We offer reservable picnic sites with a variety of amenities throughout the city for family reunions, company picnics, and other outdoor gatherings.

Picnic Season

The picnic season runs April 15 – October 15. You will need a permit to reserve a picnic site.

  • 9 am-3 pm
  • 4 pm-10 pm
  • 9 am-10 pm

Reservable Picnic Sites

General Note:
Electric outlets onsite are for only small appliances such as radios, crockpots, coffee makers, etc. They cannot support larger appliances that require a higher amp capacity. Plugging in larger appliances will likely result in tripping the reset. Not all outlets have a reset button and would require the breaker to be reset, which is not available for public use. We ask that you please be mindful when utilizing the electrical outlets to avoid any inconvenience or interruptions during your event.

Beard’s Plaisance

Main Shelter

  • Capacity: 80
  • Half-Day: $185 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $345 plus tax

Boom Island

Shelter A

  • Capacity: 45
  • Half-Day: $140 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $255 plus tax

Shelter B

  • Capacity: 45
  • Half-Day: $140 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $255 plus tax

Shelter C

  • Capacity: 45
  • Half-Day: $140 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $255 plus tax

Columbia Park

Main Shelter

  • Capacity: 125
  • Half-Day: $140 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $255 plus tax

North Mississippi

Beaver Shelter A

  • Capacity: 50
  • Half-Day: $140 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $255 plus tax

Turtle Shelter B

  • Capacity: 50
  • Half-Day: $140 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $255 plus tax

Main Shelter C

  • Capacity: 150
  • Half-Day: $250 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $475 plus tax

Minnehaha Park

Wabun A

  • Capacity: 60
  • Half-Day: $140 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $255 plus tax

Wabun B

  • Capacity: 60
  • Half-Day: $140 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $255 plus tax

Wabun C

  • Capacity: 230
  • Half-Day: $250 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $475 plus tax

Wabun D

  • Capacity: 230
  • Half-Day: $250 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $475 plus tax

Wabun E

  • No roof
  • Capacity: 60
  • Half-Day: $75 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $125 plus tax

Wabun F

  • Capacity: 60
  • Half-Day: $140 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $255 plus tax

Wabun G

  • Capacity: 60
  • Half-Day: $140 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $255 plus tax

Minnehaha Area 2

  • No roof
  • Capacity: 80
  • Half-Day: $75 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $125 plus tax

Xcel Field

Main Shelter

  • Capacity: 50
  • Half-Day: $125 plus tax
  • Full-Day: $250 plus tax

Rates are subject to change. Please call to verify information.

Non-Reservable Picnic Sites

You may use the following open picnic areas on a first come, first served basis:

  • Minnehaha picnic area #1
  • The pavilion near Minnehaha Falls
  • Lake Harriet #1 near the bandstand
  • Theodore Wirth near the beach
  • East River Flats

Many neighborhood parks also offer open picnic areas on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Picnic Site Permits

We accept permit applications on a first paid, first served basis.

Returning Customers

Returning customers may reserve the same picnic shelter the next year up to 365 days in advance.

New Customers

New customers may submit a permit application for a picnic shelter beginning 335 days in advance.

Ways to Apply for a Permit:

Option 1: 

  • Online
Apply for a Permit

Note: Tax exempt organizations are required to submit a paper application along with their certificate of exemption form to qualify for the tax exempt rate. Applying online is not available.

Option 2:

Option 3: 

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board 2117 West River Rd N Minneapolis, MN 55411

Option 4:

Option 5: (Note: In-person registration is not available at this time)

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board 2117 West River Rd N Minneapolis, MN 55411

  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm

Option 6:

  • Call: 612-230-6400
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm

We process applications in the order received.

A completed application must be submitted and appropriate fee must be paid before a site and date will be reserved or a permit issued.

Picnic Policies

  • No fires outside of grills
  • Picnic permit allows for 3.2 beer only; no kegs
  • No amplification allowed in parks
  • No additional equipment can be erected on park land such as tables, tents or canopies
  • One-time date change is allowed with Administrative Fee and 10 or more days’ notice from original booking date
  • No cancellations/refunds*

*Satisfaction Guarantee: A refund may be issued only if, on the day of your picnic, your reserved picnic area was not clean and ready for you.

May I bring a grill to a Minneapolis park?

