Discover Minneapolis
70 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Photograph MIA’s grand Beaux-Arts exterior, luminous atriums and diverse galleries spanning 5,000 years—from ancient sculpture and Asian art to Impressionist paintings. Best visited weekday mornings for soft natural light through skylights and minimal crowds. Free admission; accessible entrances, museum bathrooms, café and paid on-site parking. Respect no-flash and no-tripod rules in galleries; special exhibitions may restrict photography.
Mill City Museum
Photograph dramatic industrial ruins, the preserved stone walls and glass walkways, and sweeping views of the Mississippi River and Stone Arch Bridge from the observation deck. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light on brick and reflective river tones. Museum admission and timed Flour Tower elevator show apply; weekday mornings are quieter. Paid street parking nearby (many report ~$5 for 2 hrs). Accessible paths and elevator make most vantage points reachable. The site pairs gritty text
Weisman Art Museum
Capture Frank Gehry–inspired stainless-steel curves and brick volumes along the Mississippi—dramatic reflections, textured panels and campus context make strong abstract architectural frames. Best visited at golden hour or blue hour from the east riverbank or Washington Ave Bridge for backlit metal and river reflections. Free entry but check limited public hours; accessible ramps and university parking nearby. Interior galleries restrict flash and tripods—respect exhibit rules.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
An 11-acre modern sculpture park anchored by iconic works (Cherry and Spoon, blue/yellow bridge) offering varied scales and textures against lawns, trees and the Walker Art Center. Best at golden hour or overcast for muted tones; weekday mornings are quiet. Paid street/garage parking nearby; paths accessible; free entry. Ideal for mixing environmental portraiture, abstract detail and wide framing.
Minnehaha Falls
75-foot urban cascade set in Minnehaha Park — photograph the tiered falls, rocky gorge, riverside trees and parkland. Best at golden hour for warm light or blue hour for long-exposure shots; winter offers dramatic ice formations. Easy access with paved paths, viewing platforms and nearby parking; no entry fee. Weekdays/early mornings reduce crowds. Respect park rules and seasonal safety around slippery edges and ice.
Bde Maka Ska
Bde Maka Ska is Minneapolis’s largest lake, offering wide water vistas, city skyline reflections, shoreline reeds and tree-lined paths. Shoot golden-hour sunrises and sunsets, paddleboarders and birdlife. Accessible paved paths, public parking near the east and south shores; busy on weekends—weekday mornings are best. No entry fee; seasonal ice cover in winter offers abstract snowy compositions. Respect local signage and lakeside residents.
Minnehaha Falls Bandshell
Photograph the Art Deco bandshell framed by Minnehaha Creek and the nearby 53-foot falls — a strong juxtaposition of built form and natural water movement. Best at golden hour and blue hour when warm light or illuminated falls add drama; autumn foliage and winter ice create seasonal variety. The site is a public city park with free entry, parking lots nearby (can fill on event days), accessible paths to viewpoints, and regular concerts that add human-interest opportunities. Weekday mornings are最
Carl W. Kroening Nature Center
Small urban nature reserve on the Mississippi River with marshes, boardwalks, prairie and river views — excellent for birdlife, reflections, seasonal color and intimate landscape studies. Best at dawn for migratory birds and mist, golden hour for warm light on grasses, and late fall for color/texture. Trails and raised boardwalks provide accessible vantage points; small parking lot near the visitor center can fill on weekends — arrive early. No special permits for casual photography; check hours
Lake Harriet Bandshell Park
Lake Harriet Bandshell Park offers a classic Midwestern lakeside scene: the white bandshell, tree-lined paths, rose gardens and broad lake reflections. Shoot sunrise and golden hour for warm light on the shell and glassy water; blue hour captures concert lights and calm long exposures. Easy access via paved paths and public parking at 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy; no entry fee. Summer evenings bring free concerts — great for environmental portraits and event shots but expect crowds. Accessible paths
Bob Dylan Mural
A huge, colorful Eduardo Kobra mural of Bob Dylan on a downtown Minneapolis building depicting three stages of his life. Shoot vibrant close-ups of the portraits or wider context shots including Hennepin Avenue. No entry fee; street-level, but parking near 5th & Hennepin is limited/paid. Best at golden hour or on overcast days to saturate colors; weekdays/mornings have fewer pedestrians. Combine with nearby downtown landmarks for a photo walk and capture scale by including passing streetlife.
