Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park is one of the most unique parks in Three Rivers. The Mississippi River defines the boundary of this 160-acre park and there are many opportunities to see our nation’s greatest river up close. From the 12-foot-wide observation walkway on top of the dam, enjoy spectacular scenery, the roar of the water and rainbows in the mist.
Follow the more than two miles of trails along the bank of the river and disappear into the beauty and quiet of nature. Look for signs of the abundant wildlife that live in or visit the park—mink, beaver, hawks, osprey, deer, turtles and river otters. In winter, snowshoeing is popular here.
5 AM–10 PM
Redevelopment Project
Construction is underway on the Mississippi Gateway Redevelopment Project. The park remains open, although some park areas are experiencing temporary closures due to construction. Learn more about the project, and view a map showing areas of the park that are open and closed this summer. The project is on target for a grand re-opening in 2026.
Interactive Map of Mississippi Gateway
Mississippi Gateway PDF Map
Find yourself in the parks with the Avenza app! Learn more.
Things To Do
Biking
One mile of trail
There is one mile of paved trail in the park with an additional two miles of trails on the Anoka County side of the dam. Rush Creek Regional Trail connects the park to Elm Creek Park Reserve
The 12-ft wide walkway is a unique and popular bike path over the river.
Dog Trails
4.6 miles of trails
Walk your dog on the one mile paved trail, some turf trails, and on the adjoining Rush Creek Regional Trail. Dogs are allowed with a six-foot, non-retractable leash. Owners must pick-up after their dog.
Fishing
Mississippi River
A fishing deck is located on the west side of the dam. It is low enough to give anglers a good opportunity to ply the waters of the Mississippi River just below the gates of the dam. Spring flooding makes fishing unsafe along the shoreline and is discouraged. Water levels and current speed are variable at other times of the year. Fishing is not allowed from the Coon Rapids Dam walkway. Anglers must have a valid Minnesota fishing license.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a family-friendly, high-tech treasure hunt that combines respect for the environment with a sense of adventure. This activity involves placing or looking for a cache using global positioning system (GPS) equipment.
Hiking
5.9 miles of trails
Two turf trails follow the river downstream from the dam and offer vistas of the islands and back channels. There is one mile of paved trail in the park including a walkway across the dam. Rush Creek Regional Trail connects the park to Elm Creek Park Reserve.
Nature Education
The Visitor Center, located on west side of the river, is nestled in the woods above the river floodplain. The activities and exhibits focus on the natural history of the Mississippi River. Inside the visitor center, guests can find hands-on exhibits, live animals and year-round nature programming. Exploration backpacks are also available for checkout!
Paddling
A carry-in boat access is located below the visitor center. Paddlers are advised to check Mississippi River conditions before launching.
Paddle Share Program
The Mississippi River Paddle Share Program has partnered with Three Rivers to offer kayak rentals to experienced paddlers! Put-in stations are located in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and River Park (in partnership with Brooklyn Park). Plan your trip, make online reservations and see who else has partnered with this program. Learn more.
Picnic Areas
First-come, first-served picnic tables and grills are available for use throughout the park, with plenty of room for lawn games.
Snowshoeing
1.5 miles of trails
Explore the nature trails along the Mississippi River with snowshoes available to rent online.
All Programs & Events
See all upcoming programs and events at Mississippi Gateway.
Nearly all of our program offerings can be adapted or modified. Please call 763-559-9000 (for relay services dial 711) or email access@ThreeRiversParks.org to request specific services or to discuss options.
Nature School is an outdoor-based preschool program for children ages 4-6. Led by Three Rivers at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, it provides the freedom to explore and play in nature, fostering a lifelong connection to the natural world!
Watch a Video about Mississippi Gateway
Park Operations
Three Rivers Park District owns all of the land within Mississippi Gateway Regional Park plus the entire Coon Rapids Dam. Learn more about the operations of this area.
Give to Mississippi Gateway
Do you love Mississippi Gateway Regional Park? Support the park with a donation!
#threeriversparks
The Wandering Naturalist
Episodes 213–215: Sustaining Oaks
This month, discover the impact oak trees have on our forests and parks. Why are they such a powerful plant for biodiversity? How does Three Rivers manage and care for oaks in our parks? And how do we grow acorns into mighty oak saplings? Wander with Angela and Brandon to find out.
The Three Rivers Blog
Creating a Healing Space in Nature: A Q&A with Innovative SOULutions’ Farji Shaheer
By: Amanda Fong & Farji Shaheer
Learn how outdoor recreation has helped nurture healing in victims of gun violence in this Q&A with Farji Shaheer, founder and director of Three Rivers’ partner organization Innovative SOULutions.
My Summer as a Pathways Intern
By: Alex Carey
Learn what it was like to be part of the Pathways program through the eyes of Alex, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park’s outdoor education intern this summer.
Where to Go Birding in Three Rivers (Part 1)
By: Steven Hogg
Curious where you can spot different birds during our Big Year of Birds? Get tips on what species you can see in which Three Rivers parks from Wildlife Supervisor Steven Hogg.
Trails That Connect
News
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See what CCX Media had to say about the launch of the Three Rivers Park District's Junior Naturalist Activity Book.
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KARE 11's Hitting the Trails series highlights Three Rivers Parks.
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The master plan was developed in partnership with the City of Brooklyn Park, combining Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park and the Brooklyn Park Environmental Nature Area into one regional park facility.
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Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, formerly Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, is a great place to explore the Mississippi River and find serenity in nature. Watch more in this segment from CCX Media.
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See what Three Rivers' Extreme Fishing camp at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is all about.
Similar Areas
Silverwood Park
2500 County Road E
St. Anthony, MN 55421
763-694-7707
French Regional Park
12605 Rockford Road
Plymouth, MN 55441
763-694-7750
North Mississippi Regional Park
5700 Lyndale Avenue N
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
763-559-9000