Minneapolis Opened New Upper Harbor Park

The 20-acre riverside space reconnects residents to the Mississippi after decades of industrial use.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in National Parks

Minneapolis Opened New Upper Harbor Park

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Should your local government prioritize converting former industrial sites into public parks and green space?

Minneapolis has officially opened Upper Harbor Park, a new 20-acre public space located off Dowling Avenue N. and Interstate 94. The site provides residents with new access to the Mississippi River shoreline.

Why it matters

The project represents a significant effort to restore community access to the waterfront. This area was historically isolated from the public due to long-term industrial operations and the construction of I-94.

The park spans 20 acres in total, featuring a five-acre central gathering area. It is situated directly along the Mississippi River, repurposing land that served as a shipping terminal between 1968 and 2014.

The players

Upper Harbor Park

This new 20-acre municipal park transforms a former industrial shipping site into a public gathering space.

Mississippi River

This major waterway provides the geographic anchor for the new park's riverfront access initiatives.

The details

The park includes pedestrian and bicycle paths that connect visitors to the riverfront via a new platform. This development removes barriers created by highway infrastructure and industrial usage that have limited access to the river since the 1960s.

The 1960s saw the construction of I-94, which established barriers to the river.
The Upper Harbor shipping terminal operated at the site from 1968 until 2014.
Upper Harbor Park opened to the public in summer 2026.
A grand opening celebration was held on September 19, 2026.

Roadmap

This project reflects a growing national trend of reclaiming post-industrial waterfronts for public recreational use. It serves as a structural counter-balance to mid-century urban planning that prioritized highway expansion over community riverfront access.

Visitors can access the park via Dowling Avenue N., where they will find new pedestrian and bicycle paths connected to the riverfront platform. Residents should prepare for evolving trail conditions as newly planted trees grow to provide future shade.

The takeaway

The transformation of the former shipping terminal into a public park offers a new recreational corridor for the North Minneapolis community. Residents can utilize the new riverfront platform and trails as the site continues to mature.