Minnehaha Falls Self-Guided Audio Tour — History, Hiawatha Garden & Lower Glen Walk

THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel

Read the full experience

You step off the city grid and onto a path where the river decides the pace: Minnehaha Creek pulls water over a 53-foot drop, spraying cold breath into the air while joggers and families pass beneath cottonwood branches.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1–1.5 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for casual walkers and families; minimal elevation but expect stairs and short uneven sections

Frequently asked questions

How long does the tour take?

Plan 60–90 minutes for the full route from Longfellow House to Song of Hiawatha Garden, depending on stops and pace.

Do I need cell service to run the tour?

No—download the tour and maps in the VoiceMap app before arrival to use offline GPS playback.

Is the trail accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?

The park has paved areas near the falls and Song of Hiawatha Garden, but the Lower Glen Trail includes stairs and uneven terrain that are not wheelchair-accessible.

Can multiple people use the same tour code?

Yes—the VoiceMap code provided can be redeemed by every member of your party on their devices, per the booking instructions.

Local insights

Wildlife

Great blue heron
White-tailed deer

History

Minnehaha Falls rose to national notice after Longfellow’s poem helped popularize the name; the park later became connected to Minneapolis’s milling and parkway development in the late 19th century.

Conservation

Park staff manage trail erosion and habitat along the gorge; stick to marked paths, pack out litter, and avoid disturbing vegetation to protect sensitive creekside soils.

About VoiceMap Audio Tours

VoiceMap Audio Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.

Base locationMinneapolis, Minnesota

Tours offered4+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace

Adventure tips

Start at the Longfellow HouseThe tour activates best when started at the designated point—follow the app’s directions so narration aligns with what you see.

Bring over-ear or in-ear headphonesAudio clarity matters in noisy park settings; headphones improve narration and preserve others’ experience.

Watch your footing on the Lower Glen TrailSections are uneven with roots, stairs and occasional mud—sturdy soles reduce slipping and rolled-ankle risk.

Charge your phone and download aheadDownload the VoiceMap tour before you arrive to avoid cellular gaps and conserve battery during playback.

Recommended gear

Comfortable walking shoes: Provides traction and support on stairs, roots, and slick trails.
Headphones (wired or Bluetooth): Ensures clear audio playback for the VoiceMap narration in a busy park.
Refillable water bottle: Keeps you hydrated during the walk, especially on warm days.
Microspikes or traction cleats: Useful when the gorge and paths freeze; improves safety on icy steps and rock.