BF Nelson Park - Broadway Gardens in Autumn
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BF Nelson Park

4.6
·269 reviews·Minneapolis, United States

A peaceful riverside park offering scenic views, walking trails, and a vibrant community skate event.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday evenings

Popular for community skate nights

CrowdMedium
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BF Nelson Park - Broadway Gardens in Autumn

BF Nelson Park

Best Time

Friday evenings

Popular for community skate nights

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A peaceful riverside park offering scenic views, walking trails, and a vibrant community skate event.

4.6
(269 reviews)

"Nice peaceful little park along the trail. Offers some nice scenery and is pretty quiet."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Friday Night Skate Meetup

Meet at 6:30 PM, skates depart 6:45 PM for a ~10-mile loop. Hydrate!

🅿️ Parking Info

BF Nelson Park offers 2 hours of free parking. Boom Island Park requires meter payment.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverside Trails

Riverside Trails

Along the Mississippi River

Enjoy serene walks with scenic river views and a peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for relaxation.

Reddit
Friday Night Skate

Friday Night Skate

Meeting point at BF Nelson Park

Join a lively community skate around the city, a popular weekly event for locals.

Instagram+1
Connecting to Boom Island

Connecting to Boom Island

Adjacent to Boom Island Park

Easily access the larger Boom Island Park for extended exploration and amenities.

Reddit
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Skate Night Logistics

Join the Friday Night Skate at BF Nelson Park! Meet at 6:30 PM, skates leave at 6:45 PM for a ~10-mile loop. Hydrate well, especially on warm evenings. Instagram+1

Park Vibe & Activities

BF Nelson Park offers a peaceful riverside escape with grassy areas, wooded trails, and scenic views. It's great for walks, relaxation, and connecting to Boom Island Park. Reddit

Best Times

When
Friday evenings
Why
Popular for community skate nights
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and quiet for relaxation
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The brand new Glass Bridge at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is NOW OPEN! Walk over Sylvan Creek’s gorge, looking 50 feet down at the water below. This 137 foot bridge adds a new perspective to the incredible park. Definitely a fun and unique experience! 📍Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park: 12440 Nelson Ledge Rd Garrettsville, OH 44231 #ohiobucketlist #thingstodoinohio #ohioexplored #ohiomade #...
@theohiobucketlist
39K likes • 2M views

🎯 Friday Night Skate Meetup

Meet at 6:30 PM, skates depart 6:45 PM for a ~10-mile loop. Hydrate! Instagram+1

🅿️ Parking Info

BF Nelson Park offers 2 hours of free parking. Boom Island Park requires meter payment. Reddit

We skated the route last night and it’s in great shape for us to kick off Friday Night Skate this week! The weather should be perfect and the trails are all cleared. Meet at BF Nelson Park at 6:30pm. The train leaves at 6:45. Can’t wait to kick off our 4th season of FNS with everyone this week. Invite your friends!
mpls_friday_night_skate
66 likes • 1.5K views
HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE! Join us for a fun time skating around the city this evening! Meet up at BF Nelson Park at 6:30pm. Our loop is about 10 miles and takes us around 2 hours to complete. It’s going to be a warm one, so make sure to hydrate! 💦
mpls_friday_night_skate
43 likes • 661 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Mix

Enjoy the blend of open grassy areas, wooded paths, and river views. Reddit

☀️ Shade & Sun Balance

The park offers a good mix of shaded and sunny spots for comfort. Reddit

reddit.com

Have some family coming into town trying to find a good bike route that includes the best brews and some good views. What do you think of the below route? Starts at BF Nelson

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Friday Night Skate Meetup

Meet at 6:30 PM, skates depart 6:45 PM for a ~10-mile loop. Hydrate! Instagram+1

🅿️ Parking Info

BF Nelson Park offers 2 hours of free parking. Boom Island Park requires meter payment. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Mix

Enjoy the blend of open grassy areas, wooded paths, and river views. Reddit

☀️ Shade & Sun Balance

The park offers a good mix of shaded and sunny spots for comfort. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(269 reviews)

Reviews Summary

BF Nelson Park is a well-maintained, peaceful riverside park offering a blend of open spaces and wooded areas. Visitors appreciate its serene atmosphere, scenic views, and convenient connection to Boom Island Park. It's a great spot for relaxation, walks, and community events like the Friday Night Skate.

"Nice peaceful little park along the trail. Offers some nice scenery and is pretty quiet so it'd be a good place to just walk and relax or meditate a bit. Has a small parking lot that I've never seen full and a nice statue. Overall the park seems well maintained."

Zach Roper

"This was our 1st time here, we went for fireworks on the 4th! We had a good time, met a lot of very nice people. Didn't really get a chance to explore but will be going back to adventure! 🙂"

Natasha Seibert

"My husband and I needed a walk and decided to go in town instead of our local suburban park. It was lovely here. Large grassy areas to stretch out in. Wooded area, backwaters run through it and a bluff neighborhood with lovely older homes. A great mix that was so unexpected and so nice."

Kathy Jo G

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Riverfront views
Well-maintained grounds

What People Dislike

Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

BF Nelson Park is accessible by car and is located along the Mississippi River. It's also connected to Boom Island Park, offering multiple access points. Reddit

Yes, BF Nelson Park has a small parking lot that offers 2 hours of free parking. Reddit

Information on public transport routes to BF Nelson Park is not widely available, but it's a popular destination for cycling and walking trails. Check local transit schedules for nearby routes.