Foshay Museum and Observation Deck
Compact open-air observation deck atop the historic Foshay Tower offers 360° urban panoramas of Minneapolis, the river and skyline—excellent for cityscapes, sunset and night shots. Small museum on-site adds architectural context. Best on clear days at golden hour or after dark for city lights; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Entry fee and limited elevator access; enter via skyway or hotel lobby. Paid street/garage parking nearby.
Gold Medal Park
Small 7.5-acre urban park with a sculpted grassy mound, spiral walkway and public art offering panoramic views of the Mississippi River, Stone Arch Bridge and downtown skyline. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and long shadows; weekdays or early mornings minimize crowds. Accessible paths, ADA-friendly; street parking and nearby transit. No entry fee; combine with Guthrie or Stone Arch Bridge for varied shots.
Mill Ruins Park
Mill Ruins Park frames the exposed stone and rusty iron foundations of Minneapolis’ flour-milling era against the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls. Photograph industrial textures, river cascades, and skyline reflections from elevated walkways or riverside paths. Best at sunrise or blue hour for soft light and long exposures; weekday mornings are quieter. Paths are paved and ADA-accessible; paid parking nearby and easy walk from Target Field/US Bank Stadium. Watch for cyclists and geese; a
North Mississippi Regional Park
Riverfront park with bluff overlooks, wooded trails and river channels ideal for landscape and nature shots. Capture sweeping Mississippi River vistas, migrating waterfowl, seasonal color and soft mist in spring/fall. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light and long shadows; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Easy access from N Mississippi Dr with small parking areas and paved trails; no entry fee. Trails can be muddy after rain—bring waterproof footwear.
Loring Park
Small urban oasis with winding paths, two ponds, a wildflower garden, public art (T.S. Eliot installation) and seasonal events. Great for reflecting-water, seasonal colors, candid park life and winter scenes. Visit at golden hour for soft light on ponds; early weekdays or mornings for fewer people. Limited on-street parking—use nearby paid lots or transit (downtown location). No entry fees; paths mostly accessible.
Farview Park
Small bluff-top park with a clear overlook of the Mississippi River valley and the Minneapolis skyline. Best for skyline silhouettes, river and bridge compositions, and seasonal color (fall foliage, winter snow). Easy access from street parking; no entry fee. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for dramatic light and fewer people; weekdays are quieter. Paths are paved but include steps — accessible vantage points at the overlook rail.
Max Rabitat: Big Art Rabbit
Max Rabitat (Big Art Rabbit) is a striking large-scale outdoor sculpture in Minneapolis' NE arts area — a bold subject for scale, texture and urban-context shots. Best visited at golden hour or blue hour for warm side-light and dramatic skies; weekday mornings have fewer people. Curbside access and limited on-street parking; fully public with no entry fee. Good paired with nearby murals and industrial streetscapes for storytelling.
Marshall Terrace Park Lookout
Small bluff-top lookout with sweeping views of the Mississippi River valley, downtown Minneapolis skyline and nearby bridges. Ideal for sunrise/sunset color, seasonal foliage (especially fall) and cityscape + river compositions. Easy on-foot access from Marshall St NE; limited street parking. No entry fee. Weekday mornings or golden hour reduce crowds; winter offers stark contrast and long shadows but icy footing.
