Below I-694 the Mississippi River begins to transition to a more urban river. Industries and adjoining neighborhoods line both sides of the river, but portions are reverting back to natural areas and parks. North Mississippi Regional Park is one of several jewels along this stretch.

The parks and trailsin this section take you down to the river’s edge along narrow strips of land along the river. Both sides offer great neighborhood connections with plenty of views of a river transitioning from natural to urban. The City of Minneapolis is working to transform this industrial area to include more housing, parks, and trails.

Attractions
Visit the Carl W. Kroening Interpretive Center in North Mississippi Regional Park for its sustainable building design, interpretive programs and exhibit on the impact of the last phase of I-94 construction, which was completed in 1980. Farther south you can follow Shingle Creek Parkway away from the Mississippi to Weber Park. On the other side of the river explore Anoka County’s Riverfront Regional Park and its Riedel Farm Estate, a farmhouse built in the 1880s that is available for special events.

View and print the Above the Falls map (PDF) and trail notes.