North Mississippi Regional Park 2009 improvements completed
Even though the freeway closely parallels the Mississippi River, you can’t see it from Interstate 94 while driving its northernmost Minneapolis mile. You may not even know the river is there. And the river isn’t all you can’t see from the freeway.
From south of the Camden Bridge (42nd Ave.) north to 53rd Ave. N, Mississippi Regional Park snakes along the river for just over a mile. Hidden behind that freeway wall, this regional park lies in wait, ready to charm the visitor who knows it’s there, to captivate those lucky enough to stumble upon it.
One may visit North Mississippi Park for the walk or the view, but picnic tables, grills and the boat launch/fishing dock, all at the south end of the park, make it a place to spend the day. Walking and biking trails traverse the park and connect with Webber Parkway and commuter routes downtown.
In the winter, it’s become a great spot to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
A wading pool, featuring a rock waterfall and rock walls, and a state-of-the-art playground are located on the north end of the park. In addition are two log and stone structures. One is a reservable picnic shelter large enough to accommodate 150 people; the other is a restroom facility.
The real charm of the park, of course, is its proximity to the river. Near the river, except for that distant hum of traffic and the large blue Camden bridge that spans the river, it becomes possible to forget you are in the heart of a large metropolitan area. The sight of a great blue heron makes it possible to imagine you have gotten away.
As you make your way south along the river, you arrive at Shingle Creek. Secluded and picturesque, in summer the creek is roofed in places by vine-covered tree branches arching over it. The path leads to a footbridge over the creek, across the bridge, through the woods, under the Camden Bridge, past picnic tables and grills, and finally to the boat launch/fishing dock. Anyone the least bit in awe of the world’s great rivers, with a weakness for beautiful scenery and a penchant for reflection, can’t help but be drawn to this spot.
Historical Profile: More information about this and other parks is included in Parks, Lakes, Trails and So Much More, a richly detailed account of the histories of Minneapolis’ renown recreational system.
| Amenities |
| Biking Path | |
Boat Dock |
| Drinking Fountain | |
Fishing Dock |
| Picnic Area | |
Restroom Facilities |
| Tot Lot/Playground | |
Wading Pool |
| Walking Path | | |
