Attractions and Places To See around Falcon Heights - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Falcon Heights include a mix of natural features, cultural sites, and recreational opportunities. This Minnesota suburb is situated between St. Paul and Minneapolis, featuring a portion of the University of Minnesota's St. Paul Campus and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The area offers diverse landscapes, from urban parks to significant river confluences and waterfalls. Visitors can explore educational institutions, historical sites, and various natural attractions.
Best attractions and places to see around Falcon Heights
- The most popular attractions is Minnehaha Falls, a waterfall that turns into a thundering cataract when waters run high. This 53-foot waterfall offers views from above and a trail leading to views from below.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Nokomis, a lake with a 7.3-mile paved trail. This trail is popular for biking, walking, jogging, and inline skating, and is wheelchair accessible.
- Visitors also love Como Lake, a lake that was originally a wetland and has seen recent efforts to improve water quality. It is fed by storm sewer water runoff and is part of a developed park.
- Falcon Heights is known for its natural features like lakes and waterfalls, as well as cultural and educational sites. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from significant rivers to university campuses.
- The attractions around Falcon Heights are appreciated by the komoot community, with 50 upvotes and 22 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Minnehaha Falls
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Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers
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Lake Phalen
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Como Lake
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Lake Nokomis
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Tips from the Community
Nice river views from the bike path.
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Here is a link to a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources map of summer trails at Fort Snelling State Park (https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00154_summer.pdf). Although bicycles are allowed on many of the park trials, the legend on the map shows, sadly, that the circumferential trail on Pike Island is for hiking only.
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at the tip of Pike Islands a very nice packed Earth bike route around this little Island
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When waters run high, this 53-foot-tall waterfall turns into a thundering cataract. There are picnic tables up top, and a trail that takes you down to nice views of the falls from below. It's well worth parking your bike to spend some time here.
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The Lake Nokomis Trail in Minnesota is a 7.3-mile paved path that stretches from Minneapolis to Burnsville, connecting three communities: Minneapolis, Richfield, and Bloomington. This 10-foot-wide trail is popular for biking, walking, jogging, and inline skating, while also being wheelchair accessible. Along its route, the trail passes through parks, residential areas, and near popular attractions like the Mall of America and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. It links to other regional trails, such as the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Minnesota River Greenway, with parking available at various points, including Taft Park and the Cedar Nichols Trailhead. Lake Nokomis spans 204 acres and is a true natural highlight of the trail.
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Lake Phalen drains into the Mississippi River via Phalen Creek, and it is the centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park. The lake is popular with all sorts of water sports enthusiasts and one of the highlights is the annual Dragon Boat Festival which takes place each July.
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At the tip of Pike Island in St. Paul Minnesota, the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers join forces on their way to the Gulf of Mexico. If you look carefully, you can notice that the Mississippi River (on the north side of Pike Island) runs relatively clear, and the Minnesota River (on the south side of Pike Island) runs stained brown with runoff from agricultural fields to the west.
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This lake was originally a wetland that was expanded when the surrounding park was developed. It is fed by storm sewer water run off, which for years resulted in algae blooms in the summer which produced a not-so-pleasant smell. However, recent efforts to improve the water quality, such as replacing invasive species with native plants and other filtration systems have greatly reduced the amount of algae blooms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What cultural and historical sites can I visit in Falcon Heights?
Falcon Heights offers several notable cultural and historical sites. You can explore the University of Minnesota's St. Paul Campus, which houses the Bell Museum of Natural History and the Goldstein Museum of Design. Another significant site is the Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life (Gibbs Farm), offering family-friendly programs about 19th-century life.
Are there any major annual events or festivals in Falcon Heights?
Yes, Falcon Heights is famously home to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Minnesota State Fair, known as "The Great Minnesota Get Together." This popular event attracts over 2 million visitors for 12 days leading up to and including Labor Day.
What natural features and parks are available for recreation in Falcon Heights?
Falcon Heights features several local parks like Falcon Heights Community Park, Curtiss Field, and Grove Park, which offer recreational sports facilities and convert into ice rinks in winter. Nearby, you can also find Reservoir Woods, a natural area with diverse oak savanna and boreal forest landscapes.
What are some family-friendly attractions near Falcon Heights?
Many attractions near Falcon Heights are suitable for families. You can visit Minnehaha Falls, which offers scenic views and a trail. The Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers at Pike Island is another great spot. Additionally, the Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life provides educational programs for all ages.
Are there any accessible trails or attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, Lake Nokomis features a 7.3-mile paved trail that is popular for biking, walking, jogging, and inline skating, and is also wheelchair accessible. This trail connects to other regional trails, offering a great outdoor experience for everyone.
What outdoor activities can I do near Falcon Heights?
The area around Falcon Heights offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy running on trails like the Central Park loop or Como Park loop, as detailed in the Running Trails around Falcon Heights guide. For road cycling, routes around Lake Phalen and Como Lake are popular, as found in the Road Cycling Routes around Falcon Heights guide. Easy hikes are also available, including the Reservoir Woods Loop, which you can find in the Easy hikes around Falcon Heights guide.
Where can I go for water sports or lakeside activities?
Lake Phalen is a popular spot for various water sports and is known for its annual Dragon Boat Festival in July. Como Lake, originally a wetland, has seen recent efforts to improve water quality and is also part of a developed park suitable for lakeside enjoyment.
What is the best time to visit Falcon Heights attractions?
The best time to visit Falcon Heights largely depends on your interests. For the Minnesota State Fair, late August to early September (leading up to Labor Day) is ideal. For outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring, summer, and fall offer pleasant weather. Winter provides opportunities for ice skating at local parks.
Are there any unique architectural areas to explore in Falcon Heights?
Yes, the University Grove Neighborhood in Falcon Heights is recognized for its distinctive modern architecture. The homes in this area were designed to provide convenient and affordable housing for university faculty and staff, making it an interesting area for an architectural stroll.
What can I expect to see at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers?
At the tip of Pike Island, you can witness the impressive Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. It's fascinating to observe the Mississippi River running relatively clear on the north side of the island, while the Minnesota River on the south side often appears stained brown with runoff from agricultural fields.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Falcon Heights?
Visitors particularly enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The thundering Minnehaha Falls, especially after rainfall, is a favorite for its breathtaking sights. The paved trails around lakes like Lake Nokomis are also highly appreciated for walking, biking, and accessibility.
Most popular attractions around Falcon Heights
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