August 8, 2024
Our Top 10 Shot Locations
1) Stone Arch Bridge
The Stone Arch Bridge, once a railroad crossing over the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a unique structure. It’s the only stone-arched bridge along the entire Mississippi River and is the second oldest bridge on the river, with the Eads Bridge being the oldest.
Why We Love Shots From Stone Arch Bridge
The Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis is a photographer’s dream. As a historical landmark, it offers a blend of rich history and striking visuals. The bridge’s unique stone arches create an impressive focal point, especially when they stretch across the Mississippi River, offering a perfect setting for landscape shots. The bridge not only captures the essence of the city’s history but also provides stunning views of the river and the surrounding skyline, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking to capture the beauty of Minneapolis.
2) Lyndale Park Gardens
Located near Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Lyndale Park Gardens is a scenic spot featuring several themed gardens. The Peace Garden, with its alpine plants and dwarf conifers, begins blooming in mid-April. By mid-June, the Annual & Perennial Garden and the Rose Garden reach their peak, with the latter showcasing vibrant blooms until early October. Throughout the summer, the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden adds a lively touch with its visiting pollinators, making the Lyndale Park Garden a picturesque destination for nature enthusiasts.
Why We Love Shots From Lyndale Gardens
Lyndale Park Gardens is a fantastic spot for photography, offering diverse backdrops with its beautifully curated themed gardens. The vibrant Rose Garden, the serene Peace Garden, and the lively Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden each provide unique settings, perfect for capturing a variety of nature shots.
The park’s proximity to Lake Harriet adds to its appeal, with the lake just a short walk away, offering additional scenic opportunities. Nearby, you’ll find the Lake Harriet Bandshell and several picnic areas, making it easy to extend your visit with a leisurely meal or some live music. The gardens are also close to the Linden Hills neighborhood, known for its charming cafes and shops, all within a five-minute drive, making it convenient for a full day of exploration and photography.
3) Mill Ruins Park
Mill Ruins Park, located in downtown Minneapolis on the west bank of the Mississippi River near Saint Anthony Falls, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich industrial past. Stretching from 3rd Ave. S. to about 9th Ave. S., the park showcases the remnants of historic flour mills that once made Minneapolis a booming milling hub. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the city’s milling heritage, making it a unique destination that blends history with scenic views of the river.
Why We Love Shots From Mill Ruins Park
Mill Ruins Park is a prime spot for photography, offering a mix of historical intrigue and natural beauty. The exposed stone foundations and remnants of old flour mills create a rugged, textured backdrop that’s perfect for capturing a sense of history. The park’s location along the Mississippi River and near Saint Anthony Falls adds dynamic water elements to your shots, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a warm glow over the ruins. The nearby Stone Arch Bridge provides additional scenic angles, making Mill Ruins Park a versatile location for both urban and nature photography.
4) Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls, located in Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is one of the city’s most iconic natural attractions. The waterfall, which plunges 53 feet over a limestone cliff, is part of Minnehaha Creek, a tributary of the Mississippi River. The surrounding parkland has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike since the 19th century, offering scenic beauty, walking trails, and historical sites. The falls are especially picturesque in spring and summer when the water flows robustly, and in winter, when the falls freeze into a dramatic icy cascade.
Why We Love Shots From Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is a great spot for photography, offering something different in every season. In spring and summer, the falls are surrounded by greenery, making for a lively and vibrant scene. Fall brings colorful leaves that frame the falls nicely, while in winter, the frozen waterfall creates a unique and serene setting. The park has easy paths and multiple viewpoints, allowing you to find the right angle for both wide landscape shots and close-ups. Nearby historic sites and scenic bridges add to the variety of photo opportunities, making Minnehaha Falls a solid choice for capturing the natural beauty of Minneapolis.
5) Lake Harriet Park
Lake Harriet Park, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a popular urban green space centered around Lake Harriet, one of the city’s five large lakes. The park features a scenic 2.5-mile walking and biking path around the lake, providing stunning views of the water and the surrounding landscape. With its well-maintained gardens, sandy beach, and historic Lake Harriet Bandshell offering live music and events, the park serves as a vibrant recreational area for residents and visitors alike. Established in the late 19th century, Lake Harriet Park combines natural beauty with cultural amenities, making it a beloved destination in the heart of Minneapolis.
Why We Love Shots From Lake Harriet Park
Lake Harriet Park is an excellent spot for photography due to its picturesque scenery and diverse subjects. The lake itself offers beautiful reflections and dynamic water shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. The park’s walking and biking paths provide sweeping views of the lake and its surroundings, perfect for capturing wide-angle landscapes. The sandy beach area and lush gardens add variety to your shots, while the historic Lake Harriet Bandshell can serve as a charming backdrop for photos. Additionally, the seasonal changes bring different elements to the park, from vibrant fall foliage to serene winter scenes, making it a versatile location for capturing the beauty of the park throughout the year.
