If there's one thing Golden Valley is well known for, it is its parks and trails. Fifteen percent of the city is dedicated to parks and open space and the office overseeing those parks is located in the Brookview Community Center next to the Brookview Golf Course.
Amenities offered at the center include various community rooms that people use for meetings, parties and receptions; as well as grills and picnic tables on a deck outside with beautiful views of the golf course. Alcohol is allowed on-site for events, but people cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages, it has to be supplied by a designated beverage provider.
People can also come here to register for recreational programs offered at some of the various parks around Golden Valley.
Though not quite a mile long, the Miracle Mile Shopping Center is still home to a number of businesses and restaurants that include GNC, Subway, Once Upon a Child, The UPS Store and Hoigaard's. This shopping center stands out because it does not have a common area. However, its large parking lot gives rise to its slogan: "Park at the door of your favorite store." Located just off Highway 100 on Excelsior Boulevard, Miracle Mile offers a wide variety of stores and services to a wide variety of valued customers.
Family owned for three generations, France 44 Wine & Spirits celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009. What started as a simple liquor store has expanded to an impressive array of alcoholic beverages, mixers and accessories. Specializing in wine, France 44 has 4500 wines from 17 countries. Its staff is adept at asking questions and listening to understand their customer's tastes and can help customers feel comfortable choosing between an Argyle Pinot Noir and a Beckmen Syrah. For those who want to learn more, France 44 also offers tastings, classes and wine clubs.
The beer experts on staff are happy to help customers choose from the large beer selection, from local favorites like Summit EPA to kegs of craft beer like Bells Two Hearted. For those who like hard alcohol, France 44 has an impressive selection of spirits as well. From single malt scotch, limoncello, to Grey Goose, France 44 has excellent variety.
The well-lit, spacious store is a pleasant departure from a more typical liquor store environment.
Wood Lake Nature Center, which is generally called the Nature Center, is a park preserve and Richfield's largest park. The preserve is nearly smack-dab in the middle of the city. It was opened in the early '70s as one of the first nature education facilities in the Midwest. Students of all ages often find themselves here on field trips to study the wildlife, insects and plants.
The park is also a recreational destination that offers three miles of walking paths and adult activities such as Nordic pole walking, make your own snowshoes and environmental book club.
Birthday parties are also held at the Nature Center and are led by a naturalist to provide a fun, educational experience for youth. Kids can explore critters, do a treasure hunt, meet live snakes and more.
Whether you're visiting the Twin Cities for a weekend, or you've lived in the Twin Cities your entire life, Minnehaha Falls is for you. This park features walking trails, surrey rentals at Wheel Fun Rentals, seasonal seafood restaurant: Sea Salt Eatery, sweet treats, hiking areas and of course the gorgeous waterfall. Whether you're looking for a workout and want to hike through the ground around the waterfall, or you're looking for a relaxing day of laying in the sun, Minnehaha Falls has got what you're looking for.
Parking and Public Transportation at Minnehaha Falls
Parking at Minnehaha Falls is simple. There's a large, main parking lot for the area with very inexpensive hourly rates. There is usually spots available in the main lot. During peak busy times in the summer, fall-goers can park on the street where there is metered parking just blocks from the falls.
Best and Worst Time to go to Minnehaha Falls
If you're looking to have a meal while visiting Minnehaha Falls, then you'll want to go during summer months. Sea Salt Eatery is open April through October. If you're just looking to spend a day at the falls, weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Admission to Minnehaha Falls
One of the many great aspects about Minnehaha Falls is that it is completely free to the public. Just show up and you're in.
Must See/Do at Minnehaha Falls
There's a small bridge that crosses over right in front of the falls. When visiting, it's always fun to take a photo on that bridge with the waterfall as your all-natural background.
Other Places to Visit Near Minnehaha Falls
What's the best thing after spending a day in the sun? Ice cream of course! Luckily for you, Bridgeman's Ice Cream is just a block away from the waterfall, right on Hiawatha Avenue. If ice cream's not your thing, there's many other attractions in the area, including: Fort Snelling, Lake Nokomis, Hiawatha Statue and the Longfellow House and Gardens.
Insider Tips for Visitors to Minnehaha Falls
If you're looking to rent a surrey from Wheel Fun Rentals, right in Minnehaha Park, look online for deals before you head over. There's often coupons and deals on surrey rentals online.
Author's Bio: Jessica Vaysberg is a journalist and Twin Cities native who is always up for exploring the city and capturing her adventures in writing.
Fuller Park is a community area and two-acre park. It is open year round and offers a range of facilities, including a wading pool and recreation center. Other amenities include a basketball court, drinking fountain, playground as well as picnic area. It also has a garden and restroom facility. Check the main department website for details on the park or for information on upcoming events.
In 1968, the Martin Luther King Recreation Center was added to the park facilities. The land for Martin Luther King Park (originally Nicollet Park) was purchased in 1916. Now the center hosts a variety of programs for all ages utilizing the many amenities; a basketball court, craft room, gymnasium, meeting rooms, volleyball court, computer lab and kitchen. Call for information on current activities.