Gluek Riverside Park

A Riverfront Site with History

The historic Gluek Brewery once stood on this ground from 1857 until its demolition in 1966, and the former Gluek Mansion site adds another layer to the backstory of what is now Gluek Riverside Park. That history gives the 2.91-acre space a weight that belies its modest footprint.

Today the park sits in Northeast Minneapolis' Bottineau neighborhood and offers stunning Mississippi River views as part of the larger Above the Falls Regional Park system - small but a meaningful piece of the riverfront.

From Brewery to Greenspace

In 1978, the Minneapolis Park Board scooped up this land, primarily to keep industry from gobbling up more riverfront property. A decade later, they added a picnic area and river overlook, breathing new life into the space.

The park's journey hasn't been without bumps, though. In 2004, it closed completely due to soil contamination from its industrial past. Thankfully, after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency stepped in with remediation work, Gluek reopened in 2008 with refreshed amenities and landscaping.

What You'll Find Today

The park has two river overlooks with sweeping views of the Mississippi and its surroundings. Multiple seating areas let you sit back and soak in the water views in relative tranquility - a rare find in the heart of the city.

Planning a gathering? The picnic shelter comes with electricity, convenient for small events. There's also a large grill suitable for cooking for bigger groups.

Tree lovers will appreciate the magnificent Burr Oaks with their distinctive, almost sculptural branching patterns - some adventurous visitors even enjoy climbing them. Recent brush clearing has made these arboreal stars and the river views even more impressive.

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Things to Do

Frisbee enthusiasts, take note: a free disc golf course awaits your best throws. If fishing is more your speed, you'll discover spots along the Mississippi where you can cast a line without leaving the city.

The park's paths make it ideal for walking, whether you're looking for some solo reflection time or taking your four-legged friend for a stroll. Yes, it's dog-friendly - another bonus for local pet owners.

Keep in mind that Gluek Riverside Park is designed primarily as an adult space, with no playground equipment on site. What it offers instead is something increasingly precious in urban settings: a quiet natural retreat where you can disconnect, breathe deeply, and appreciate the timeless flow of the Mississippi just beyond the bustling city.