Bohemian Flats Park
Small riverside park on the Mississippi with sweeping downtown Minneapolis skyline views, bridge architecture, riverside trees and seasonal reflections. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light on glass and calm water; sunsets also strong for silhouetted bridges. Accessible paved trails and riverbank; free entry and roadside parking along W River Pkwy (can be limited on weekends). Visit spring and fall for foliage, winter for stark ice and long exposures.
Lake Harriet Streetcar Tunnel
A short historic brick-and-concrete streetcar tunnel beneath the approach to Lake Harriet—offers strong leading lines, textured masonry, and reflective puddles that work well for moody, low-light compositions. Best at blue hour or after sunset when artificial lights highlight the tunnel curve; sunrise/sunset at nearby shorelines adds context shots of the lake and bandshell. Access from park walkways; parking available at Lake Harriet parking lots. Check signage for seasonal closures and watchfor
Bde Maka Ska Pavilion
Modern lakeside pavilion on Bde Maka Ska with sweeping boardwalks, marina, sailboats and parkland—offers clean architectural lines, reflective water foregrounds, and Minneapolis skyline glimpses. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and reflections; summer/early fall for active boating and foliage, winter for stark minimalism. Easily accessible via paved paths and shore-side parking along E Bde Maka Ska Pkwy (metered on busy days). No entry fee; observe Dakota place-name significance (B
Edgewater Park
Small riverside park on the Mississippi with sweeping river bends, river traffic, skyline views and tree-lined trails—great for compositions of water + urban edge. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light on the river and city reflections; fall and spring show vivid foliage and migrating birds. Easy, free access with limited street/lot parking; paths are short and mostly flat. Weekday mornings are least crowded. No special entry requirements.
Marshall Terrace Park
Small riverfront bluff park with sweeping views of the Mississippi River and Minneapolis skyline — great for skyline compositions, river vistas, seasonal foliage and intimate nature details. Best at golden hour or blue hour for reflected light; crisp fall mornings offer color and low haze. Easy curbside parking on Marshall St NE, wheelchair-accessible paths to overlooks, no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings avoid neighborhood foot traffic; check local drone rules before flying.
Historic Main Street Park
Small riverfront park with tree-lined paths, river access, brick streets and views of the Stone Arch Bridge and Minneapolis skyline. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light on bridge and reflections. Easy access from SE Main St with street parking and multi-use paths; no entry fee. Weekday mornings and late evenings are quiet; expect some grassy patches under restoration.
Boom Island Lighthouse
Small historic lighthouse on the Mississippi viewed from Boom Island Park and the Nicollet–Boom Island footbridge. Shoot riverfront compositions with the Minneapolis skyline and St. Anthony Falls as context. Lighthouse base is overgrown and not open; best access is park viewpoints, the bridge, or from a kayak. Free park entry; paid surface lot nearby. Visit golden hour or blue hour for dramatic light; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded.
Boom Island Park
Riverside park on the Mississippi with wide trails, a boat dock, historic bridge views and a clear sightline to the Minneapolis skyline—great for skyline reflections, river/waterscape compositions and urban+nature contrasts. No entry fee; paved paths and parking make gear transport easy. Best at golden hour and blue hour for skyline color and reflections; weekday mornings are quieter. Seasonal variety: autumn foliage and winter ice add texture. Close to Mill District history and active riverboat
Washburn Water Tower
Victorian-era Washburn “Witch's Hat” Water Tower offers a striking architectural subject and elevated views of Prospect Park and glimpses of the Minneapolis skyline. Best at golden hour or blue hour when the brickwork and conical roof pop; evenings allow dramatic lit-silhouettes. Easily reached on foot or by car (street parking on Prospect Ave); check Minneapolis Park Board for occasional open-house hours. Compact site — expect walkers and dog-walkers, quieter on weekday mornings.
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line
Historic Como‑Harriet Streetcar Line offers colorful vintage trolleys, rails and carbarns framed by Lake Harriet and parkland — ideal for nostalgic transport and waterfront scenes. Visit golden hour or sunset for warm light on painted cars and lake reflections; early weekdays dodge crowds. Seasonal events and weekend rides (paid) add action shots. Small parking lot by the carbarn; check volunteer-run schedule and accessibility/boarding rules before arrival.
