Awards

Meadowbrook Golf Course: #10 Most Rounds of Junior Golf Programming among Courses, 2024 – Youth on Course, January 2025

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: 9th Best Sculpture Park – USA Today, February 2025

MPRB Forestry: 2024 Tree City USA Award, 2024 Tree City USA Growth Award, 2024 Tree City of the World – The Arbor Day Foundation, March 2025

2025 Readers’ Poll Results: Best of the Twin Cities – Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, April 2025

• Midtown Greenway: Bike Trail Gold
• Grand Rounds Scenic Byway: Bike Trail Silver
• Theodore Wirth Golf Club: Public Golf Course Gold
• Lake Harriet Bandshell: Outdoor Music Festival Silver
• Minnehaha Falls: Place to Take Out-of-Towners/Visitors Gold
• Stone Arch Bridge: Place to Take Out-of-Towners/Visitors Silver
• Sea Salt Eatery: Seasonal Restaurant Gold, Waterfront Dining Gold, Seafood Gold, Patio Bronze
• Bread & Pickle: Seasonal Restaurant Silver
• Pimento Jamaican Kitchen: Soul Food Gold

Backyard Chicken Series Programming (by Sarah Chelstrom and Peter Jaeger): Tommy Johnson Award and MRPA Award of Excellence – Minnesota Recreation and Park Association, April 2025

MPRB: #3 Rated Park System in the U.S. – Trust for Public Land 2025 ParkScore® Index, May 2025

Minneapolis: #1 Bike City in Minnesota, #2 in Best Places to Bike among Large U.S. Cities – PeopleForBikes 2025 City Rankings, June 2025

Lyndale Park: Level II Accredited Arboretum – The Morton Arboretum’s ArbNet accreditation program, July 2025

Minneapolis: 6th Fittest City – ACSM American Fitness Index, July 2025

Minnehaha Dog Park: Best Dog Park in Minneapolis – Discover the Cities, October 2025

The River Hub at Graco Park (designed by Snow Kreilich Architects): Honor Awards for Design for Integration and Ecosystems – American Institute of Architects Minnesota, November 2025

Minneapolis: #2 Most Bike-Friendly City in the U.S., #5 in North America, #44 Globally – Copenhagenize Index, November 2025

Whittier Park: 2025 Neighborhood Faves Winner – Nextdoor, November 2025

2025 Best of MN: Readers’ Choice – Minnesota Monthly, November 2025

• Minnehaha Falls: Best Place to Bring Out-of-Town Guests
• Sea Salt Eatery: Best Seafood

March 2024 — Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary rated Most Peaceful Place in Minneapolis and Minnesota – Earth.fm

April 2024 — MPRB Forestry earned 2023 Tree City USA Award, 2023 Tree City USA Growth Award, 2023 Tree City of the World – The Arbor Day Foundation

April 2024 — Owamni (at Water Works) rated Best Ambience – Behind the List: Picking Our Top 75 Restaurants — Minnesota Monthly

May 2024 — MPRB ranked 2nd best park system in the U.S. – The Trust for Public Land’s 2024 ParkScore® index – The Trust for Public Land

June 2024 — Phelps and Wabun named among 12 Playgrounds Worth Driving Out of Your Way for in the Twin Cities Metro – Twin Cities Mom Collective

June 2024 — Minneapolis rated best large U.S. city to bike – PeopleForBikes’ 2024 City Ratings

July 2024 — Minneapolis ranked #6 on the ACSM American Fitness Index – ACSM

August 2024 — Minneapolis rated Most bikeable city in the U.S. – Travel + Leisure

October 2024 — MPRB earned 2024 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management – National Recreation and Park Association

October 2024 — Minneapolis named among 37 Best solo travel spots in the USA – The Boutique Adventurer

November 2024 — Minnehaha Falls named among 9 Best waterfalls in the U.S. to visit in winter – EMEA Tribune

