Some days one just wants to escape from the usual urban landscape for dining in the city. On the nicest of summer days, the weather can be just perfect to take your lunch outdoors and enjoy Minnesota’s warmer months. Thankfully, there’s plenty of gorgeous picnic areas near you in Minneapolis. To help you plan the perfect weekend, we have compiled a list of picnic ideas.
Wabun Picnic Area
4655 46th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Located in Minnehaha Regional Park, the Wabun Picnic Area is suitable enough for larger gatherings, especially for a picnic with the family. There are four picnic shelters, a large playground area perfect for the kids, and plenty of trails to walk off your meal.
Boom Island Park
724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
For a picturesque riverside view to make your lunch complete, Boom Island Park is the perfect area to have a picnic. The boat dock is a great spot to take in the refreshing sight of boats coming and going. The playground is inviting enough for any child. Restrooms and trails are also present to enjoy the park long after lunch has been served.
Lake Hiawatha Park
2701 E 44th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
When the family seeks a bit more fun during their picnic, Lake Hiawatha Park has plenty of fun to be had. There’s so much to take in with 45 acres of the lake surrounding an area with golf, splashpad, playgrounds, ball fields, and even interactive sculptures.
Gold Medal Park
Second Street and 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415
If you’re looking for picnic ideas in Minneapolis, Gold Medal Park just outside the Guthrie is the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the day. This park was designed by Tom Oslund and opened in 2007. Think of it as a cozy secret spot of green in a city mostly dominated by buildings.
Beard’s Plaisance
4525 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Positioned right next to Lake Harriet is the picnic-friendly and plentifully playful Beard’s Plaisance. With their nature-themed playground and tennis courts, there’s fun for kids and adults. Their picnic areas also come with grills in case you feel like making your meal in the great outdoors for the ultimate picnic experience.
Hidden Falls Regional Park
1313 Hidden Falls Dr, St Paul, MN 55116
For those seeking a picnic area with a beautiful landscape, Hidden Falls Regional Park near Minneapolis is a long-standing location that is suitably peaceful. There’s a lot of charm to this spot, harboring waterfalls, trails, and gorgeous views.
Minnehaha Falls
Roughly Hiawatha and Minnehaha Aves, and Godfrey Rd., Minneapolis, Minnesota
As one of the more expansive parks of Minneapolis, Minnehaha Falls is an absolute delight for its 170 acres of natural wonder. Standing for well over a century, the falls area has a lot of trails and a fantastic view of some wondrous waterfalls. The area is best suited for those interested in taking a hike with their picnic.
Bde Maka Ska
Near Uptown in Minneapolis, Minnesota
If you’re searching for a place to have a picnic and swim, an excellent idea may consist of traveling to Bde Maka Ska. The 401-acre lake is quite the location for all things boating, running, or just relaxing with your lunch. It’s a far more busy place of sorts considering the wealth for joggers and boats present around the area.
Mill Ruins Park
102 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55401
For a bit of history with your picnic, the Mill Ruins Park, located just outside the Mill City Museum, has a very interesting appeal for both its view and its culture. The park itself is home to relics of the old flouring mills and it’s located right next to the Mississippi River.
View the Best Waterparks Near Minneapolis
Need to beat the heat? View our list of best waterparks near the city.
View the Best Waterparks Near Minneapolis
Cedar Lake Point Beach
Cedar Lake Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55416
A recreational refuge of sorts, Cedar Lake Point Beach is one of the prime areas for a beach picnic in Minneapolis. Their sandy beaches are perfect for chilling on with a blanket for a summer picnic and the lake is suited for all sorts of water fun for families.
Featured Image Credit: Minnehaha Falls Facebook Page