Absolutely! The park is part of a trail system and is a popular starting point for the Friday Night Skate, indicating it's well-suited for cycling. Instagram+1

Use GPS navigation to 'BF Nelson Park' or 'Minneapolis, MN'. It's situated along the riverfront, making it a scenic destination. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, BF Nelson Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy the amenities for free. Reddit

As a public park, BF Nelson Park is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific hours may vary, but it's typically open year-round. Reddit

No tickets are required for the Friday Night Skate. It's a community event where participants meet at the park. Instagram+1

The park hosts events like the Friday Night Skate and has been known to have fireworks displays on holidays. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, it's perfect for a casual walk, relaxation, or enjoying the river views. The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, relaxing, picnicking, and cycling. It's also a popular spot for the Friday Night Skate. InstagramReddit+1

Restroom availability can vary. It's advisable to check recent visitor comments or plan accordingly, especially if visiting for extended periods. Reddit

Yes, the park offers scenic river views, wooded areas, and a mix of open spaces, making it a great spot for photography. Reddit

While specific dog policies can change, parks generally allow dogs on leashes. It's always best to check local park regulations. Reddit

On non-festival weekends, the park is described as peaceful, quiet, and well-maintained, offering a relaxing atmosphere. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

BF Nelson Park itself does not have on-site dining facilities. However, its connection to Boom Island Park and proximity to downtown Minneapolis offer many dining options nearby. Reddit

Yes, the park has large grassy areas that are perfect for picnics. Bring your own food and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Reddit

You can find a variety of restaurants and cafes in the nearby downtown Minneapolis area or at Boom Island Park, which may have seasonal concessions. Reddit

Food truck presence can be sporadic. It's best to check local event listings or social media for any scheduled food vendors. Reddit

The nearby downtown Minneapolis area offers a wide range of cuisines, from casual eateries to upscale dining. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The riverfront offers beautiful shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. The wooded areas and open fields also provide diverse photographic opportunities. Reddit

Yes, from BF Nelson Park and its connection to Boom Island Park, you can get excellent views and photos of the Minneapolis skyline across the river. Reddit

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photos. Weekday mornings are also great for fewer crowds. Reddit

The park's blend of urban riverfront and natural elements, along with its connection to Boom Island, provides unique perspectives. The Friday Night Skate can also offer dynamic action shots. InstagramReddit+1

Drone usage in city parks is often restricted. It's crucial to check Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board regulations regarding drone operation before flying. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

BF Nelson Park is a lovely spot for families looking for a peaceful outing. The open grassy areas are perfect for kids to run around and play, while the wooded sections offer a bit of exploration. The park's connection to Boom Island Park means you can easily extend your visit and enjoy more space and potentially playgrounds. Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river, making it a budget-friendly and enjoyable family activity. The calm atmosphere makes it a good choice for a relaxed afternoon.

🚴‍♀️ Cyclists and Skaters

For cyclists and skaters, BF Nelson Park is a prime destination. It serves as the vibrant starting point for the popular Friday Night Skate, a weekly event that draws a large crowd for a city-wide skating adventure. Instagram+1 The park's location along the riverfront also means it's connected to extensive trail systems, perfect for longer bike rides or casual spins. The free parking for up to two hours is a convenient perk for those arriving by bike. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Relaxation Seekers

If you're seeking a quiet place to unwind, BF Nelson Park is an excellent choice. Its peaceful riverside setting and well-maintained paths are ideal for a solo stroll or a moment of meditation. Reddit Find a quiet spot on the grass or a bench overlooking the water to read a book or simply enjoy the tranquility. The park's serene atmosphere makes it a perfect urban retreat for solo visitors looking to de-stress.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Friday Night Skate Experience

BF Nelson Park is famously known as the starting point for the Minneapolis Friday Night Skate, a beloved weekly community event. Every Friday evening, skaters gather at the park around 6:30 PM, with the group departing promptly at 6:45 PM for a roughly 10-mile loop around the city. Instagram+1 This event attracts a diverse crowd of roller skaters and inline skaters, fostering a fun and social atmosphere. It's a fantastic way to explore Minneapolis on wheels, especially during warmer months. Remember to stay hydrated, as the skaters often emphasize, particularly on warmer nights. Instagram

This tradition has been ongoing for several seasons, highlighting the park's role as a community hub. The route is typically well-maintained, and the energy of the group is infectious. It's not just about the skating; it's about the camaraderie and shared experience. If you're looking for a unique way to engage with the city and its active community, the Friday Night Skate is an absolute must-try. Instagram+1

Park Amenities and Atmosphere

BF Nelson Park offers a tranquil escape along the Mississippi River, characterized by its peaceful ambiance and well-maintained grounds. Visitors often praise the park for its blend of open grassy areas, shaded wooded sections, and scenic river views, making it an ideal spot for relaxation, leisurely walks, or quiet contemplation. Reddit The park features a small, rarely full parking lot, providing convenient access for visitors. Its connection to Boom Island Park expands the recreational possibilities, allowing for longer explorations and access to additional amenities. Reddit

The park's atmosphere is generally described as serene and welcoming. It's a place where you can stretch out on the grass, enjoy the natural surroundings, or simply sit and watch the river flow by. The mix of natural landscapes and proximity to the city creates a unique urban oasis. Whether you're seeking a quiet moment or a starting point for a longer adventure, BF Nelson Park delivers a pleasant and refreshing experience. Reddit

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