Wabun Picnic Area

If you've been hauling your family to the same crowded park picnic tables and wondering if there's something better, Wabun Picnic Area is the answer. Tucked into the Hiawatha neighborhood along the Mississippi River gorge, Wabun is one of those spots that Minneapolis locals have quietly loved for decades without putting it on every "best of" list.

The setting is genuinely beautiful. The park sits on a bluff above the river, with big mature trees providing real shade — not the sad-sapling shade you get at newer parks. Kids immediately fan out across the open meadow, which is flat enough for kicking a soccer ball but has enough natural interest (hills, hidden paths, the sound of the river below) to keep curious kids exploring.

The riverbank access is what makes Wabun stand out. Older kids and teens can scramble down to spots where you can actually see and hear the Mississippi, which hits different from the usual playground experience. This is one of the few Minneapolis park spots where kids genuinely feel like they're somewhere wild.

For logistics: there are restrooms on-site, parking is free, and the paved paths make it manageable for strollers even if some of the river access trails are rougher. The pavilions are reservable through Minneapolis Parks — useful if you're planning a birthday or bigger gathering. But the regular picnic tables are first-come, first-served and free.

Wabun connects to the Minnehaha Creek trail system, so you can extend your visit with a walk north toward Minnehaha Falls (about a mile). That trail is paved and fully stroller-accessible, making Wabun a natural launch point for a half-day adventure. Go early on summer weekends — by noon the good spots are taken.