November 2024 — Minneapolis listed among World’s 100 Best Cities – Resonance

November 2024 — Bde Maka Ska voted Best Lake; Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Best Mountain Bike Trail; Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, Best Paved Bike Trail – Minnesota Monthly Readers’ Choice

January 2023 – Owamni by the Sioux Chef (at Water Works) named among 23 best destinations to visit in the world, CNN Travel

January 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 11th best city for active lifestyle, WalletHub

January 2023 – Minneapolis named among 8 best worldwide destinations to visit in January, The Points Guy

January 2023 – Owamni (at Water Works) named among 10 most exciting destinations to explore in 2023, tripsavvy

January 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 11th in walkable urbanism, Smart Growth America

February 2023 – Minneapolis named among 10 Underrated Midwest Destinations to visit for 2023, The Travel

February 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 11th most dog-friendly city in the U.S, Hepper

March 2023 – Sean Sherman of Owamni named Best Chef and The Twin Cities named Best Large City, Best of the Midwest Awards 2023

April 2023 – Owamni founder Sean Sherman named among 100 most influential people in the world in 2023, TIME

April 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 25th best city for urban gardening, LawnStarter

April 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 8th healthiest city in America, WalletHub

April 2023 – MPRB Forestry Department received 2022 Tree City of the World Award, Tree City USA Award and Tree City Growth Award, Arbor Day Foundation

May 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 3^rd best park in the nation, Trust for Public Land2023 ParkScore Index

May 2023 – Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington named 20th best summer travel destination, WalletHub

May 2023 – Minneapolis named 10th best city for summer jobs, WalletHub

June 2023 – Sean Sherman of Owamni named 2023 Julia Child Award recipient, Julia Child Foundation

June 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 10th best biking city in the U.S, LawnStarter

June 2023 – Minneapolis ranked #1 best city for biking, People for Bikes

June 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 15th best city for bike commutes in the U.S, Coworking Cafe

July 2023 – MPRB Aquatics Department received Red Cross Training Services Recognition Award/Proud Top Training Provider, American Red Cross

July 2023 – MPRB Forestry Department received Minnesota Community Forestry Outstanding Project Award for removal of 90-inch diameter cottonwood tree, Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee and Minnesota Society of Arboriculture

July 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 4th fittest city in the U.S, American College of Sports Medicine

July 2023 – Minneapolis named best bike-friendly city, People for Bikes

August 2023 – Minneapolis named 21st best city for pickleball lovers, Lawn Love

August 2023 – Minneapolis named 10th most bikeable and scenic city in the U.S, ebikes

August 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 3rd best smaller U.S. City for outdoor enthusiasts, Commercial Search

August 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 1st for bikeability, thrillest

September 2023 – Minneapolis-St. Paul named 9th best U.S. city for fall travel, Travel + Leisure

September 2023 – Minneapolis among top 10 bicycle-friendly cities to visit in North America this fall, momentum Mag

October 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 10th greenest city in America, WalletHub

October 2023 – Pershing Park Staff received Friends of Fulton award, Fulton Neighborhood Association

October 2023 – Minneapolis named among most livable large communities, AARP

October 2023 – Minneapolis ranked 11th (of 100 urban centers) among top future-ready U.S. cities, Point2homes

November 2023 – Grand Rounds Scenic Byway named best paved bike trail, Lake of the Isles best running route, and Minnehaha Creek best snowshoeing in Best of MN 2023: Readers’ Choice awards, Minnesota Monthly

November 2023 – Minneapolis among top 25 best places to live in the Midwest, Livability

December 2023 – MPRB online StoryMap of Native Plant Tour at Water Works named finalist in global 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition and among 10 favorite stories in 2023, Esri

January 2022 – Lupient Waterpark Readers’ Choice Award

January 2022 – Minneapolis among Best cities for dogs in 2022 – Policy Genius

February 2022 – Midwest Living Best of the Midwest: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Culture – Public Art Collection; Sculpture Garden, Minnehaha Park and Stone Arch Bridge are three of top five bucket list Minneapolis destinations in the Best of the Midwest edition; Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, My Perfect Day

March 2022 – Minneapolis 6^th Best City for Biking in the U.S.

April 2022 –  Minneapolis 6^th (of 11) most bike-friendly city in the world

April 2022 – Minneapolis 14^th healthiest city in America (10^th in Green Space)

April 2022 – MPRB given USTA Northern Membership Organization Award

April 2022 – Forestry Department earns 2021 Tree City of the World Award, Tree City USA Award and Tree City Growth Award

April 2022 – Water Works earns Landscape Architects Award of Excellence

May 2022 – Minneapolis ranks 5^th best for parks in the nation

May 2022 – Minneapolis ranked 8^th (of 20) best cities (mentions access to green spaces and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden)

May 2022 – Minneapolis 12 (of 150) most dog-friendly city

May 2022 – Minneapolis 4^th most bike-friendly city in U.S.

June 2022 – Minneapolis designated Gold-level ‘walk-friendly’ community

June 2022 – Minneapolis 4^th most sustainable destination in the USA (includes miles of cycle paths)

June 2022 – Loring Park, Minneapolis 6^th among 11 of the world’s most inspiring Pride festivals

June 2022 – Owamni at Water Works wins James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant

July 2022 – Minneapolis dog parks named among 11 Best Twin Cities Dog Parks: Lake of the Isles Off-Leash Dog Park, Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park, Loring Park Off-Leash Recreation Area

July 2022 – Minneapolis 3^rd Fittest City in America

August 2022 – Minneapolis 8^th most dog-friendly city in America

September 2022 – Owamni by the Sioux Chef (at Water Works) awarded Gold for Best Cultural Food, Silver for Best New Restaurant and Bronze for Best Downtown Minneapolis Restaurant in Star Tribune Readers’ Choice Minnesota’s Best

September 2022 – Minneapolis 30^th (of 174) best city for dog lovers

October 2022 – Minneapolis 13^th among most neighborly cities of 2022 (proximity to parks)

November 2022 – Minneapolis ranked 63^rd among world’s best cities

November 2022 – Minneapolis 8^th (of 200) best city to live without a car

November 2022 – Minneapolis 5^th city with the most public outdoor space

November 2022 – Minneapolis 11^th most dog-friendly city in the U.S.

November 2022 – Minneapolis 2^nd best smaller U.S. city for outdoor enthusiasts

December 2022 – Water Works Park Pavilion earns American Institute of Architects Honor Award

December 2022 – Minneapolis 3^rd best city for ice skating

January 2021 – Minneapolis named 13^th Best City for an Active Lifestyle

February 2021 –  Minneapolis-St. Paul #27 of #150 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2021-2022 (cites outdoor music and recreational opportunities)

February 2021 – MPRB Forestry Department given Tree City of the World Award

February 2021 – Minneapolis named 15^th healthiest place to live in the U.S. (8^th in Green Space)

March 2021 – Minneapolis Minnesota’s Fittest City

April 2021 – Planning Department earns 2021 Honor Award for Planning and Design for Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail Plan

April 2021 – MPRB Forestry Department earns Tree City USA Award and Tree City USA Growth Award

April 2021 – Minneapolis 3^rd of top 15 cities for Walkability & Outdoor Leisure Potential (#1 city by trail, #3 in park investment)

May 2021 – Mpls. St. Paul Magazine Best of the Twin Cities 2021 includes: Music and Movies in the Parks, Arts in Parks; Theodore Wirth, Public Park Renaissance; Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park, Canine Romp

May 2021 – Minneapolis #3 for Best Parks in the Nation

May 2021 – American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and National Recreation and Park Association 2021 National Gold Medal Award Finalist

May 2021 – Chain of Lakes (#1), Minnehaha Regional Park (#3), Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (#4) among 18 Best Things to Do in Minneapolis–St. Paul – Travel US News

