Marshall Terrace Park

A Glimpse into the Past

In Minneapolis, Minnesota lies the charming 6.55-acre Marshall Terrace Park. While it started its journey in 1914 as Northeast Riverside Park, it adopted its current name in 1915, taking after Marshall Street which runs alongside it.

Kid-Friendly Fun

The playground here got a fantastic makeover in 2013, embracing nature and river themes that perfectly complement its Mississippi River setting. Kids can explore a log balance beam, crawl through a log tunnel, hop across mushroom stepping pods, and climb on a tree trunk climber - all elements that spark imagination and adventure.

The playground thoughtfully caters to different age groups with a smaller area for toddlers and a more challenging section for 5-7 year olds. Though not massive, the play area is clean and well-kept - an ideal spot for little ones to burn some energy while parents enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Mississippi River Views

The real star of Marshall Terrace Park is undoubtedly its connection to the mighty Mississippi. The park offers river overlooks and wooden stairs leading down to the shoreline, where you can take in breathtaking views of the water, the Lowry Bridge, and the natural landscape beyond.

Come spring, the park transforms into a nature-lover's paradise. From March through May, you can witness an incredible heron rookery on nearby river islands, where hundreds of herons, cormorants, and egrets return to nest and raise their young. It's a spectacular wildlife display that draws photographers and bird enthusiasts year after year - definitely worth planning a visit around!

Get Active

If sports are more your thing, Marshall Terrace offers baseball and softball fields, a basketball court, and a sand volleyball court. When summer temperatures rise, the wading pool becomes a refreshing retreat, especially popular with families looking to cool off.

Feeling hungry after all that activity? The park offers several charcoal grills and wooden picnic tables scattered throughout, creating perfect spots for a family lunch or casual get-together. The peaceful setting makes it an ideal location for birthday celebrations or simply enjoying a meal outdoors.

Good to Know

You can find restrooms on-site, but they may not be available year-round. Parking is limited but adequate for the park's size - one benefit of this intimate green space is that it rarely feels overcrowded.

Marshall Terrace Park is a quiet riverside retreat upstream from the bustle of downtown Minneapolis, where you can connect with nature without leaving the city.