City: Minneapolis, MN

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (612) 230-6400

Description: Boom Island Park is a jewel of the Minneapolis parks system. The island is a part of the Minneapolis Riverfront District, a series of parks that stretch from Plymouth Avenue to I-35W. Situated above historic Main Street, Nicollet Island, and the St. Anthony Lock and Dam, Boom Island is a popular destination for picnicking, tossing a Frisbee, sightseeing on a riverboat, launching one’s own boat, or simply relaxing by the river on the plaza overlooks.The boat launch is on the north side of the main parking area in a small, protected channel about 300 feet away from the water’s edge and the dock area to the boat slips. Several sets of stairs and a wheelchair-accessible ramp go to the boat slip dock area, and a lovely promenade/plaza is just downriver of the boat dock. This area provides a nice view of the river as well as a stunning view of downtown Minneapolis. Another small plaza area with wood decking adjacent to the boat dock affords visitors an opportunity to view the comings and goings of both the riverboats and the private boats being launched nearby.Boom Island is home to St. Anthony Falls’ miniature “lighthouse,” which sits on a prominent point overlooking the boat dock and river, although it is no longer operational.