Downtown view, Lake Harriet
Panoramic downtown skyline and reflections across Lake Harriet, framed by shoreline trees, docks and the nearby bandshell. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and calm water; evenings offer vibrant sunsets and city lights. Easily accessible by car or bike with park parking and paths; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter. Seasonal variety—autumn foliage and winter ice/snow add texture. Respect park rules and local users.
Lyndale Park
Compact, well-maintained urban park with a celebrated Rose Garden, formal paths, ponds and mature trees — ideal for flower close-ups, seasonal color and reflective waterscapes. Best in late spring–summer for roses, fall for foliage and winter for snowy scenes. Visit at golden hour for soft light and reflections; weekday mornings reduce crowds. Free public entry, roadside and lot parking on W 42nd St; mostly paved, wheelchair-accessible paths.
Gateway Park
Small riverfront park on the Mississippi with fountain features, river views, and close-up access to the Stone Arch Bridge and Minneapolis skyline. Excellent seasonal variety (spring blooms, summer cooling spray, colorful fall trees, stark winter contrasts). Easy pedestrian access from downtown, paid parking and ramps nearby; wheelchair-accessible paths. Best light at sunrise and golden hour; evenings offer city lights though park lighting is modest.
Father Hennepin Bluff Park
Small 8-acre riverside park with layered views of the Mississippi, the Stone Arch Bridge and Minneapolis skyline. Valuable for skyline compositions, riverscape long exposures, and intimate trail/bridge details. No entry fee; paid on-street parking nearby. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light & reflections, weekday mornings for fewer people. Lower trails include wooden stairs and can be steep; some areas show graffiti—exercise usual urban caution.
Largest Catalpa Tree in Minneapolis
A standout old-growth Catalpa in an urban lot — massive, sculptural trunk and big heart-shaped leaves and showy white flowers in summer. Close to downtown Minneapolis, easy street access and sidewalk viewing. Best light: morning or late afternoon; spring–early summer for blooms. No entry fees; street parking nearby but watch meters and neighborhood traffic. A quiet, intimate subject for tree portraits and environmental details; culturally notable as Hennepin County’s oldest Catalpa.
Shingle Creek Park
Shingle Creek Park is a compact urban riparian corridor with a winding creek, marshy banks, boardwalks and mature trees — ideal for intimate landscape and wildlife shots. Visit at dawn or golden hour for soft light and mist; fall brings strong colors and winter offers stark, snowy compositions. Small neighborhood lot at 5016 N Morgan Ave; free entry, easy trails and boardwalks but expect uneven ground and mosquitoes in summer. Weekday mornings reduce foot traffic.
The Commons
The Commons is a contemporary public plaza and gathering space in the Mill District with clean lines, seating clusters, water features and sightlines to the Mississippi River and Minneapolis skyline. Photograph modern architectural details, candid social scenes, event activations, and reflections on wet pavement. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light and illuminated plazas; evenings when string lights and building façades pop. Public, wheelchair-accessible, no entry fee; street and r
Longfellow Gardens
Small, manicured riverside gardens along Minnehaha Parkway offering seasonal flower beds, mature trees and framed views of the Mississippi River corridor. Best for intimate landscapes, close-up floral studies and calm waterscape reflections. Visit spring–early summer for peak blooms, and fall for colorful foliage; golden hour and overcast mornings give soft light. Public, free access with street parking along E Minnehaha Pkwy and nearby lots; paths are mostly paved and wheelchair-friendly. Weekn
Diamond Lake Park
Diamond Lake Park offers calm lake reflections, shoreline reeds, paddle- and fishing activity, and tree-lined paths—great for intimate waterscape and nature shots. Best at sunrise/sunset for golden light and mirror reflections; autumn adds color and winter offers icy patterns. Easily accessible with on-site parking, paved trails and no entry fee; expect local walkers and anglers.