6) Walker Art Center
The Walker Art Center, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a leading contemporary art museum renowned for its innovative exhibitions and programs. Established in 1927, the center showcases a diverse range of contemporary art forms, including visual arts, performing arts, and media arts. The Walker is known for its distinctive architecture and expansive galleries, which host both rotating exhibitions and permanent collections. Its Sculpture Garden, featuring the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, extends the museum’s artistic vision into the outdoors, making it a significant cultural landmark in Minneapolis.
Why We Love Shots From Walker Art Center
The Walker Art Center is a fantastic location for photography, offering a blend of striking architecture and diverse art installations. The museum’s unique and modern building provides intriguing lines and shapes, making it an excellent subject for architectural photography. Inside, the rotating exhibitions and permanent collections offer a wide range of visual stimuli, from contemporary sculptures to dynamic art installations. The Sculpture Garden, with its iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, adds an outdoor element that’s perfect for capturing creative compositions. The interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces, along with the museum’s innovative design, provides numerous opportunities for both artistic and architectural photography.
7) The Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie Theater, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a prominent regional theater known for its innovative performances and distinctive architectural design. Founded in 1963, the Guthrie has become a cultural landmark, offering a diverse range of theatrical productions from classic plays to contemporary works. The theater’s modern building, designed by architect Jean Nouvel and completed in 2006, features a striking cantilevered design with dramatic views of the Mississippi River. With its commitment to artistic excellence and its significant role in the local arts community, the Guthrie Theater remains a key destination for theater enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Why We Love Shots From The Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie Theater is a superb location for photography, thanks to its striking modern architecture and dynamic design elements. The building’s cantilevered structure and dramatic geometric shapes offer intriguing perspectives and are ideal for capturing architectural details. The theater’s large windows and outdoor terraces provide stunning views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding cityscape, perfect for wide-angle shots and urban landscapes. Inside, the sleek, contemporary interiors and innovative design features create opportunities for capturing artistic and architectural contrasts. The combination of the theater’s unique exterior and its engaging interior spaces makes it a versatile and visually compelling site for photographers.
8) Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is one of the largest urban sculpture parks in the United States. Opened in 1988, the garden spans 11 acres and features a diverse collection of contemporary sculptures set against beautifully landscaped grounds. Home to more than 40 artworks, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, the garden provides a dynamic outdoor space where art and nature intersect. It serves as a key cultural landmark, offering both residents and visitors a unique venue to explore modern sculpture and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Why We Love Shots From Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an excellent location for photography, thanks to its impressive collection of contemporary sculptures and beautifully landscaped grounds. The iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, along with other unique artworks, offer striking focal points for creative shots. The garden’s diverse sculptures are set against varied backdrops, from manicured lawns to natural greenery, providing numerous opportunities for both close-up and wide-angle photography. The interplay between art and nature, coupled with the garden’s open spaces and changing seasons, allows for a wide range of visual compositions, making it a compelling destination for capturing both artistic and natural beauty.
9) Boom Island Park
Boom Island Park, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a scenic urban park situated along the Mississippi River. The park, named for its historical significance as a site where fireworks were once tested, offers expansive views of the river and downtown skyline. It features walking trails, open green spaces, and picnic areas, providing a relaxing retreat within the city. With its blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities, Boom Island Park serves as a popular destination for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls.
Why We Love Shots From Boom Island Park
Boom Island Park is a fantastic spot for photography due to its picturesque riverside setting and sweeping views of the Mississippi River and downtown Minneapolis. The park’s expansive green spaces and walking trails offer a variety of natural backdrops and perspectives. The scenic river views are especially striking at sunrise and sunset, providing dramatic lighting and reflections. The park’s open areas and historical features, including its namesake Boom Island, add unique elements to your shots. Whether you’re capturing cityscapes, nature scenes, or dynamic compositions of the river, Boom Island Park offers diverse photographic opportunities.
10) Gold Medal Park
Gold Medal Park, located in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a picturesque urban park designed to celebrate the city’s milling heritage. Situated adjacent to the Mill City Museum and the historic Stone Arch Bridge, the park offers scenic views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding historic district. Opened in 2007, the park features rolling hills, open lawns, and a large, reflective water feature that pays homage to the area’s milling history. Gold Medal Park serves as a vibrant green space where visitors can relax, enjoy outdoor activities, and appreciate the rich cultural backdrop of Minneapolis.
Why We Love Shots From Gold Medal Park
Gold Medal Park is an excellent location for photography, thanks to its blend of modern design and historical context. The park’s rolling hills and expansive lawns provide a variety of perspectives for capturing both wide landscape shots and intimate scenes. The large reflective water feature creates beautiful reflections and adds a unique visual element, especially during golden hour or when the city lights begin to glow.
Additionally, the park’s proximity to the historic Stone Arch Bridge and the Mill City Museum allows for compelling compositions that incorporate both natural and architectural elements. The combination of its design features and its setting in a historic district makes Gold Medal Park a versatile and visually engaging spot for photographers.
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