Water Works
425 West River Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Google Maps
Park Hours: 6 am-midnight
Daily Program Hours: 10 am-8 pm
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The Commons
425 Portland Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55488
Google Maps
Park Hours: 6 am-midnight
Daily Program Hours: 11 am-8 pm
Social Media
For weather cancellations and other news, check Downtown Parks and Markets social media:
Food
Water Works
Owamni is a restaurant serving modern Indigenous cuisine out of the second floor of Water Works Pavilion. Visit the Owamni website for hours and reservations. Owamni also offers local craft beer from a cart on the Water Works patio.
The Commons
A rotating fleet of food trucks are available for lunch every weekday along 5th Avenue S. The Commons Park has tables and chairs so you can enjoy your meal in the park. It will also offer Music in the Park concerts and free drop-in activities during the Summer months.
Hours: 11am – 2pm, Monday – Friday
Music and Movies
Thanks for a great 2023 Music and Movies Season in downtown parks, we are looking forward to 2024. If you are interested in performing in Minneapolis Parks as part of our Summer Concert Series please visit this link and sign up for the email list. Apply now through February 14th, 2024 for the 2024 Music in the Park Series.
Active Class
Active Classes in the Parks
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is excited to partner with some of the best fitness studios across Minneapolis to bring their great workouts to our beautiful outdoor locations across downtown. If you are interested in hosting a wellness class in our downtown parks you need to apply for an Active Class permit. Examples of classes would include yoga, running, fitness, etc in which revenues are collected for participation. To obtain a permit, at least 10 days are required before the class proposed takes place. Review, complete, and submit the appropriate application for your Active Class: Active Class Application [PDF].
– Classes are restricted to 2-hour maximums any time between 6am-10pm.
– Class prices may vary dependent on size and park usage.
– Insurance is required to host a class in Minneapolis parks.
Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Active Class Application in its entirety, if sections are left blank your application will not be accepted.
Step 2: Submit the completed application to MPRB staff using one of the submittal options below.
– Email a PDF version to parksdowntown@minneapolisparks.org
– Mail or bring in a copy to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (2117 West River Road North Minneapolis, MN 55411)
Step 3: Your application will be reviewed by MPRB staff within 10 business days of reception.
Step 4: Staff will then approve the event or have follow-up questions/reasons for denial.
Free Daily Drop-In Activities
Water Works
All activities are free and do not require registration
Outdoor Exploration Kits
Every day, 10:30 am-9 pm,
Enjoy the riverfront with tree or bird identification kits, binoculars, or native flower coloring books and crayons. Check out a bag and go explore!
Games
Every day, 10:30 am-9 pm
Play Bags, Bocce, Frisbee or Lawn Dice. Borrow one of the classics or try something new! Table games also available for checkout to play at any of the nearby park tables, or bring a blanket and play in the grass.
View Game Inventory
Self-Guided Art Tour
Did you know there are 20 major public artworks in Downtown Minneapolis? Check out our interactive, online art tour! Use the link below to take a self-guided tour with directions and information about each artwork.
Downtown Minneapolis Public Art Tour
Downtown Art Tour
Did you know there are 20 major public artworks in Downtown Minneapolis? Check out our interactive, online art tour! Use the link below to take a self-guided tour with directions and information about each artwork.
Downtown Public Art Tour
Get Involved
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is always looking for partners to enhance programming in our downtown parks. Please get in touch via email at parksdowntown@minneapolisparks.org if you have a great programming idea or would like to partner with Minneapolis Parks.
Wellness Interest Form
Propose fitness or yoga classes, meditation gatherings, running meet-ups or other activities to help our community get active outdoors at Downtown Minneapolis Parks!
Artist Interest Form
Propose artwork, experiences, classes or performances to help our community reconnect, recover and find joy at Downtown Minneapolis Parks!
Events
Embark on a captivating journey into the art of ice lantern crafting with our introductory class, guided by the experienced Ice Wrangler of Wintercraft. Delve into the fundamentals of crafting captivating ice lanterns, exploring essential techniques such as design elements, textures, and lighting effects.
Tailored for beginners, this class provides an ideal entry point into the magical world of ice lantern creation.
Register here