Boom Island Lighthouse
Iconic lighthouse in Minneapolis's Boom Island Park, offering stunning Mississippi River and skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Boom Island Lighthouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lighthouse in Minneapolis's Boom Island Park, offering stunning Mississippi River and skyline views.
"Such a gorgeous view of the lighthouse. Surrounded by stunning views of the Mississippi River."
🚶♀️ Park Trails & Views
Explore the vast park trails for great river and skyline views.
🛶 Kayak Adventure
Rent kayaks via Paddle Share for a unique river perspective of the lighthouse.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boom Island Lighthouse
Boom Island Park
Iconic lighthouse offering stunning views of the Mississippi River and Minneapolis skyline.
Mississippi Riverfront Views
Boom Island Park
Enjoy expansive river vistas and the Minneapolis skyline from the park's walking trails.
Stone Arch Bridge Connection
Boom Island Park
Easily walk from the park to the historic Stone Arch Bridge for more scenic perspectives.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Accessing the Lighthouse and Park
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Park Trails & Views
Explore the vast park trails for great river and skyline views.
🛶 Kayak Adventure
Rent kayaks via Paddle Share for a unique river perspective of the lighthouse.
📸 Drone Photography
Bring your drone for aerial shots of the lighthouse and skyline (check park regulations).
🅿️ Parking Fee
A surface lot is available for parking, but there is a fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Park Trails & Views
Explore the vast park trails for great river and skyline views.
🛶 Kayak Adventure
Rent kayaks via Paddle Share for a unique river perspective of the lighthouse.
📸 Drone Photography
Bring your drone for aerial shots of the lighthouse and skyline (check park regulations).
🅿️ Parking Fee
A surface lot is available for parking, but there is a fee.
☀️ Shade Options
Find shade on the east side of the park if needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the gorgeous views of the Boom Island Lighthouse and the surrounding Mississippi River. The vast park offers ample walking and running trails, picnic areas, and shady spots, making it a great place for exercise and relaxation. Some note the lighthouse itself is inaccessible, but the park's scenic beauty and connection to other downtown attractions are highly praised. +2
"Such a gorgeous view of the lighthouse. Surrounded by stunning views of the Mississippi River. The Boom Island Park is vast and there are plenty of walking/running trails. There are Picnic areas and lots of shady areas and bridges to walk through. I walked from the lighthouse through most of the park to reach the Stone Arch Bridge - from there, went through the downtown area of shops and restaurants - then past the St. Anthony waterfall. A great exercising day!"
tiffany
"Enjoyed my morning jog at Boom Island Park. The lighthouse is inaccessible by foot and area is overgrown at the base. But good views from the park and the bridge."
The K Green Show
"Look for this lighthouse if you rented Kayaks through Paddle Share. There will be an employee waiting for you that will assist you with your gear once you have finished. Highly recommend Paddle Share. This was my first time doing it and it was quick and easy and a nice, leisurely paddle with some nice skyline views of Minneapolis."
Nicholas “Nick” Berry
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Boom Island Lighthouse is located within Boom Island Park in Minneapolis. You can drive to the park and use the available paid parking lot. It's also accessible via walking and biking trails, including a connection to the Stone Arch Bridge.
While direct public transport to the lighthouse itself isn't common, Minneapolis has a robust bus system that can get you close to the downtown area, from where you can walk or bike to Boom Island Park. Check local transit schedules for routes near the Mississippi Riverfront.
The lighthouse structure itself is not accessible by foot, and the immediate base area is overgrown. However, you can get excellent views from the surrounding Boom Island Park.
Yes, there is a surface parking lot available at Boom Island Park. Please note that there is a fee for parking.
Yes, Boom Island Park features a boat launch accessible to the Mississippi River, making it a convenient spot for boaters.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Boom Island Lighthouse or Boom Island Park. The park is open to the public.
Boom Island Park generally follows Minneapolis park hours, which are typically from 6 AM to 10 PM daily. It's always a good idea to check the official Minneapolis Parks and Recreation website for any specific seasonal or event-related changes.
There is no entrance fee for Boom Island Park itself. However, parking in the surface lot does incur a fee.
The interior of the Boom Island Lighthouse is not accessible to the public. Visitors can admire it from the park grounds.
Standard park rules apply, such as respecting wildlife, proper waste disposal, and adhering to designated trail areas. Drone usage may have specific regulations, so it's advisable to check with park authorities.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from within Boom Island Park, offering views of the lighthouse with the Minneapolis skyline as a backdrop. The Nicollet-Boom Island Bridge also provides great vantage points. 
Drone photography is generally permitted in Minneapolis parks, but it's always best to check the latest regulations with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Department to ensure compliance. Some areas might have restrictions.
Late afternoon and early evening offer beautiful golden hour light that illuminates the lighthouse and skyline. Sunrise can also provide stunning, less crowded photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The Stone Arch Bridge offers fantastic panoramic views of the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls, and the Minneapolis skyline, including glimpses of Boom Island Lighthouse.
Commercial photography or filming may require permits. For personal use, general park rules apply. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Boom Island Park is perfect for walking, jogging, picnicking, and enjoying scenic views. You can also rent kayaks for a paddle on the Mississippi River. +1
Yes, Boom Island Park offers several picnic areas, providing lovely spots to relax and enjoy a meal with a view of the river.
Definitely! The park features extensive walking and running trails, making it a popular spot for a great workout with scenic surroundings.
Amenities include walking trails, picnic areas, a boat launch, and parking facilities. Some areas offer shade, while others are more open to the sun. +1
You can spend anywhere from an hour to a full afternoon exploring Boom Island Park, depending on your pace and whether you plan to picnic or kayak. Walking from the lighthouse to the Stone Arch Bridge and back is a popular route.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring comfortable shoes for walking and consider bringing snacks and drinks, as amenities within the park are limited to picnic spots and a boat launch. The park's proximity to other downtown attractions also makes it easy to combine a visit with other family-friendly activities in Minneapolis.
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Many fitness enthusiasts enjoy the loop that connects Boom Island Park to the Stone Arch Bridge, offering varied terrain and breathtaking vistas. The park's open layout and well-maintained paths make it a popular choice for daily exercise routines. Don't forget to hydrate, especially during warmer months, and enjoy the invigorating atmosphere.
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Boom Island Lighthouse
The lighthouse's presence is intrinsically linked to the development of Boom Island Park itself. The park, a popular recreational area, provides a serene escape with stunning views of the river and the city skyline. The lighthouse serves as a visual anchor, enhancing the park's aesthetic appeal and providing a sense of place for both locals and tourists. Its photogenic nature has made it a favorite subject for photographers and a recognizable feature in many Minneapolis cityscapes.
+1While the lighthouse structure itself is not open for tours, its significance lies in its role as a historical marker and a beautiful element of the park's landscape. It represents a piece of the area's connection to river navigation and adds to the visual narrative of Minneapolis's waterfront.
Experiencing Boom Island Park: Trails, Picnics, and River Access
For those looking to relax, Boom Island Park boasts numerous picnic areas, some offering ample shade, while others are more exposed to the sun. It's an ideal location for a leisurely lunch or an afternoon snack while enjoying the natural beauty. The park also features a boat launch, providing direct access to the Mississippi River for kayakers and boaters. Renting a kayak through services like Paddle Share is a highly recommended way to experience the lighthouse and city views from the water.
The park's connectivity is another major draw. It's easily accessible from downtown Minneapolis and is linked to other popular attractions like the Stone Arch Bridge and the Mill City Museum via walking and biking paths. This makes Boom Island Park a perfect starting or ending point for a day of exploring the city's riverfront attractions.
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