East River Flats Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

East River Flats Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Minnesota that offers visitors a variety of activities and points of interest to explore.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is situated on the east bank of the Mississippi River and covers an area of over 217 acres.

One of the most popular activities in the park is hiking, with many trails winding through the natural landscape and offering stunning views of the river and surrounding areas. The park also has several picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields, making it a great destination for families and groups.

One of the main points of interest in East River Flats Park is the Stone Arch Bridge, which spans the river and provides visitors with a unique way to experience the beauty of the area. The park also features the Minneapolis Rowing Club, a popular spot for rowers and spectators alike.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former industrial site, with many of the buildings and structures now repurposed as part of the park. The park also has a diverse range of wildlife, including bald eagles, river otters, and deer.

The best time of year to visit East River Flats Park is during the warm months of summer and early fall, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and the foliage is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round and offers plenty of winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Overall, East River Flats Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Minnesota has to offer.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks