Twin Cities Business Listing

Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
763-694-7790
Scroll to the bottom for a Registration Link
Hours of Operation:
Mon. 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tue. 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wed. 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thu. 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri. 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sat. 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun. 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Formerly known as Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park (West Side), Three Rivers Park District has recently changed the name to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park to avoid confusion with the park of the same name on the east side of the Mississippi River. Both parks are still connected by the Coon Rapids Dam. If you are looking for the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Coon Rapids, click here.

This 160-acre park has family-friendly amenities that include a visitor center, nature play area, a fishing pier, a 12-foot-wide observation walkway on top of the dam, and bike paths. Families enjoying the the park have a chance of seeing a variety of wildlife including river mammals like mink, beaver, an otters. They may also see waterfowl, turtles and birds of prey.

Green and white sign "Nature Exploration Area. Explore, Play, Dig, Rearrange, Discover... Be Safe and Have Fun" found at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Mississippi Gateway Visitor Center

Since North Mississippi Regional Park was taken over completely by Minneapolis Parks in 2016, Three Rivers has been adding more offerings at this park. Visitor center hours are subject to change, but as of June 2023 are:

  • Monday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
  • Sunday: 12–5 PM

As with other Three Rivers visitor centers, families can find outdoor education and recreation programs and explore exhibits including the many native reptiles, amphibians, and river fish on display.

The park hosts Free Family Funday and select Sundays with free nature programming and regular preschool programs. Outdoor recreation opportunities include a variety of seasonally appropriate nature programs.

Archery at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

The Three Rivers portion of this park offers occasional family archery programs. At these events, experts instruct families in the basics of shooting safely and accurately. The program offers fun games for testing skills. Equipment provided.

A new archery range is planned as part of the coming updates to the park. Until then, we’ve compiled a list of Twin Cities archery ranges here.

Paddle Share Program

During the summer months, experienced kayakers can rent a one-way kayak through Paddle Share, a self-serve program. Users choose a route, make a reservation and receive an access code, then they can unlock their kayak (with paddle and life jacket) and return the kayak on the other end of their route. Prices range from $30-$50.  Learn more at the Paddle Share website.

Paddle Share Station
Paddle Share Station

Updates to The Park

In September of 2018, Three Rivers approved the final master plan for Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, combining Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park and the Brooklyn Park Environmental Nature Area into one regional park facility. The master plan includes new features, including an education and information center, nature play areas, a tree canopy walk, a beginner cross-country ski loop and an area for snowshoeing. Enhancements to existing features are also planned, including picnic areas, dog off-leash area, archery range, river access for paddling and fishing, and paved trails. Some portions of the park will be left more wild, with non-paved trails and field learning stations for exploring nature.

During the summer of 2020, Three Rivers began Phase II of the Mississippi Gateway Regional Project, which includes a roadway and trail that connect along the Mississippi River’s edge. Construction on the fun stuff began in springof 2023.

Winter at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular activities at this park, but nature play area is fun year round and the visitors center offers a place to warm up. Families can also geocache and hike year round.

Girl and boy playing in tree structure at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park Nature Play Area in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Nature Play Area at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

Useful Links:

 

 

Send message to moderator

The Family Fun Twin Cities Directory is the most extensive collection of companies, organizations, activities and places to find things to do with kids in the Twin Cities.

Family Fun Twin Cities is not associated with the companies, municipalities or organizations and cannot book your birthday party, reserve sites or pass on complaints. Please use the contact information we provide. 

Sharing of information is not an endorsement. We do, however, welcome constructive reviews from readers. Please feel free to leave comments providing helpful tips and information for other parents.

Scroll to Top