Parks & Open Spaces
Whether you like hiking, biking, swimming, boating or just chilling out(side), Little Falls has you covered...four seasons a year. Explore our parks and places below and then get out and visit them in person.
Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Located 5 miles southeast of Little Falls, Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 to protect and restore wetlands and enhance waterfowl and other migratory bird habitat. Visitors are invited to experience the Refuge. Sandhill cranes and a host of other wildlife may be seen or heard as they use the sedge meadows, shallow lakes, wetlands, grasslands, oak woods, and other habitats on the Refuge.
19502 Iris Road
Little Falls, MN 56345
320.632.1575
North Pine Grove Park
- Softball
- Basketball
- Nature Trails
- Picnic Tables
- Restroom
- Shelter
West Broadway and 10th St NW
Little Falls, MN 56345
James Green Park
- View of the Little Falls Dam built in 1848
- Flower Gardens
- Picnic Tables
Little Falls, MN 56345
Kiwanis Park
- Shelter
- Picnic Tables
Little Falls, MN 56345
59 1st Avenue Northeast
Little Falls, MN 56345
Pine Tree Park
- Basketball
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Skating Rink
- Dog Park
801 4th Street Northeast
Little Falls, MN 56345
Belle Prairie Park
Located northeast of Little Falls on County Road 76 on the Mississippi River. Open sunrise to 10 PM.
19201 Haven Road
Little Falls, MN 56345
320.632.0121
Ripley Esker
An esker is a landform built of sand and gravel deposited by a melt water stream that flowed beneath a glacier. The Ripley esker is a classic esker; it stands 3 to 18 meters above the surrounding plain, and is about 68 to 76 meters wide. Although the Ripley esker is broken into several segments, it has an overall length of about 11 kilometers.
165th Avenue
MN
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
Located on the Mississippi River, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park offers visitors a wooded campground, hiking and skiing trails, and a quaint picnic area. The picnic area includes a historic Work Projects Administration (WPA) picnic shelter and a stone water tower. Fish the waters of the Mississippi River, canoe Pike Creek, or hike the trails amid grand red and white pine, aspen, oak, and prairie. Look for bald eagles year-round. During your summer visit, stop in at the historic home of Charles A. Lindbergh, the famous aviator. The home and adjacent museum are operated by the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) and are adjacent to the park.
1615 Lindbergh Drive South
Little Falls, MN 56345
320.616.2525
Pine Grove Zoo
Pine Grove Zoo has been welcoming guests since 1913 and is proud to host visitors throughout Minnesota as well as the United States. Pine Grove Zoo is dedicated to promoting educational, environmental and conservation messages while creating lifelong memories for families and visitors. We realize the importance of family and community and strive to make positive, meaningful and life-changing memories, while creatively inserting our enthusiasm for nature.
1200 West Broadway
Little Falls, MN 56345
320.616.5595
Maple Island Park
- Fishing
- Flower Gardens
- Picnic Tables
- Restroom
- Shelter
3rd Avenue Southeast
Little Falls, MN 56345
Mill Park
This park was once the location of the Hennepin Paper Company, which was famous for having made the paper on/around Crayola Crayons. The mill is now in ruins, but its remains were preserved and developed into a historical display. Walking paths take you through the site and tell the history of the once great paper mill. While you’re there, enjoy the view of the Mississippi River that flows by with some great fishing spots.
5th Avenue Southwest
Little Falls, MN 56345
Gamradt Park
- Community Garden
- Playground
- Decorative Bench
300 7th Street Northwest
Little Falls, MN 56345
Riverside Park
- Picnic Tables
- Beautiful view of the Mississippi River
8th Avenue Northeast
Little Falls, MN 56345
Cross Rocks / Fairy Crosses
The Staurolites, better known as “fairy stones” are found at Blanchard Dam. Take Hilton Road (approximately 8.6 miles) to 68th Street (take path at the Dead End road). Digging for cross rocks in the river banks using shovels or other implements is not legal to do. These “Fairy” or “Lucky” stones are twinned staurolite crystals simulating the Roman, Maltese and St. Andrew’s crosses. They are as much as an inch in length and are of dark brown color. The original staurolite mineral has changed to a compact softer material, so that the stones can be readily pared for jewelry trade.
Garland Road
Little Falls, MN 56345
Lindbergh Lions Recreational Area
- Softball
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Shelter
- Skating Rink
- Tennis
- Pickle Ball
- Hockey Rink and Warming House
800-998 2nd Avenue Southwest
Little Falls, MN 56345