Courtesy of Three Rivers Park District
In Brooklyn Park, an under-the-radar regional park offers green space and excellent Mississippi River access—plus some sparkling new features that make it a worth-the-drive destination for visitors from across the state.
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park is part of Three Rivers Park District, and guests will find many traditional offerings—bike trails, geocaching, fishing spots, kayaking—plus an onsite Nature School preschool program. There’s also guided rafting on the Mississippi River and a walkway over the huge Coon Rapids Dam.
After decades as a local, urban oasis, the park underwent some 21st-century transformations last fall. A multi-million-dollar project (more than 10 years in the making) added the Gateway Center, a beautiful building with a wrap-around deck, concessions, equipment rentals, and a menagerie of resident animals. The deck leads to the Treetop Trail, a brand-new boardwalk high in the canopy. “The Treetop Trail offers amazing vistas of the wetland and trees, with chances to see incredible birds and wildlife,” says Patty Maher, outdoor education supervisor with Three Rivers at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park.
Courtesy of Three Rivers Park District
Younger park visitors can check out the new Hillside play area, which features slides, climbing rocks, and natural play elements. And on hot afternoons this summer, there’s the Mini-Mississippi water play area, where shallow water features let kids splash and explore.
“We are so lucky to live in a place that has wonderful parks and trails for people to connect with nature,” Maher says.
Courtesy of Three Rivers Park District
And now, for residents and visitors in the north metro, those outdoor connections are more accessible—and more beautiful—than ever.
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park. Visit threeriversparks.org for summer programming info, including guided kayak and raft tours, art workshops, and more.