May 2021 – Wabun Picnic Area among 10 of the Best Twin Cities Playgrounds

May 2021 – Minneapolis ties for 5^th Best City for Runners

June 2021 – Minneapolis #1 Bike Friendly City, #2 Bike Friendly City

June 2021 – Minneapolis Among 5 Best U.S. Cities to See From the Seat of a Bike

July 2021 – Minneapolis ranked 2^nd fittest city

July 2021 – Minneapolis 6^th Best City for an Active Lifestyle (3^rd in walkability)

July 2021 – Minneapolis 7^th Best City for Carless Weekend Trips (3^rd most bike-friendly)

July 2021 – Minneapolis 16^th Best City for Recreation (8^th for neighborhood parks)

August 2021 – Minneapolis 14^th Most Dog-Friendly City in America

August 2021 – Water Works at Mill Ruins Park Minnesota’s Top New Attraction

September 2021 – Minneapolis 73^rd Best City in the World for 2021 (includes parks, bike trails)

September 2021 – Minneapolis Big Wheel in Urban Cycling Movement

October 2021 – Minneapolis 9^th Best Place for Outdoor Enthusiasts to Live and Work – 2021 Edition

October 2021 – Owamni by the Sioux Chef (at Water Works Park Pavilion) among “50 places in America we’re most excited about right now”

November 2021 – Owamni by the Sioux Chef (at Water Works Park Pavilion) among 40 of “Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America, 2021”

November 2021 – Water Works at Mill Ruins Park, Best New Park by Minnesota Monthly The Best of MN: 2021

November 2021 – Water Works Park and Pavilion a Top 20 finalist for “Best New Attraction” in USA Today’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Award

December 2021 – Water Works Park and Pavilion a Top 10 “Best New Attraction” in 2021 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Award

November 2020 – Minneapolis Sculpture Garden among Trop 15 Sculpture Gardens in the U.S.

October 2020 – In Minnesota Monthly Best of MN 2020 Readers’ Choice, Theodore Wirth Park earns Best Mountain Bike Trail; Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, Best Paved Bike Trail; Lake of the Isles, Best Running Route

July 2020 – In City Pages Best of the Twin Cities 2020, Sea Salt Eatery earns Best Restaurant to Take Out of Towners; Sandcastle, Best Restaurant for a First Date; Minnehaha Parkway, Best Road; Lake Nokomis Main Beach, Best Beach; Loring Park, Best Place to Ice Skate; Marshall Terrace Park and Minnehaha Falls, Best Public Parks; any Minneapolis Bike Path, Best Place to Take Out of Town Guests; Monarch Festival, Best Festival; Phillips Community Center, Best Gym

May 2020 – Sea Salt Eatery at Minnehaha Park ranked #3 Best Seafood, Lake Harriet Bandshell, Sandcastle at Lake Nokomis are “what we’re craving” in Mpls. St. Paul Magazine Readers’ Poll

May 2020 – Lyndale Park Rose Garden and Peace Garden, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Boom Island Park, Upper Harbor Terminal, Water Works, Stone Arch Bridge ranked Best of the Twin Cities 2020 in Mpls. St. Paul Magazine

May 2020 – Minneapolis ranked #1 Park System in the U.S.

April 2020 – Sandcastle on Lake Nokomis, Bread & Pickle on Lake Harriet, Sea Salt Eatery at Minnehaha Park offer Can’t Miss Park Food

April 2020 – Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, MNRRA, Winchell Trail named among 38 Perfect Parks by Mpls. St. Paul Magazine

April 2020 – Forestry Department receives Tree City USA Award and Growth Award

February 2020 – Trailhead Building at Theodore Wirth Regional Park earns Beauty of Wood design award

January 2020 – Pershing Park named Best Recreational Center

December 2019 – Minneapolis ranked Most Bikeable City in the U.S.

