Safety Features
- •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.
⏰When to Avoid
- • 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.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
🍎Food Policy
- • Picnics: Picnic sites are reservable for events (birthday parties, reunions, company picnics).
- • Food Truck Permit: City of Minneapolis licensed food truck operators can apply for a one-day permit at this park.
📅Booking Policy
- • Picnic Site Reservation: Available for three reservable picnic shelters.
- • Outdoor Use and Event Space: Park space can be reserved for corporate events, community celebrations, and more.
- • Athletic Rentals: Fields, courts, or rinks can be reserved via the athletic permit page.
- • Youth Sports Friend Requests: Guaranteed if reciprocal and made within one month of registration opening.
- • Youth Sports Partner Leagues: Schools and youth-serving organizations can enter full teams.
- • Youth Sports Post-Deadline Registration: No waitlist for missed registration; contact individual parks after July 31 at 3 pm to check for space.
- • Activity Registration Methods: Online via MPRB ActiveNet, in-person at any recreation center, or by phone at 612-230-6400 (credit card only).
🚗Parking Information
- • Free parking lots available.
- • A new parking lot was added in 2008.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Timothy “Twin.City.Timothy” Lingenfelder
a year agoEnd 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
Lee Witte
3 months ago4.5 stars feels about right. A hidden gem with trails through the woods, along a creek and river.
Natalia Davis
a year agoIt'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.
Elizabeth Ann
2 years agoWe came here to hike in the winter along the river. The trails were nice & it was quiet with not a lot of people. There's a large parking lot with pay parking & a nature center with a restroom & fun educational activities. The nature center & parking are both wheelchair accessible inside & also a wheelchair ramp inside to get you to the large windows to watch the birds & squirrels. We will be back again!
michael leinen
10 months agoGreat hidden gem park. Really nice splash pad too! Right on the Mississippi with spots to grill. Great place for a family get together.