Top Rated Parks to Visit in Lake Minnetonka

"The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an 11-acre park that is home to Minneapolis’s famous giant spoon sculpture, Claes Oldenburg’s ‘Spoonbridge and Cherry.’ Established in 1988 and located near the Walker Art Center, the 11-acre garden houses more than 40 stunning works of sculpture from the nearby Walker Art Center’s collections, including the crown jewel of the garden – the giant spoon - which is one of the most photographed sites in the city. The garden also regularly hosts outdoor concerts and educational activities for visitors of all ages and free garden tours take place on the grounds from May through August. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is open 365 days a year, from dusk until midnight."

"Afterward, meander through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Adjacent to the Walker Art Center, the garden is known for its iconic pieces like Spoonbridge and Cherry and is open every day of the year from 6 a.m."

"Though an island no more, Boom Island Park was named for the island on which it originally sat. The island itself was named for the booms that were used to separate the logs that rolled down the Mississippi River to surrounding sawmills. A buildup of silt and sawdust is what caused the island to become part of the mainland, and a park was developed in the 1980s."

"Boom Island Park is where you can find the next one of the best Minneapolis Instagram spots. The park features a lot of beautiful nature, including a large field with grass. Sitting down at this place is great and you can have a picnic here."

"Boom Island Park sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. It features a small lighthouse, a boat dock, and numerous fun opportunities for its guests."

"An oasis of green right in the heart of the Mill District, Gold Medal Park provides 7.5 acres of open space and relaxing energy for the bustling urban neighborhood. The park sits on what was once the gathering place for Minnesotans when the I035W bridge collapse occurred in 2007. Today the park offers a place for locals to come escape the urban fray along its walking trails, which offer views of the historic neighborhood, as well as the Mississippi River."

"Address: Second Street and 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415, United States. Rating: 4.7 out of 5. A stunning 7.5-acre area built out of the resurgent vitality of Minneapolis’ riverfront Mill District is one of the town’s prominent sites the Gold Medal Park."

"This park belongs to the most Instagrammable places in Minneapolis. You find here a lot of trees, grass, and other elements from nature. View this post on Instagram"

"One of the most distinctive features of Minneapolis' southwestern ice is Lake Harriet. The impressive lake sets the scene for much of the city's outdoor activity, from sailing and fishing to live music and outdoor movies in the park. From the banks of the lake, visitors have sweeping views of Minneapolis."

"4135 W Lake Harriet ParkwayMinneapolis, MN 55409(612) 230-6400. Lake Harriet Park is a picturesque park that features beaches, gardens, picnic areas, a beautiful castle-like bandstand, and so much more."

"The bandshell at Normandale Lake Park comes alive during summer evenings with the Thursday Night Blockbuster Series. Bring a lawn chair and your picnic dinner; the music starts at 7pm. For something more up the kids’ alley, Moir Park (see separate entry below for more) hosts the Monday Morning Kids Series weekly at 10am, June through August."

"A post shared by Longfellow Grill (@longfellowgrill) on Feb 10, 2020 at 12:35pm PST. A famous family destination, Longfellow Grill offers a wide variety of delicacies perfect for both kids and adults alike. If you have a long queue ahead of you and you are with the kids, then they can run freely around the statue situated right outside the eatery."

"Longfellow Grill is nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River on the furthest east side of Lake Street that you can possibly get. Longfellow Grill is known for its beer and breakfast foods. As a sister restaurant, Longfellow Grill serves Freehouse beers (another Minnesota native) that are only $3 during happy hour."

"If simple and casual with American grub is your idea of a good time, head to E. Lake St. and hit Longfellow Grill. They have an outdoor patio on the Mississippi River."

"If you’re more of a frozen yogurt fan than an ice cream fan then Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt in Saint Paul is the “ice cream” spot for you. All of the frozen yogurt flavors are custom blends that you will only find at Menchie’s — that’s 100+ flavors. Once you’ve found your go to yogurt flavor the fun begins with toppings ranging from fresh fruit to frosted animal crackers to marshmallow topping."

"Ericsson’s Bill’s Garden Chinese Gourmet, located at 4209 28th Ave. South, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Chinese spot four stars out of 73 reviews."