Introduction
There are many places to picnic along the Mississippi River within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The following list are our suggestions, but isn't an inclusive list.
Our Suggestions
Akin Riverside Park
1721 River Ave., Anoka, MN 55303
Located just north of the confluence of the Rum and Mississippi Rivers, Akin Riverside Park is a 6.5 acre park that offers many amenities for visitors. The community park offers historic exhibits, restrooms, playground equipment and a picnic area with tables, grills and shelter. The park also has river access with a boat launch and two fishing platforms.
East Coon Rapids Dam
Egret Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Home to great fishing, a wide variety of recreational opportunities and enriching educational programs and exhibits, the 446-acre Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is a year-round destination that attracts a wide variety of visitors. The east side of the park also offers six public pavilions and a meeting area. Contact park staff for reservation information.
Fort Snelling State Park
101 Snelling Lake Rd., St. Paul, MN 55111
Located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi River, Fort Snelling State Park provides two, large picnic areas on the Picnic Island. Both shelters include picnic tables and pedestal grills, and are handicapped accessible. There are also many after picnic activities to enjoy, including educational programs and exhibits at the visitor center, biking and hiking trails and a park-sponsored geocache.
Hidden Falls Regional Park
Mississippi River Blvd., St Paul, MN 55116
Voted Best Picnic Spot by City Pages, Hidden Falls offers visitors a diverse picnicking experience. From the open sitting spaces at the river’s edge to the sheltered picnic areas near the bluffs, Hidden Falls offers spaces for all types of visitors. Grills, picnic shelters and sitting areas are available free of charge to the public.
Minnehaha Regional Park
4825 Minnehaha Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55417
Located at 4801 Minnehaha Avenue South in Minneapolis, Minnehaha Regional Park is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Minnehaha Park lies just off Highway 55 and Godfrey Parkway in Minneapolis. The park contains four outdoor picnic sites and a picnic shelter with cooking and restroom facilities.
Mississippi Riverside Park
2820 8th St. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406
Mississippi Riverside Park is a neighborhood park located just outside of the downtown area on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The 40-acre park is one of the oldest in the city of Minneapolis and was renovated from 2000 to 2001. Through the refurbishments which have taken place, the park amenities include soccer fields, a basketball court, picnic areas and walking paths.
Schaar’s Bluff
8500 127th St. E, Hastings, MN 55033
Located 21 miles south of St. Paul, Schaars Bluff in Spring Lake Park and Preserve offers expansive views of the Mississippi River over Spring Lake, a large Mississippi backwater. The lake is a popular site for migratory waterfowl and offers visitors a great place to enjoy a picnic.