Music Wall
Bold mural of sheet music for Ravel’s “Gaspard de la Nuit” on a parking-lot wall — graphic, high-contrast subject ideal for close-ups of notation or wider urban context with nearby Sculpture Clock and Target. Free, ground-level access; street-side parking and a large lot make gear unloading easy. Best visited at golden hour for warm side light or after dusk to use nearby street lamps; weekdays and mornings avoid delivery trucks and parked vehicles.
Victory Memorial Parkway
A historic, tree‑lined memorial boulevard with stone monuments, flags and long axial perspectives — ideal for leading‑line compositions, seasonal foliage and quiet urban landscapes. Visit at golden hour or in autumn for rich color; winter offers stark snow scenes. Street parking and small lots nearby; accessible paths and no entry fee. Weekday mornings are least crowded.
Webber Park
Small riverside park on a Mississippi River bluff offering sweeping water views, river bends, walking paths, mature trees and seasonal color. No entry fee; small parking lot off Webber Pkwy. Best at golden hours for warm side-light on the bluff and river reflections; spring–fall for foliage and migratory birds, winter for stark snowy compositions. Easy access from the street; expect locals and occasional dog-walkers.
Vikings Legacy Ship
A full-scale Viking longship replica anchored on the plaza outside U.S. Bank Stadium — a striking sculptural subject with strong lines, carved details and stadium architecture as context. Shoot at golden hour for warm side light, or blue hour/night for lit silhouettes. Public, ground-level access with no entry fee; stadium visitor lots nearby (paid on event days). Weekday mornings are least crowded. Accessible plaza with ramps.
Peace (Rock) Garden
A small neighborhood rock garden offering intimate compositions of textured stones, sculptural arrangements and seasonal plantings. Best visited at golden hour or soft overcast light to bring out rock texture and muted colors; weekday mornings avoid local foot traffic. Street parking on Roseway Rd; compact site—bring a wide-angle for context and a macro/telephoto for detail shots. No entry fee; be respectful of any memorial plaques or quiet-use etiquette.
Stepped Tower
A minimalist, geometric stepped tower offering strong lines, repetitive forms and dramatic shadows—ideal for abstract architectural shots. Easy street-side access with informal roadside parking nearby; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or low sun for sculptural contrast, or at blue hour for silhouette against sky. Weekday mornings are quiet. Consider nearby sidewalks for elevated or low vantage points.
North Commons Park
North Commons Park offers broad lawns, tree-lined paths, formal plantings and a small pond that reflect skyline and seasonal color — good for parkland compositions, intimate nature details and urban-context shots. No entry fee; parking along James Ave and nearby lots; wheelchair-accessible paths. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light and reflections; fall and winter offer dramatic color and snow textures. Weekday mornings are quiet. Observe local park rules and be courteous to users.
640 Marquette Avenue South
640 Marquette Ave S sits in Minneapolis’s downtown core — a modern office tower and street-level urban environment offering reflective glass façades, dramatic vertical lines, and classic city intersections. Photograph façades, reflections of neighboring towers, skyway geometry and street activity. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light and illuminated windows; weekdays offer steady but manageable foot traffic. Accessible via the Minneapolis Skyway, public transit (Target Field & Nicol/
Grass Lake Park
Small urban wetland with a boardwalk, cattails and open water—great for intimate waterscapes, reflections, birdlife and seasonal color. Visit at golden hour or early morning for soft light and calm water; spring and fall are best for migratory birds and foliage. Easy access from a small parking lot on W 60th St; no entry fee. Paths are mostly flat and partially ADA-accessible; expect locals walking dogs on weekends.
The Somali Museum
Small cultural museum showcasing Somali history, textiles, crafts and community photography — rich colors, patterns and intimate portraits make compelling frame subjects. Best shot on weekday mornings for quiet interiors; evenings and cultural events offer dynamic street and event scenes. Check hours and exhibit rules online; interior light can be low, wheelchair accessible; street parking and nearby lot options on Chicago Ave. Respect subject consent when photographing people.
