The Commons

Urban Oasis

Right next to U.S. Bank Stadium in Downtown East, Minneapolis, The Commons is a 4.2-acre green space that opened in July 2016. It's a two-block stretch of grass and open air that lets you step away from the concrete without actually leaving downtown.

Sandwiched between South 4th and 5th Streets and stretching from 5th Avenue South to Park Avenue (with Portland Avenue cutting through the middle), the park is perfectly placed for pregame hangs before Vikings games or concerts - just follow the purple jerseys!

Development & Design

Once just boring parking lots, The Commons transformed East Town through a $15 million public-private partnership effort. Now under the care of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, this space has transformed the former parking lots into a green urban space.

The park's design is cleverly split into east and west blocks, featuring gentle rolling hills and plenty of greenery that provides a refreshing contrast to downtown's angular skyline. There's a nice contrast sitting in the grass here, looking up at the city towers while being somewhat removed from the traffic and noise.

The distinctive U.S. Bank Stadium overlooking the oval green lawn

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Features & Amenities

Throughout The Commons, you'll come across plenty of places to perch - tables and chairs dot the landscape from spring through fall. When the sun gets intense, seek refuge under the umbrellas scattered around the park. Perfect for lunch breaks or catching up with friends over coffee.

Need a bathroom break? Portable restrooms are available at the east end near the stadium, typically in a lockable area. Thirsty? Head to the east block for a drinking fountain that caters to both you and your four-legged friends.

Kids will love the small splash pad during Minnesota's warmer months - a welcome relief when temperatures climb. There's also a modest climbing structure, and sometimes you'll discover a coloring station with art supplies and books for the little ones.

Lawn spaces with The Armory creating a dramatic backdrop

Photo: Warren LeMay (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Activities & Events

The Commons offers various community programming throughout the year. Year-round, you can join outdoor concerts, get your sweat on during fitness classes, bring the kids to story times, catch a movie under the stars, or participate in old-school field days complete with tug-of-war competitions.

Weekday lunchtimes bring a vibrant food truck scene to the east block, typically until about 2 PM. The diverse and reasonably priced options make this a hotspot for nearby office workers looking to escape their desks and enjoy some fresh air with their meal.

You can also enjoy lawn games, arts and crafts, or watch your kids explore the Imagination Playground. Summer evenings are special when the Mill City Farmers Market sets up shop, bringing vendors, food trucks, live music, and even yoga sessions to the park.

Blue umbrellas shade tables and chairs in an urban seating area along the park's north edge

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Recreation & Leisure

The spacious grassy areas are ideal for picnic blankets, frisbee games, or just cloud-watching while lying on your back. Paved paths wind through the space, well-suited for a mind-clearing stroll during your lunch break.

Dog owners, rejoice! The Commons welcomes your leashed companions, with waste bags available in the west block. The park also connects to Minneapolis' larger network of trails, including the Samatar Crossing and the Hiawatha LRT Trail - making it an excellent starting point for longer walks or bike rides.

Looking toward the U.S. Bank Stadium with the park on the right

Photo: Warren LeMay (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Visitor Information

Getting here is a breeze with nearby light rail stops. You might want to skip driving, although - parking in the area can put a dent in your wallet, so public transit is often your best bet.

The Commons feels welcoming and family-friendly during daylight hours, offering a safe environment for children to play. As with most urban parks, you should exercise some caution after dark.

No matter if you're a downtown resident, a worker on lunch break, or a visitor exploring Minneapolis, The Commons offers that perfect urban retreat - a place to disconnect for a moment without having to leave the city. It's a little touch of calm in the downtown buzz.