Picnic in the Park: Top 5 Picnic Locations in Minneapolis

The art of a picnic in the park is somewhat of a lost avocation. However, as millions of Americans are obliged to rethink their dining habits, more and more people are tossing down blankets in the grass rather than stepping inside nearby eateries. While patio season is officially underway here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, locals and travelers alike may opt for the serenity of a local, award-winning park.

Minnestay boasts one of the largest selections of North Loop Minneapolis apartments and Twin Cities luxury estates, many of which are a short drive, bike ride, or walk from a pristine, lush park. Whether you plan to purchase an array of classic picnic eats at Whole Foods Market on Hennepin Avenue or order takeout from Smack Shack, The Freehouse, or Red Cow, there’s bound to be a nearby park that catches your eye. Our concierge team, thanks to decades of experience, has compiled five splendid locations for a relaxing, scenic picnic in the park. Let’s start the list with arguably the most-frequented picnic location in the Twin Cities: Boom Island Park.

Yes, Boom Island Park is often crowded on Saturday afternoons, but the people watching is second-to-none. Its prime location in-between North Loop and Northeast means that you’ll be close to some of the nation’s finest breweries and a bevy of international cuisines. The outspread views of the Minneapolis skyline, meanwhile, is equally heartwarming and introspective.

There might not be a more beautifully landscaped park in the state than Downtown’s Gold Medal Park, particularly during summer’s radiance and autumn’s peak. Before or after touring the historic Mill District, relax at Gold Medal Park with family or friends with the Stone Arch Bridge and thought-provoking visual art as your backdrop.

Not to be outdone, the Walker Arts Center’s Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a dual-purpose haven across the interstate from Loring Park. The vibrant sculptures, including the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry, draw tourists from across the globe. However, there’s ample space to savor a picnic in the park, including the recently-landscaped Wurtele Upper Garden, home to the state’s best music festival: Rock the Garden.

Let’s branch out a bit en route to Lyndale Park, ideally sandwiched between Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet. The park itself boasts a tranquil pond, an oft-photographed rose garden, bird sanctuary, rock garden, bandshell, and dog park, as well as easy access to the beach. One might consider Lyndale to be Minneapolis’ version of Manhattan’s Central Park or Chicago’s Lincoln Park.

If you’re hoping to enjoy a sandy, midsummer picnic in the park, look no further than Lake Nokomis Park, perhaps the beachiest destination in the city. You may not even need to pack a picnic because Lake Nokomis’ Sandcastle serves some of the tastiest fish tacos in the Twin Cities.

Minnestay remains the state’s most reputable property management company. Thus, we offer a wide range of services, amenities, and vacation rentals throughout the Twin Cities, as well as the Brainerd Lakes Area and beyond. Please browse through our top-rated Minnesota rentals at Minnestay.com, give us a call at 612-216-5511, or click the links below to learn more about our particularly alluring slice of the Midwest.