Join Bonnie Nelson for a hike along scenic Minnehaha Creek, past the 46th Street Light Rail Transit station and the Longfellow House, to fascinating frozen Minnehaha Falls. The 53-foot high Minnehaha Falls was originally named Brown's Falls in 1823, in honor of Jacob Brown, major general and commander in chief of the U. S. Army. The first wagon trail on the frontier territory was from Fort Snelling to the Falls of St. Anthony and passed by Minnehaha Falls. The first published description of the falls was by William Keating, a geologist and historian, in 1824, in his two-volume book Narrative of an Expedition to the Source of the St. Peter's River. The original name for the Falls in the Dakota language was "Owah-Menah," meaning falling water. This Dakota name took its present form in a book by Mary Eastman in 1849. The Dakota name for Minnehaha Creek was "Wakpa Cistinna", meaning little river. The Falls were once a major scenic attraction for visitors coming by steamboat from St. Louis, Missouri. Nearby the Falls is the Historic Minnehaha Depot, built in 1875 to serve as a recreational gateway for visitors to the Falls and as a departure point for soldiers from nearby Fort Snelling. The nearby Minnesota Old Soldiers Home was established in 1887.
From downtown Minneapolis, take Hiawatha Avenue (State Highway 55) south to 42nd Street and go west (right turn) five blocks to 30th Avenue South. From the south, take Highway 55/Hiawatha Avenue north past Minnehaha park to 42nd Street, turn west (left turn) onto 42nd Street and five blocks later turn north (right) on 30th Avenue. In either case, continue north on 30th Avenue South 14/15ths of a block to 4105 30th Avenue South, just across the street from the Roosevelt High School athletic field (Al Gowans Stadium). Meet at Bonnie's house (4105 30th Avenue South).
If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 7, 19, 20, 22. The closest bus service point appears to be the corner of Hiawatha Avenue and 42nd Street (7 and 20), or the corner of 30th Avenue South and 42nd Street (22), or the corner of 28th Avenue South and 42nd Street (19). From the applicable corner, walk to 4105 30th Avenue South. Applicable Metro Transit Map / Bus Schedule information
Bring something for pot luck snacks at Bonnie's house after the hike. Hot cider will be provided.
Maps on Us map to the hike meeting point
Picture of Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Park History
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This page was last updated on January 24, 2005.