300 South 6th Street
Downtown Minneapolis block near Nicollet Mall and the Skyway network offering classic urban architecture, reflective glass facades, street-level activity and night lighting. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light on towers and vivid reflections; after sunset for illuminated windows and neon. Easily accessible on foot or via light rail; paid street and ramp parking nearby. Weather can be extreme in winter—plan for cold and icy sidewalks. No entry restrictions for public sidewalks; skywy
Cottage Park
Small riverfront park with shoreline, mature trees and open lawns offering simple landscape and waterscape views of the Mississippi and nearby bridges. Easy, free access from street parking; paved paths and short trails make it wheelchair-friendly. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-lighting, or in spring/fall for foliage and migratory birds. Weekdays are quieter; no entry fee.
The Bakken Museum
Photograph the Bakken’s restored Victorian mansion, intimate science exhibits, and dramatic Tesla coil demonstrations. Interiors offer rich textures, vintage lamps and scientific artifacts; exterior grounds and seasonal gardens provide architectural framing. Best visited on weekday mornings for smaller crowds, or time a visit for scheduled Tesla demonstrations (low-light, high drama). Museum has paid entry, on-site parking, and is wheelchair accessible; check flash/tripod rules. Ideal for mixing
Huge River Birch tree
A monumental river birch standing in a residential stretch of north Minneapolis — excellent for close texture shots of peeling bark, dramatic low-angle compositions to emphasize height, and seasonal portraits framed by autumn color or spring foliage. Easy street-level access (no entry fees); street parking on Pleasant Ave. Best light is golden hour or soft overcast; weekdays and mornings are quieter.
Victory Park
Small neighborhood green space with open lawns, mature trees and seasonal interest — strong for sunrise/sunset color, fall foliage and crisp winter snows. No entry fee; street parking and short paved paths make it easily accessible. Weekday mornings are quiet; golden hour and blue hour give the best light. A local community hub offering simple compositions of trees, lawns and sky rather than dramatic landmarks.
Huge American Elm
A stately, large American elm with a broad canopy and textured trunk—excellent for intimate tree portraits, seasonal color studies (spring leaf-out, autumn tones), and dramatic low-angle compositions against sky. Located on a residential street with curbside parking and easy sidewalk access; no entry fee. Best visited at golden hour for warm side-lighting or after rain for saturated colors and bark detail. Weekday mornings offer the fewest pedestrians; winter bare-branch shots work well against,
Ole Olson Park
Small riverside park on West River Rd N with bluff views over the Mississippi, river channels, mature trees and seasonal color. Ideal for intimate landscapes, waterscape reflections, and quiet nature frames. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and low sun angles; fall for foliage and spring for swollen river moods. Easy curbside parking on West River Rd; no entry fee. Trails and gentle slopes are accessible but bring waterproof shoes after rain. Weekdays are quiet; watch for cyclists.
Bell of Two Friends
A small memorial bell set in a riverside plaza near the Mississippi — ideal for intimate detail shots, low-angle compositions with the Stone Arch Bridge and river as background, and evening city-light reflections. Easy street-level access; no entry fee. Best at early morning or blue hour for soft light and few pedestrians. Nearby paid parking and bike paths; wheelchair accessible. Good spot for mixing architectural context with close-up textures.
The Seeds of Jimothy
A quirky neighborhood storefront shrine to “Jimothy” — great for intimate street and detail shots: window portraits, characterful signage, reflections and candid neighborhood life. Visit dawn or golden hour for soft light and minimal foot traffic; blue hour brings vibrant window glow. Street parking is limited; walk from nearby parking or the Walker/Sculpture Garden area. Respect neighbors and private property—shoot from public sidewalk unless invited inside.