Yes, grills are allowed; we ask that charcoal not be disposed of in garbage cans.

Are dogs allowed in picnic areas?

Yes, your dog must be leashed at all times; please pick up after your pet.

Can I have alcohol at my picnic?

Only 3.2% beer in cans (no glass) is permitted with picnic permit. (No open containers, kegs, hard liquors or wine). According to MPRB Ordinance PB2-17.  No person or entity shall serve, dispense or consume any alcohol on park property except as specifically authorized herein. Alcohol may be served, dispensed or consumed on park property only pursuant to a permit issued by the superintendent or authorized by board action. Any such permit or authorization for the serving and dispensing of alcohol shall be conditioned upon the requesting person or entity providing proof of the existence of adequate insurance coverage as required by its liquor license and state law and naming the MPRB as an additional insured on such insurance policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no person or entity may serve or dispense alcohol for consumption unless:

  • The person or entity has obtained all necessary licenses that may be required under the laws of the State of Minnesota and any governing political subdivision.
  • The person or entity complies with all applicable laws, rules or regulations promulgated by the State of Minnesota and any governing political subdivision regarding the serving or dispensing of alcohol for consumption.

The park board may establish policies and regulations consistent with this ordinance to govern the serving, dispensing, and consumption of alcohol for venues, public, and private events. For more information on permits or the ordinance call 612-230-6400.

Can I have an inflatable "bounce house" at my picnic?

Inflatable “bounce houses” are not permitted at Beard’s Plaisance or Columbia Park. Wabun and North Mississippi Regional Parks do allow bounce houses for an additional fee, if reserved as an Exclusive Use. Boom Island and Xcel Field Park do not require an Exclusive Use permit; however, additional fees do apply.

Is live music or a D.J. allowed at my picnic?

Amplified sound is not allowed in picnic areas. Acoustic music is fine.

If I get a picnic permit, do my guests still have to pay for parking?

Yes, all parking is subject to posted payment and restrictions. Parking fees are not included in the price of a picnic permit.

Can I cancel my permit if the weather is bad?

No, picnic permits are not subject to cancellations or refunds. A one-time change can be made for a picnic permit, pending availability. The change must be made at least 10 days prior to the scheduled event. The fee for a change is $80.

Do I have access to electricity?

All of our reservable sheltered areas have electrical outlets available for use. That being said, the electrical outlets onsite are for only small appliances such as radios, crockpots, coffee makers, etc. They cannot support larger appliances that require a higher amp capacity. Plugging in larger appliances will likely result in tripping the reset. Not all outlets have a reset button and would require the breaker to be reset, which is not available for public use. We ask that you please be mindful when utilizing the electrical outlets to avoid any inconvenience or interruptions during your event.

What if there is a problem when I get to my reserved area? Whom do I call?

In the event of an issue that needs staff attention, please call Customer Service (Mon-Fri, 8 am-4:30 pm) at 612-230-6400 or Non-Emergency Park Police at 612-230-6550 during non-customer service open hours.

How do I know which shelter is mine?

Your permit will indicate the shelter that you have reserved. Shelters are marked with letters (A, B, C…) to differentiate amongst the shelters. Shelters will be marked as “Reserved” for you and your group with a red sign. Applicant must retain permit on site.

Are bathrooms available?

Yes, bathroom buildings are made available during permitted times.

Can I set up additional structures (tents, canopies, tables, dunk tanks, staging, etc.)?

No, these options are only permitted for an Exclusive Use (Wabun, North Mississippi & Boom Island). Additional permitting required.

Can I use stakes?

No, everything must be weighted or tied off.

Can I have my picnic catered?

Yes, parking is subject to posted payment and restrictions. No driving or parking on the grass. All deliveries must be made from the parking lot or curbside.

Are there any food catering restrictions?

No, food trucks are the only exception and require additional permitting. Food truck permits only apply to Wabun and North Mississippi Regional Park picnic shelters. Food trucks are not allowed at all other shelter areas more information. Contact Customer Service at 612-230-6400 for more information.

Is fire allowed?

No fire sources except for the use of designated grills for culinary purposes will be allowed on-site during any picnic reservation.

Can I get married at a picnic location?

Wedding ceremonies are allowed only at approved locations only with a valid wedding ceremony permit.


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