Bohemian Flats Park is a Mississippi River park in Minneapolis’s Seward neighborhood, with paths along the water and access from West River Parkway. It’s about a 12-minute drive from a two-star hotel in Roseville; the park also connects naturally with the riverfront and University of Minnesota area.
- Location: 2150 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55454.
- Park setting: Part of Mississippi Gorge Regional Park, with about 15 acres and 2,500 feet of river frontage.
- Hours: Open daily
Where Bohemian Flats Park sits on the river
Bohemian Flats Park occupies a stretch of the Mississippi River in the Seward neighborhood, within Mississippi Gorge Regional Park. West River Parkway runs through the park, and the park’s river frontage gives it a distinctly waterside layout.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s regional park plan describes a walkway along the river’s east edge, with a riverfront wall and railing. Parkway trails run along the park’s west edge, linking the flats to city sidewalks and other trails.
The area also has a history beyond its present-day park setting. Immigrant families began settling Bohemian Flats around the time Minneapolis was incorporated in 1867. By 1900, the area had about 100 homes, a few stores and a church.
The Washington Avenue Bridge, built over the area in 1884, links the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus on the river’s east and west banks. The area became a park in the 1980s with the extension of West River Parkway.
Park paths and river views
Walking and biking paths make Bohemian Flats Park a place to follow the Mississippi riverfront on foot or by bike. Paved multi-use and bike trails run at the parkway level and in the flats and parks, with connections to city sidewalks and other trails.
West River Parkway is part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway System. You can combine time on the river path with a walk along the parkway, keeping in mind that the paths run along different edges of the park.
Access, facilities and seasonal conditions
Bohemian Flats Park has walking and biking paths, a garden, picnic area, restroom facility and a pay parking lot. Picnic areas are first-come, first-served, so plan to use an available spot rather than relying on a reservation at this park.
The park’s hours are 6 a.m. to midnight in developed areas and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in undeveloped areas, under Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Ordinance PB-2-33.
Canoe and kayak storage racks are available on the Mississippi River, but storing a watercraft on a rack requires an annual permit. Public river cruises depart from Bohemian Flats, and private Mississippi River charters are available through Paradise Charter Cruises.
Before you go, check the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s official site for current hours, facility details and parking arrangements. The park has a pay lot, and the board provides a link to reserve a parking spot.
How do you get to Bohemian Flats Park from Roseville?
From Roseville, walking to the park takes about 108 minutes. The park entrance is at 2150 West River Parkway, and West River Parkway runs through the park.
If you’re building a broader campus-area outing, the Washington Avenue Bridge links the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus across the river. The university’s campus visit guide for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities can help you plan that part of the day.
Nearby places to pair with a visit
The University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus is a natural nearby pairing: the Washington Avenue Bridge crosses the area and connects the campus’s east and west banks. West River Parkway and the surrounding trails also connect the park to city sidewalks and other trails, so a visit can extend beyond the riverfront paths.
For another Minneapolis outing, the Weisman Art Museum visitor guide to hours and parking covers practical planning details.
FAQs
Where is Bohemian Flats Park?
It is at 2150 West River Parkway in Minneapolis’s Seward neighborhood, as part of Mississippi Gorge Regional Park.
What are the park’s hours?
Open daily. Check the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s official site before you go.
Can you reserve a picnic area at Bohemian Flats Park?
Picnic areas at the park are first-come, first-served. Reservable picnic sites are available elsewhere in the park system.
Are there river cruises from Bohemian Flats Park?
Public river cruises depart from Bohemian Flats. Private Mississippi River charters are available through Paradise Charter Cruises.