November 2019 – Eloise Butler, botanist and founder of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, named among leaders and changemakers in Minneapolis Suffragist Series – League of Women Voters’ Minneapolis

October 2019 – MPRB named 2019 AchieveMpls Community Partner Ally for Step Up internships

October 2019 – In Minnesota Monthly’s Best of MN, 2019 Readers’ Picks, Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes named Best Bike Trail and Lake Harriet Best Running Route

October 2019 – Visit Minnehaha Falls, Bike the Famous Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Attend an Outdoor Festival or Concert (MPRB movies and music in the parks) listed among “The Best Things To Do in Minneapolis During the Summer”

October 2019 – Minnehaha Falls named “Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts” and Loring Park named “Best for Plant Moms” by TripSavvy 2019 Editors’ Choice Awards

September 2019 – Minnehaha Regional Park named among The best American parks for incredible fall colors – Best Travel Tale

July 2019 – Minneapolis Sculpture Garden named Best Public Art; Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (includes Minneapolis riverfront), Best Preserve; Great River Road National Scenic Byway (includes Minneapolis river road and parkways), Best Cultural Trail, Best History Trail and Best State Trail

July 2019 – Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes, Lake Nokomis, Theodore Wirth Park, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Lyndale Park Gardens, Minnehaha Falls and music and movies in the parks listed among reasons “Why You Should Move to the Twin Cities”

July 2019 – MPRB’s Levin Triangle, North Loop and Powderhorn named among 5 Best parks and playgrounds for children in the Twin Cities area

June 2019 – MPRB Community Outreach Department (with Juneteenth Community Committee) presented State of Minnesota Proclamation for Juneteenth Freedom Day by Governor Tim Walz

May 2019 – Webber Pool, Lake Harriet Beach and Sea Salt Eatery [at Minnehaha Park]: listed among Top 10 attractions for Yelp Twin Cities’ Summer Bucket List

May 2019 – Minneapolis ranked #3 Park System in the U.S.

May 2019 – Minneapolis ranked 3^rd Fittest City in the U.S.

April 2019 – Minneapolis ranked among 20 Most Dog-Friendly Cities of 2019

April 2019 – Minneapolis named 5^th among Top 10 Cities for Runners

April 2019 – In City Pages’ Best of the Twin Cities 2019, Loring Park Dog Grounds earns Best Dog Park; Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, Best Bike Trail; Theodore Wirth to Calhoun Beach Club; Best Place to Cross-Country Ski; Columbia Golf Club; Best Place to Sled; Minnehaha Creek Bunny, Best Landmark; Sea Salt [at Minnehaha Park] Opens: Best Sign of Spring

April 2019 – MPRB Forestry Department received Tree City USA Award & Growth Award from The Arbor Day Foundation

March 2019 – MPRB Forestry Department received Minnesota Lifetime Achievement Award for 40 great years of Elmer the Elm Tree campaign by Minnesota Society of Arboriculture and the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee

March 2019 – Minneapolis Park Police Department received President’s Award from the Park Law Enforcement Association in recognition to response to opioid overdoses and homelessness

January 2019 – Minneapolis ranked 6^th (of 100) Best City for an Active Lifestyle

December 2018 – Government Alliance for Race Equity and League of Minnesota Cities recognize MPRB for Creating a More Inclusive and Effective Democracy

November 2018 – MPRB Forestry Department earns Legacy Project of the Year Award

October 2018 – Minneapolis named one of the Best Big Cities in the U.S.

October 2018 – Minnehaha Falls earns TripSavvy 2018 Editors’ Choice Award for Best Beaches & Natural Attractions

October 2018 – Loring Park earns TripSavvy 2018 Editors’ Choice Award for Best Parks & Gardens

July 2018 – MPRB and Xcel Energy earn State Leadership in Clean Energy Award for solar power projects in 5 parks: East Phillips Cultural and Community Center, Lake Nokomis, Parade Ice Arena, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and Webber Natural Swimming Pool

June 2018 – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board earns Award of Excellence for 2017 Customer Service Boot Camp: Back to the Basics Staff Training

May 2018 – Minneapolis named among 10 Most Dog-Friendly cities in the US

May 2018 – Minneapolis named NRPA Gold Medal Award Finalist

May 2018 – Minneapolis is one of the 15 US Cities where it’s easiest to live without a car

May 2018 –Lake Harriet earns Best Park in Minnesota

May 2018 – Minneapolis ranked #1 Most Bikeable City

May 2018 – Minneapolis ranked #1 Park System in America

April 2018 – MPRB Forestry earns Tree City USA Award & Growth Award

April 2018 – In City Pages’ Best of the Twin Cities 2018 Readers’ Choice Poll, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden earns Best Public Art; Cedar Lake East Beach, Best Beach; Minnehaha Regional Park, Best Public Park.

April 2018 – In City Pages’ Best of the Twin Cities 2018, Stone Arch Bridge earns Best Place to People-Watch; Lake Nokomis, Best Beach; Wabun Picnic Area, Best Splash Pad; Minnehaha Regional Park, Best Public Park; Minnehaha Creek Park, Best Place to Jog

April 2018 – Minneapolis ranked Second Best City for Runners

March 2018 – MPRB Forestry earns Lifetime Achievement Award

January 2018 – Minneapolis named one of the 10 Best Cities for an Active Lifestyle

November 2017 – Minneapolis/St. Paul ranked 4^th Best U.S. City for an Affordable Getaway

October 2017 – Minneapolis ranked 12th Greenest City in America, #1 Bike Score

October 2017 – Minneapolis ranked 8^th Best City for Dog Lovers

September 2017 – Minneapolis-St. Paul and Dallas-Fort Worth tie for America’s Cleanest Cities

September 2017 – Minneapolis among 15 Best U.S. Cities to view Autumn Foliage

August 2017 – Minneapolis named one of 10 Greenest cities in the U.S.

July 2017 – Minneapolis ranked 7^h Best Big City to Live In

July 2017 – Minnehaha Falls Dog Park earns Best Dog Park in Minnesota by WCCO Viewers’ Choice

June 2017 – Minneapolis named among eight Top American Cities You’ll Want to Visit in Summertime – Orbitz

June 2017 – Minneapolis named one of Top 13 Cycling Cities in the US

June 2017 – Minneapolis-St. Paul earn Best Place to Bike-Commute Year-Round

May 2017 – Minneapolis ranked #1 City for Staycations

May 2017 – Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington earn America’s Fittest City by American Fitness Index

May 2017 – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board named NRPA Gold Medal Award Finalist

May 2017 – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board earns 2016 Award of Excellence for adoption of the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan (NPP20)

May 2017 – Minneapolis ranked #1 Park System in the United States for fifth consecutive year

April 2017 – Eloise butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary Boardwalk Project earns Merit Award

April 2017 – Minneapolis ranked Second Best City for Runners

April 2017 – Father Hennepin Bluff Park earns Best Public Park in Best of the Twin Cities

April 2017 – Minnehaha Park and Falls earns Best Public Park in Reader’s Choice Award

March 2017 – MPRB Forestry Department earns Minnesota Community Forestry Award

February 2017 – Minneapolis ranked 18^th Most Bike Friendly City in the World

February 2017 – Minneapolis ranked Most Bike Friendly City in the U.S.

February 2017 – Minneapolis ranked #1 Bike Friendly City in America

February 2017 – Minneapolis ranked 7^th best city for living w out a car

February 2017 – Minneapolis named among 11 U.S. Cities Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

February 2017 – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board earns Tree City USA Award and Growth Award

January 2017 – Minneapolis ranked 6^th Best city for an Active Lifestyle

Dec. 2016 – Grand Rounds Scenic Byway part of 1000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die by Workman Publishing Co.

