Minneapolis Winter Photography Guide
With some of the coldest days ahead, and the pandemic raging on, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots in Minneapolis that offer beautiful photography opportunities.
Winter gives bold adventurer photographers a view few get to see. The best images are often taken when others refuse to even leave their home.
Winter Tree, found on the west side of the Stone Arch Bridge
Gold Medal Park
Top of the hill
Bottom of the hill
Gold Medal Park is found on the eastern side of Downtown Minneapolis. It features a spiral like pathway that goes around and up a hill from the base. This location is not far from Stone Arch Bridge and offers views from many different unique perspectives.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Spoonbridge and Cherry perspective from the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is open to the public every day. The sculptures and design of the garden give a visitor a wide array of subject matter to consider. Loring Park is also across the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge and offers views of the Basilica of Saint Mary.
The Mississippi River and Minnehaha Falls
Open water allows for long exposure opportunities
Many wildlife species call the river and the surrounding area home
The river runs through the city, allowing for interesting angles of buildings
Screech owls make homes in tree holes in East River Parkway
Minnehaha falls is near the Mississippi River pool 1 area
The Mississippi River has many overlooks, city perspectives, and trails that run alongside it through Minneapolis. Boom Island, East River Parkway, Stone Arch, and Saint Anthony Main areas all have a lot to offer. Watch for wildlife (bald eagles are out most days) as the river acts as a natural wildlife corridor.
Minneapolis Lakes and Birding Sanctuary
Twigs reach through ice, Cedar Lake
Skiers on Cedar Lake
Skating on Lake of the Isles
Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary Trail
The chain of lakes in Minneapolis consists of Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, and Cedar Lake. Each has their own charm about them and many opportunities for a photographer. Lake Harriet is not connected to the chain, but is not too far from the others and is worth exploring as well. One of my favorite spots as of this year is the long path of the Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary which connects to the Lake Harriet band shell.