Minnehaha Depot
A preserved 1870s train depot offering a quick historical glimpse into Minneapolis's railway past, nestled within the scenic Minnehaha Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Minnehaha Depot
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A preserved 1870s train depot offering a quick historical glimpse into Minneapolis's railway past, nestled within the scenic Minnehaha Park.
"A cute lil history spot, definitely worth stopping for a few minutes to check out! "
📸 Photo Opportunity
Great spot for photos, especially with the historic depot and old tracks.
⏳ Quick Stop
Perfect for a brief visit to soak in history and take pictures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Minnehaha Depot
Minnehaha Park
Step back in time at this beautifully preserved 1870s train station, a testament to Minneapolis's railway past.
Old Train Tracks
Adjacent to the Depot
Explore the remnants of the old railway lines, offering a tangible connection to the depot's operational history.
Informative Plaque
Near the Depot
Discover the unique history of this former railway hub through a detailed plaque providing historical context.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quick Historical Stop
Parking & Park Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Opportunity
Great spot for photos, especially with the historic depot and old tracks.
⏳ Quick Stop
Perfect for a brief visit to soak in history and take pictures.
Closed Minnehaha depot in Minneapolis, MN
An afternoon/evening in Minneapolis
🅿️ Parking Challenges
Parking can be tough during busy park events. Arrive early!
🚶♀️ Park Exploration
Combine your visit with exploring the larger Minnehaha Park and Falls.
Best three days to convince my husband he wants to move to Twin Cities
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunity
Great spot for photos, especially with the historic depot and old tracks.
⏳ Quick Stop
Perfect for a brief visit to soak in history and take pictures.
🅿️ Parking Challenges
Parking can be tough during busy park events. Arrive early!
🚶♀️ Park Exploration
Combine your visit with exploring the larger Minnehaha Park and Falls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Minnehaha Depot to be a charming historical site, perfect for a quick photo opportunity and a glimpse into Minneapolis's railway past. While it's a brief stop, its preservation and the adjacent old train tracks are appreciated. The main drawback mentioned is the difficulty in finding parking during busy periods at Minnehaha Park.
"Very beautiful and full of history.
I didn't get to go inside but I got some pictures.
There are some very old train tracks off to the side opposite the road.
There is a plaque detailing some of the unique history.
It's definitely worth stopping for a few minutes to check out?"
Ryan
"There were many people walking along the paths in the park today and they had some other tents set up for some activities going on at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis, MN.
A Beautiful Park nestled in the Center of the City with a skyline view of downtown Minneapolis and a Beautiful Falls flowing into the Creek and the Mississippi River."
Dawn Marie Benjamin
"Cute lil history spot"
Cassandra Sieracki
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Minnehaha Depot is located within Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis. You can drive and park in the park's lots, though they can fill up quickly. Alternatively, the light rail (Blue Line) stops at the Minnehaha Park station, making it an accessible option.
Yes, the Metro Blue Line light rail has a stop at Minnehaha Park, which is a short walk from the depot. This is a convenient option if you're coming from downtown Minneapolis or the airport.
Minnehaha Park offers several parking lots. However, during peak seasons and events, parking can be very limited. Arriving early in the day or on weekdays is recommended for easier parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Minnehaha Depot itself is an outdoor historical site and does not require an admission ticket to view from the outside. Access to the surrounding Minnehaha Park is also generally free.
As an outdoor historical marker and structure, the Minnehaha Depot is accessible whenever Minnehaha Park is open. Park hours typically extend from dawn to dusk.
Typically, you cannot go inside the Minnehaha Depot as it's preserved as a historical exhibit. Visitors can admire its exterior and learn about its history from the nearby plaque.
📸 📸 Photography
The depot itself, with its historic architecture, is a prime photo subject. Don't miss the old train tracks nearby for a more evocative shot. The surrounding park also offers scenic backdrops.
Absolutely! The depot offers a unique historical element, and the old train tracks add character. The natural beauty of Minnehaha Park provides a lovely setting for photos.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful 'golden hour' light, which can enhance the historic feel of the depot. Weekday mornings offer fewer people for unobstructed shots.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can see the preserved 1870s train depot building, old train tracks, and a historical plaque detailing its significance. It's a quick but informative stop.
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes at the Minnehaha Depot itself, just enough time to take photos and read the historical information.
Yes, it's an ideal spot for a brief stop. It's a great addition to a visit to the larger Minnehaha Park and Falls, offering a dose of local history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit brief to maintain young children's attention. The historical plaque offers a simple explanation of its past. Remember that parking can be a challenge, so consider the light rail if you're bringing little ones to avoid the stress of finding a spot.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for soft, warm light that enhances the textures and historical feel. Weekday mornings can provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. The surrounding Minnehaha Park also offers diverse photographic opportunities, from the waterfall to scenic park landscapes, making it a rewarding location for a photo outing.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Day-Trippers
As a day-trip destination, the depot is best combined with a visit to the larger Minnehaha Park and Falls. This allows you to experience both the historical aspect and the natural beauty of the area. Consider using the light rail for easy access, especially if you're exploring other parts of Minneapolis that day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Minneapolis's Railway Past
Visitors can appreciate the depot's architecture and imagine the bustling activity that once took place here. The adjacent old train tracks further enhance the historical atmosphere, allowing you to visualize the locomotives that pulled into and out of this station. A nearby historical plaque provides detailed insights into the depot's specific role and the broader context of railway development in Minneapolis.
While the depot itself is a compact historical site, its location within the expansive Minnehaha Park means you can easily extend your visit. The park is famous for its stunning waterfall, walking paths, and picnic areas, making the depot a perfect, brief historical interlude during a day of outdoor exploration.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
However, a recurring piece of advice from travelers concerns parking. Minnehaha Park is a popular destination, and parking lots can become congested, especially on weekends and during special events. Redditors suggest arriving early in the day or on a weekday to secure a spot more easily.
For those looking to capture the best visuals, the late afternoon golden hour is often recommended for photography, casting a warm glow on the historic structure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit