- Where can I park at Minneapolis parks?
The MPRB has a variety of parking options. Approximately 50 percent of MPRB’s parking lots for regional parks and parkways offer free parking, and the remaining lots are a combination of hourly or designated annual Patron Parking Permit spaces. All MPRB neighborhood parks feature free parking.
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- Where can I have my wedding?
From views of the Mississippi and waterfalls to gardens and sculptures, wedding venues include Boom Island, Central Riverfront Park, Cowles Conservatory, Deming Heights, Father Hennepin Bluffs, Lake Harriet, Lyndale Park, Minnehaha Park, Sculpture Garden, Theodore Wirth Park, Thomas Lowry Park and Water Power Park.
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- How can I get involved in gardening, coaching youth programs or as a guide at historic sites?
For information about these and a variety of other volunteer opportunities in the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board system, visit the volunteer section or call 612-313-7778.
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- Where is Minnehaha Falls?
Minnehaha Falls is found in Minnehaha Park near the Longfellow House Interpretive Center off Highway 55 and Minnehaha.
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- Where is the Lake Harriet Rose Garden?
The Rose Garden is located on the east side of Lake Harriet in the Chain of Lakes Byway District. For more information on other wild and domestic gardens, see the garden information page.
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- What is the Quaking Bog?
A unique habitat located in Theodore Wirth Park, the Quaking Bog features nearly 200 mature tamaracks that shade the understory sphagnum moss of the hidden five-acre acid bog. A floating dockway crosses the open moat to the kettle depression of the quaking bog.
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- Where is the Theodore Wirth Off-Road Cycling Trail?
The 4.36-mile trail twists and climbs its way through a wooded, hilly section of Wirth Park east of Twin Lakes, north of Highway 55, and west of the golf course.
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- Where is the Stone Arch Bridge?
The James J. Hill Historic Stone Arch Bridge is the only stone bridge that crosses the Mississippi River. It's found in the Downtown Riverfront byway district south of the Hennepin Avenue Bridge.
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- Where is the Wildflower Garden?
Look for the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary in Theodore Wirth Park, south of Wirth Lake along the parkway. For more information on other wild and domestic gardens, see the garden information page.
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- Where can I see birds?
While there are birds across the entire Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway and river gorge, there are bird sanctuaries within the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary in Theodore Wirth Park and at the Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary in the Chain of Lakes byway district near Lake Harriet.
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- Is alcohol or 3.2 beer allowed on park property?
According to MPRB Ordinance PB2-17. “No person shall take, use, or have in or upon any park or parkway, any intoxicating liquor except as specifically authorized” in select Park Board locations. No kegs are allowed.
3.2 beer is not considered “intoxicating” liquor as it pertains to the ordinance. It is allowed for private consumption (cans only) in controlled designated areas in the regional park system, such as those reserved by the public for picnics. A permit is not required.
No 3.2 beer is allowed in recreation centers or on that park’s property.
No alcohol can be given away or sold to the general public without a permit, fenced-in area, City license, insurance and at a minimum two Park Police officers.
For more information on permits or the ordinance call 612-230-6400.
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- Can I ask a live person for more information and brochures about the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board?
Stop by MPRB headquarters at 2117 West River Road for maps and information, or call the Park Board Customer Service at 612-230-6400.
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- Can I smoke in Minneapolis Parks?
Details can be found in the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Tobacco Use Policy
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- How does the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board fit into the City of Minneapolis governmental structure?
The MPRB is a semi-autonomous independent body of City Government founded in 1883 by legislative authority. It is responsible for maintaining and developing the Minneapolis Park system and providing a comprehensive set of services and recreation programs that meet the needs of all Minneapolis citizens. The MPRB also provides for the policing of park properties and maintenance of street trees.
Just as the City of Minneapolis has elected officials (City Council Members), who direct the work of City Departments and staff, the MPRB has its own elected officials (Board of Commissioners) who direct the work of MPRB Divisions and staff. Commissioners are elected every four years (same schedule as the Mayor and City Council Members).
The Board also levies taxes within the limits set by the Board of Estimate and Taxation, files appropriations and controls expenditures from several operating funds.
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Answers to frequently asked questions about the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.