Minneapolis / 10 photo spots
10 Instagram spots around Minneapolis
Minneapolis combines Mississippi river views with lakeside paths, gardens and civic architecture. These ideas use park walks and public streets as starting points.
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Photo spots on the map
0 of 10 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
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Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Stone Arch Bridge from Father Hennepin Bluff Park
Paths in Father Hennepin Bluff Park overlook the Mississippi and Stone Arch Bridge. From an open section of the park, frame a few of the stone arches with the river below.
Search Google MapsMinnehaha Falls overlook
The overlook near the pavilion provides a view of Minnehaha Falls. Keep the photograph within the designated viewing area and use the surrounding greenery to frame the drop.
Search Google MapsGold Medal Park
A spiral path climbs the landscaped observation mound at Gold Medal Park. From the open path, photograph the curve of the walk with trees and a slice of the city beyond.
Search Google MapsMinneapolis Sculpture Garden
The outdoor sculpture garden has paths between public artworks. Choose a wider view that shows a work within the planted garden. Personal photography is allowed, and formal portrait sessions have separate rules.
Search Google MapsBde Maka Ska shoreline path
A walking path circles Bde Maka Ska. From the path, place a stretch of shoreline in the foreground and let the lake fill the rest of the frame. Follow any posted work detours.
Search Google MapsMill Ruins Park
Historic mill walls and waterpower remains sit beside the Mississippi at Mill Ruins Park. As of November 2026, the lower area is reached near the 35W Bridge Remembrance Garden. Leave by the same entrance and follow the construction signs.
Search Google MapsLyndale Park Peace Garden
The Peace Garden contains a zigzag footbridge and planted areas. Photograph from a garden path and let the angled bridge lead across the frame. Garden access follows its posted hours.
Search Google MapsMinneapolis City Hall
The City Hall and Courthouse has a clock tower and a granite exterior. From a public sidewalk, choose a vertical crop that includes the clock and part of the stonework below.
Search Google MapsBoom Island Park
Boom Island Park has walking trails and views across the Mississippi towards downtown. Use a riverside section of the park to place water in the foreground and the skyline above it.
Search Google MapsLake Harriet and Bandshell
A paved trail circles Lake Harriet and passes the park’s bandshell. Include a section of the path leading towards the bandshell, then leave room for the lake beside it.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Father Hennepin Bluff Park
- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park
- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Minnehaha Regional Park
- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Safe viewing at Minnehaha Falls
- Gold Medal Park Conservancy: Visit
- Gold Medal Park Conservancy: The park
- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
- Walker Art Center: Visitor Guidelines
- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Bde Maka Ska Park
- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Mill Ruins Park
- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Lyndale Park Peace Garden
- Municipal Building Commission: Building history
- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Boom Island Park
- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Lake Harriet Park