Loring Park
Interactive Park Map
About Loring Park
A Touch of Minneapolis History
Back in 1883, what we now know as Loring Park started life as Central Park before being renamed to honor Charles Loring - the first president of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and basically the godfather of the city's park system. This 33.94-acre urban retreat has historical significance, being the first Minneapolis park to get electric lights, a wading pool, and programs for seniors. The Spanish Colonial Revival shelter still stands today, reflecting the park's historical approach to recreational spaces.
Nature's Canvas
At the heart of the park sits Loring Pond, a picturesque little lake encircled by walking and biking paths. You can stroll across the iron bridge spanning the pond - the current one replaced the original 1885 version in 2006.
Planning an event? Make a reservation at this park
The Garden of the Seasons is a horticultural highlight, showcasing local plants and themed landscaping that changes with Minnesota's distinct seasons. Local volunteers maintain the flower gardens, which are particularly colorful during spring and summer.
The park doubles as a mini wildlife sanctuary with ducks, geese, squirrels, turtles, and various birds making their home here. If you visit in spring, keep your eyes peeled for adorable baby animals often spotted around the pond - a fantastic photo opportunity!
Artistic Soul
Art lovers will appreciate the Berger Fountain (affectionately called the "Dandelion Fountain" by locals), which is currently getting a makeover set to be completed by 2025. You'll also find a statue of Norwegian composer Ole Bull standing proudly among the greenery.
A literal bridge to more art exists in the form of the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge, connecting the park directly to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The park's historic bandstand continues to serve as a venue for performances, outdoor movies, and concerts year-round.
Play, Relax, Celebrate
Loring Park isn't just pretty to look at - it's meant to be enjoyed actively. The grounds feature a playground with slides and swings, basketball and tennis courts, a wading pool for hot summer days, picnic areas for lazy afternoons, shuffleboard courts, and even a fishing pier for the patient anglers among us.
The park comes alive with events throughout the year. Summer brings the Twin Cities Pride Festival and the Loring Park Art Festival, while winter transforms the space with the Holidazzle festival, complete with vendors, activities, and holiday magic. During summer months, you can catch live music performances on Tuesdays and Saturdays - ideal for unwinding after work or starting your weekend right.
Getting There and Around
One of the best things about Loring Park is how it connects downtown Minneapolis with surrounding neighborhoods, making it easy to access whether you're a local or just visiting. Wide, paved paths crisscross the park, ideal for walking, jogging, or biking, with plenty of benches scattered throughout when you need a breather or just want to sit and people-watch.
Been to this park? Share a or a
You can find parking along nearby streets, but spaces can be scarce during events. While the park truly shines during the warmer months, it maintains a special charm year-round - even in winter, when cleared pathways let you experience its snow-covered wonderland atmosphere.
All Features & Facilities
Active Recreation
Nature & Wildlife
Water Features & Activities
Visitor Services
Food & Gathering
Upcoming Events
Loading local events...
Photo Gallery (tap to enlarge)
The Minneapolis skyline rises above the park landscape
Loring Pond seen through bare trees on a quiet winter day
Fall colors frame a wide view of the park grounds
Shaded benches offer a relaxing retreat in the heart of the park
Shuffleboard courts are found in the east section of the park
Looking across the park and its pond on a sunny afternoon
The boardwalk on the south shore of the pond leads toward a platform with two benches
A calm view across Loring Pond in autumn
The Basilica of Saint Mary on Hennepin Avenue just north of the park
A visitor enjoys the scenery on the footbridge across the pond
The Berger Fountain in full spray creating its signature dandelion silhouette
Canada geese rest among tall reeds at the edge of the pond
Loring Pond in early spring with the Basilica of Saint Mary visible in the distance
Large trees cast shade onto the pathway on this bright summer day
Notable Sights (9)
Points of interest, landmarks, and things to see in this park
Monument (1)
A statue of the celebrated Norwegian composer and violinist Ole Bull, standing amid the park's greenery as a nod to the Scandinavian heritage prominent in Minneapolis's history.
Buildings (2)
A distinctive pedestrian bridge that links Loring Park directly to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, serving as both a functional crossing and a work of public art in its own right.
A historic shelter building that has stood in the park for decades, reflecting the architectural style popular during an earlier era of Minneapolis park design.
Events (3)
A winter holiday festival that transforms Loring Park into a festive destination each December, featuring vendors, activities, and seasonal entertainment.
An annual summer arts festival held in the park that brings together local and regional artists, making it a key event on Minneapolis's outdoor cultural calendar.
Garden (1)
A horticultural showcase featuring local plants and themed landscaping tended by local volunteers, offering colorful displays that shift with Minnesota's four distinct seasons.
Fountain (1)
A beloved park fountain nicknamed the "Dandelion Fountain" by locals for its distinctive spray pattern, recently restored and a favorite gathering spot near the pond.
Water Feature (1)
A scenic pond at the heart of the park, encircled by walking and biking paths and spanned by an iron footbridge that replaced the original 1885 structure in 2006.
Leave a Comment
Opening Hours
Weather
Top Restaurants Near Loring Park
Ping's
1401 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Established Chinese restaurant serving familiar dishes with generous portions and fast delivery service.
Mortimer's Bar and Restaurant
2001 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Relaxed neighborhood bar and grill serving creative twists on comfort food like pizza and burgers.
A Slice of New York
2407 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Authentic New York-style pizza joint serving fresh dough slices and pies with friendly service.
Centro Nicollet
2412 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Elevated Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar serving flavorful tacos in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
Pho Hoa Noodle Soup (Minneapolis)
2450 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Casual Vietnamese chain serving authentic pho and traditional specialties at affordable prices with generous portions.
Tender Lovin Chix
2700 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
A chicken restaurant serving crispy, flavorful dishes with unique Asian-inspired flavors and attentive service.
Top Hotels Near Loring Park
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Contemporary high-rise hotel featuring modern accommodations with indoor pool, fitness center, and downtown location.
Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center
1313 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
A modern downtown hotel offering clean rooms and professional service near the convention center.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Minneapolis Downtown
1028 Hawthorne Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Modern downtown hotel offering comfortable rooms with minifridges, fitness center, and convenient access to major venues.
The Chambers Hotel
901 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
A stylish downtown hotel offering comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and convenient access to Minneapolis attractions.
Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis
201 S 11th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Upscale downtown hotel featuring modern rooms, a full-service spa, and Italian restaurant with bar.
Hilton Minneapolis
1001 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Downtown high-rise hotel featuring comfortable accommodations, multiple dining options, and convenient skyway access to attractions.
