The West River Parkway Trail extends between N. Plymouth Avenue opposite Boom Island Park and Ford Parkway in Minnehaha Park, where you can join the
Minnehaha Trail. The trail follows the Mississippi River south (down stream) to Minnehaha Falls and offers spectacular views of the river, as well as access to downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota campus. The trail mixes urban amenities with natural areas and is well used for recreation and commuting.
The West River Parkway Trail is part of the
Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a 50-mile loop tour of the region that can be walked, biked or driven and featuring cultural and natural sites.
From I-94 just north of downtown Minneapolis, exit at Broadway and turn east. Turn right on West River Road and go about 0.5 mile. There are several parking lots along the parkway south of Plymouth Avenue. You can also park just west of the parkway in one of the neighborhoods. Check the map for more parking and access locations.
One of the oldest separated bike paths in Minneapolis, and it shows. The pavement is very rough in places, curb cuts are few and awkwardly placed, and the pedestrians will drive you nuts. Although there is a walking path a few feet away from the bike ...