26th Avenue North Overlook Overlook will link North Minneapolis to the Mississippi River through an iconic new park destination that includes a trail loop, gathering space and riverfront beacon.

Project Milestones

• Spring/Summer 2020 – Anticipated construction
• January 2020 – Construction contract awarded
• July/August 2019 – Project bidding
• August 2018 – Project design initiated
• July 2018 – Design team Request for Proposals issued

History

The overlooks location at the eastern end of 26th Ave N makes it a natural pivot point bringing parks users and bike commuters from North and Northeast Minneapolis across the city and into Downtown.

In addition, the site’s location on the Mississippi River offers an opportunity to create a new riverfront amenity in North Minneapolis. By locating the new park at this juncture, the overlook will eventually extend the existing Ole Olson Park north and creates a staged reconnection of Farview Park to the river.

With the recent completion of the City of Minneapolis 26th Avenue North Greenway from Theodore Wirth Regional Park to the river, the overlook area is better connected to the North Minneapolis neighborhoods.  The next step in development is to create a destination with the overlook and enhanced plantings and amenities for people to enjoy.  Eventually MPRB plans to develop the riverfront trail extending upward from Ole Olson Park; the overlook will eventually sit at a crossroad of important trail connections.

Funding Sources and Park History

MPRB is partnering with the Minneapolis Parks Foundation (MPF) which supports park projects with philanthropic donations.  In 2015 MPRB and MPF agreed to partner on the first RiverFirst projects, Water Works Mezzanine Phase and the 26th Avenue North Overlook. The overlook is currently being funded primarily through private donations.