Sept. 2016 – Minnehaha Falls earns 16th Most Breathtaking Destination in the World

Aug. 2016 – Minneapolis earns America’s Fittest Town from Muscle and Fitness

Aug. 2016 – Minneapolis Chain of Lakes earns Best Running City

July 2016 – Lake Harriet earns Best Lake – Southwest Journal

July 2016 – Minnehaha Creek earns Best Trail – Southwest Journal

July 2016 – Lynnhurst Park earns Best Park – Southwest Journal

May 2016 – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board earns #1 Park System in America from the Trust for Public Land

April 2016 – Lake Nokomis earns Best Summer Swimming – Southwest Journal

April 2016 – John Elward, Arborist Crew Leader, earns the Mark Stennes Award from the Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course

April 2016 – Minneapolis earns 12th Most Walkable City

Mar. 2016 – Minneapolis-St. Paul earn 7th Top Metropolitans of 2015 in the East North Central Region (3rd Best in the West North Central Region) – Site Selection Magazine

Mar. 2016 – Minneapolis-St. Paul earn 12th Best Place to Live in the US – RealEstate.USNews.com

Feb. 2016 – Minneapolis Park Police Department earn the Platinum Excellence Award from the Park Law Enforcement Association

Jan. 2016 – Minneapolis earns the 6th Best City for an Active Lifestyle

Dec. 2015 – The Grand Rounds earn a Sensible Land Use Coalition 2015 Great Places Award

Nov. 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #34 for America’s Best Cities for Winter Travel

Oct. 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #7 for Most Green Cities in America

Oct. 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul is among America’s Best Cities for Fall Travel – Travel + Leisure

Oct. 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul is #1 in The 8 Absolute Top Cities in the US to Live In – Patch of Earth

Oct. 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul – Bloomington are #19 on the Best & Worst Cities for Winter Holiday Travel

Oct. 2015 – Pathways to Places earns the Minneapolis Downtown Council 2025 Plan Leadership Award

Sep. 2015 – Minneapolis Sculpture Garden ranked #13 Best Art Museum in America

Sep. 2015 – Minneapolis Ranked #3 20 Best City for 20 Somethings

Sep. 2015 – Minneapolis Parks earns CAPRA Reaccreditation, Best of the Best Award in Parks and Recreation Magazine

Sep. 2015 – Sergeant Rick Doll earns Distinguished Service Award from Special Olympics Minnesota

Aug. 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #25 on The World’s 30 Friendliest Cities – Travel + Leisure

July 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #17 on America’s Best Cities for Picnics – Travel + Leisure

July 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #7 Best City for Recreation

July 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #4 of 10 Best Destinations for an Affordable Late Summer Vacation – Main Street

July 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #1 of Top 10 Cities Where People Don’t Look Their Age – Trends.RealSelf.com

July 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #4 of America’s Best Cities for Festivals – Travel + Leisure

July 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #3 Friendliest City in America

June 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #1 of 2015’s Best Cities for 4th of July Celebrations

June 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #2 of The 18 Best Biking Cities on Earth – Travel + Leisure

June 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #2 of the 10 Most Playful Cities for Families

June 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #17 of America’s Best Cities for History Buffs – Travel + Leisure

June 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul – Bloomington ranked #46 in Best Places for Summer Travel

June 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #18 of The 20 Most Bike-Friendly Cities on the Planet

May 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #15 in 2015’s Best Cities for Staycations

May 2015 – Minneapolis Parks and St. Paul Parks tie for first place on the Trust for Public Land ParkScore® Index

May 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #2 on the American College of Sports Medicine Fitness Index®

May 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #1 Most Bikeable City of 2015

May 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #2 in the 20 Greenest Cities in America – Travel + Leisure

May 2015 – Minneapolis Parks earns Tree City USA Award from The Arbor Day Foundation

April 2015- Minneapolis – St. Paul – Bloomington ranked #17 in Gallup’s State of American Well-Being