Zoran's Big Rocks
A small public art installation of oversized painted boulders along a Minneapolis block — great for bold color, texture and playful foregrounds against urban streetscapes. Best at golden hour or blue hour for saturated skies and soft side light; weekday mornings are quieter for unobstructed shots. Easily accessible from street parking or transit; no entry fee. Compact site — combine with nearby murals and University of Minnesota for a photo walk.
Bossen Field Park
Small neighborhood park with open turf, mature shade trees and walking paths — good for peaceful landscape shots, seasonal foliage, candid park life and simple minimal compositions. Easy access with free parking at the lot, no entry fee; wheelchair-accessible paths. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light and long shadows; weekdays or early mornings minimize people. Autumn colors and fresh snow add strong seasonal interest.
Jordan Park
Small neighborhood park on a bluff above the Mississippi with trails, mature trees and river views — good for intimate landscape shots, seasonal color (fall leaves, winter snow) and riverlight at sunrise/sunset. No entry fee; street parking nearby. Best visited at golden hour or overcast for even light; weekdays are quieter. Compact layout makes it easy to scout multiple angles in a short visit.
Tiny House
Photograph a quaint tiny house in a residential Minneapolis pocket — strong subject for architectural and lifestyle frames. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm highlights and contrast with neighborhood streets. Street parking available; public sidewalk access. Weekday mornings quieter. No formal entry; respect private property if occupied.
Lizzie the Lizard Shed
A quirky, brightly painted shed/yard attraction featuring a large lizard motif and eclectic decor — ideal for colorful detail shots, environmental portraits, and playful street-style compositions. Best visited in morning or late afternoon for soft side-light; weekdays have lighter foot traffic. Street parking available; reachable by car or bike in a residential neighborhood. No formal entry fee; respect private property and neighbors. Great for capturing local character and vivid textures.
Fuller Park
Small neighborhood park with mature trees, open lawns and winding pathways—good for seasonal color, intimate landscape frames and environmental portraits. No entry fee; street parking and small lot. Visit at golden hour or autumn for rich light and foliage; snowy winters give stark compositions. Paths are mostly accessible; expect local dog-walkers and families on weekends.
Keewaydin Park
Keewaydin Park is a compact neighborhood green space with mature trees, shoreline and walking paths—good for intimate landscape and waterscape shots, seasonal foliage and candid neighborhood life. Best at golden hour or overcast for rich colors; fall brings strong color contrast. Small free parking and street parking available; easy access with paved paths and no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect locals and dog walkers.
1315 Northeast Tyler Street
A slice of Northeast Minneapolis urban fabric—mixed residential and light-industrial blocks with period brick buildings, loading bays and street textures. Photographers can capture gritty architectural details, alleyway compositions and nearby city views. Best light is early morning or late afternoon; weekdays are quieter. Street parking and buses serve the area; dress for changing weather. No entry requirements — public sidewalks only. Works well combined with a walk toward the nearby river and
Triangle Park
Small triangular neighborhood park offering open lawns, mature street trees and residential backdrops—good for environmental portraits, seasonal color (fall foliage, winter snow) and quiet urban landscapes. Easy street parking and wheelchair-accessible paths; no entry fee. Best light at golden hour and blue hour; weekdays and early mornings minimize local foot traffic. Compact size makes it a quick stop during a neighborhood shoot.
Beard's Plaisance
Small neighborhood green space with mature trees, winding paths and benches — good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and quiet street-scene shots. No entry fee; easy curbside parking or walk/bike from nearby residential streets. Best light at golden hour and blue hour; autumn and winter (snow) add texture. Expect local dog walkers and joggers; respectful, low-impact shooting recommended.
Gluek Park
Small neighborhood park with a sheltered pond, mature trees and winding paths offering intimate nature scenes, reflections and seasonal color near NE Minneapolis. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and mirrored water; spring blooms and fall foliage are standout. Easy street parking on Marshall St NE; paths are accessible. No entry fee. Weekday mornings or late afternoons avoid local dog-walkers and joggers.