Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements Update

Popular riverfront park will reopen in 2023 after major renovation

A major renovation of Father Hennepin Bluff Park is wrapping up for the year. Park access and use were limited since work began in the spring on the first substantial renovation at the park in more than 40 years. 

The new park improvements were designed to reflect the character of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District. They will improve park accessibility, safety and circulation, and create a new performance stage with seasonal restrooms that will open next year.

Fencing will remain in place over winter to help protect newly seeded areas. Please stay out of these areas! Establishing healthy and resilient turf will be a major factor in determining when the park can fully open for public use in 2023.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Events staff are planning to program the park for the 2023 season, more details will be available next spring. 

Project Details

This Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements project includes:

  • A new performance stage with seasonal restrooms
  • New park entry plaza spaces
  • Upgraded lights, path connections, wayfinding signage and trail markings
  • Landscape and stormwater management improvements

The improvements are focused on the upper part of the park, not the lower paths closer to the Mississippi River. Follow the link below to view the project design and some illustrations of the new stage/restroom facility:

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements Design [PDF]