April 2015 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #5 in the 8 Best Cities for Frugal Lovers of the Outdoors

April 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #1 in the Top 10 Healthiest Cities

April 2015 – The Sea Salt Eatery ranked #24 in The 38 Essential Twin Cities Restaurants

April 2015 – The Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan awarded by the American Society of Landscape Architects

April 2015 – Minnehaha Falls earns Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests

April 2015 – Boom Island Park earns Best Picnic Spot

April 2015 – Ridgway Parkway earns Best View by City Pages

April 2015 – Minnehaha Falls earns Best Dog Park

April 2015 – Loring Park earns Best Public Park

April 2015 – Lake Nokomis earns Best Lake

April 2015 – Cedar Lake Regional Trail earns Best Bike Trail

April 2015 – Lake Harriet Band Shell earns Best Place to Watch a Film Outdoors

April 2015 – Minneapolis Sculpture Garden earns Best Public Art

April 2015 – Theodore Wirth Park earns Best Place to Sled

April 2015 – Minnehaha Falls earns Best Public Park

Mar. 2015 – Minneapolis ranked #2 in the Top 10 Best Downtowns

Dec. 2014 – Wirth Beach earns the Great Places Award from the Sensible Land Use Coalition

Dec. 2014 – Ellen Kosmoski earns the Hospitality Hero Award from Meeting Minneapolis

Nov. 2014 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #4 overall, #1 for public parks in America’s Favorite Cities 2014

Oct. 2014 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #34 in America’s Best Cities for Winter Travel – Travel + Leisure

Oct. 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #2 in America’s Most Cyclist Friendly Cities on ForRent.com

Sep. 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #1 in The Friendliest Cities

Sep. 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #2 in Too Cool for School: 8 Fun End of Summer Escapes

Aug. 2014 – Bde Maka Ska featured in Best Midwest Beaches

Aug. 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #3 in The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S.

Aug. 2014 – Minneapolis – St. Paul ranked #9 in America’s Best Cities for Fall Travel – Travel + Leisure

Aug. 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #3 in 2014 Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities in Bicycling Magazine

July 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #4 best in Best & Worst Cities for Recreation

May 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #3 in Best Cities for Cyclists – NerdWallet.com

May 2014 – Minnesota ranked #2 in 2014 Bicycle Friendly State Ranking – The League of American Bicyclists

May 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #1 in 5 Best Midwest Cities for Green Commuters – HomeOwnersInsurance.com

May 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #5 in Top 10 Cycling Cities in the U.S.

May 2014 – Minneapolis Parks ranked Number One Park System in the U.S. by the Trust for Public Land

April 2014 – Minneapolis featured in The 10 Best Big Cities for Active Families

April 2014 – Minneapolis featured in 10 Cities You Should Explore on Two Wheels

April 2014 – Minneapolis featured in Top 10 Greenest Cities in America – NerdWallet.com

April 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #3 in 10 Best Cycling Towns

April 2014 – Chain of Lakes featured in Best City for Family Travel

April 2014 – Minneapolis featured in The Most Kid-Friendly Cities in America

April 2014 – Minneapolis featured in 10 Best Biking Vacations for Families

April 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #5 in 7 Kid-friendly cities to move to in the U.S.

Mar. 2014 – Minneapolis featured in Top 10 Best Convention Cities

Mar. 2014 – Minneapolis ranked #2 in Top 10 Healthiest Cities in the US – CheatSheet.com

Mar. 2014 – Minneapolis featured in Top 10 Best Cities to be an Artist on MyLife.com

Feb. 2014 – Minneapolis – St. Paul featured in Top 10 Things for Families to do in Minnesota

Jan. 2014 – Minneapolis Chain of Lakes earns Best City for Family Travel – TripAdvisor.com

Jan. 2014 – Minneapolis – St. Paul featured in Top 15 Destinations for Winter Getaways

Jan. 2014 – Minneapolis – St. Paul earns America’s Fittest City – Today.com