Favorite Fall Photo Spots
Aren’t we so lucky? We live in such a unique and beautiful place. The Twin Cities is truly special in providing an urban city, but with history, charm, and easy access to the natural environment that makes Minnesota so special. Often the urban and natural are intertwined making the Twin Cities a perfect backdrop for capturing photos. Especially in the fall when Minnesota is in all her glory. Here are 12 favorite fall photo spots in the Twin Cities.
Note: Please inquire about permits or licenses in public parks prior to scheduling a photo shoot. Minneapolis public parks require a license for still photo shoots and filming.
Lake Harriet + Bde Maka Ska: Linden Hills
4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Linden Hills is located in SW Minneapolis and is flanked by two popular lakes: Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska. Its small footprint makes it easy to explore to find the perfect backdrop for your fall photos. Simply walk around the neighborhood or make your way to walking paths along the lakes and you’re sure to find a beautiful spot. We love the Lake Harriet Bandshell too.
Arboretum Park: Maple Grove
9400 Fernbrook Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
This beautiful 15-acre park along Elm Creek in Maple Grove features over 100 local, hardy trees. You’ll find trails, the Angel of Hope Statue, a beautiful bridge, and even a waterfall. The arboretum also grows sponsored plants and trees in remembrance of loved ones and the Angel of Hope statue provides a place of healing for anyone who has suffered the loss of a child.
Lyndale Park Peace Garden: Minneapolis
4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55408
This Lyndale Park Peace Garden was originally designed as a testing area for various plants that might survive Minnesota’s climate. In 1929, over 350 tons of Oneota dolomite were moved by train from Diamond Bluff, Wisconsin (near Redwing, Minnesota) to Minneapolis. The rock garden was redesigned in 1983 with an effort to re-create the bluff landscape from the stones’ place or origin. At the lower end of the garden is a Japanese Yatsuhashi crooked path bridge.
Boom Island Park: Minneapolis
724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Boom Island Park is located on the Mississippi River and provides unparalleled views of the Minneapolis skyline. This park is part of the larger Riverfront Regional Park. The walking paths along the riverfront allow ample fall photo spots and opportunities to snap your pics with the best view of the city in the distance. Boom Island Park also features a picturesque lighthouse that was originally built in the mid-1800s to aid the logging industry.
Centennial Lakes: Edina
7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Tucked behind a bustling shopping corridor, Centennial Lakes offers a picturesque and quiet spot to capture fall photos. Centennial Lakes is a 26-acre park featuring a small pond. It offers 1.5 miles of curved pathways to wander through the trees and foliage. This park is easily accessible and offers abundant parking.
Como Regional Park: St. Paul
1199 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55118
Como Park is one of the most recognizable and popular photo spots in the Twin Cities. And for good reason. The conservatory offers beautiful scenery to capture dramatic photos with lots of interesting backgrounds, angles, and colors. However, if you’re looking for more unique views. Walking the paths at Como Park will provide amazing rolling hills with manicured walking paths, and beautiful mature trees. The park is stunning in autumn and provides abundant fall photo spots.
Silverwood Park: St. Anthony
2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421
Silverwood Park is located 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and offers amazing views of Silver Lake. You’ll also find a restored prairie and a mature oak savanna. Silverwood Park also features the work of regional artists and poets along park trails. A 1-mile multi-use trail winds its way through the prairie and forest.
Hidden Falls Regional Park: St. Paul
1313 Hidden Falls Dr., St Paul, MN 55116
Hidden Falls Regional Park is located along the Mississippi River bluffs just below Lock and Dam 1. It features nearly 7 miles of paved trails and provides a stunning setting for photos. This is especially true in the fall when mature trees are turning colors. Trails run along shady, wooded bottomlands next to the river.
Gold Medal Park: Minneapolis Riverfront
2nd Street and 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Gold Medal Park is located along prime riverfront space between the Guthrie Theater and the Mississippi River. This stunning, curated park features interesting artwork, a view of the city and the river, and plenty of vistas to capture a Minnesota fall in all its glory. Gold Medal Park is a very walkable spot too with all sorts of nearby amenities including Izzy’s Ice Cream, the Stone Arch Bridge, Mill City Museum, and more. BONUS PHOTO SPOT: Mill Ruins Park is a short walk from Gold Medal Park and offers up its own unique landscape for photos.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park: Golden Valley
1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Theodore Wirth Regional Park is the largest park in the Minneapolis park system. This park is absolutely full of places to snap some lovely photos. Consider the various gardens and sanctuaries such as JD Rivers’ Children’s Garden located North of Glenwood Avenue in the Eastern part of the park or the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary. Regardless, this vast and varied park provides ample backdrops to capture the season.
Tower Hill Park: Prospect Park
55 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Tower Hill has been enjoyed for well over a century by park-goers in Minneapolis. This hilly park is unique in that it provides primarily passive recreation such as walking and observation as opposed to more active uses. One of the most popular features of Tower Hill Park is the Witch’s Hat Water Tower. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the tower for which the park was named. Originally there was an observation tower but it was demolished prior to Minneapolis parks acquiring the land.
Father Hennepin Bluff Park: St. Anthony Main
420 Main St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
This park is so cool, it feels like you’re breaking the rules. Walking on the trails and footpaths to the overlook provides you with absolutely awesome views of the river and the Minneapolis skyline and of course our absolutely beloved Stone Arch Bridge.
