Discover the hidden gem of the Twin Cities! The Minneapolis Rose Garden is a stunning park filled with vibrant colors, sweet fragrances, and breathtaking landscapes.
Our comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through the best rose varieties, hidden corners, and tips to help you enjoy the true beauty of this picturesque garden. Whether you’re a local looking for a peaceful retreat or a tourist seeking the perfect photo opportunity, the Minneapolis Rose Garden is a must-visit destination that will leave you mesmerized by its natural splendor.
Scroll to the bottom of this page or CLICK HERE to watch our travel video “MINNEAPOLIS ROSE GARDEN: 2023 Guide to the BEST PARK in the Twin Cities – Discover Peaceful Beauty”

Hidden Gems: Minneapolis Rose Garden
It’s a public garden that features over 2,500 roses of various colors and species and is a popular spot for visitors who want to admire the stunning beauty of these flowers. Today we’re talking about a hidden gem right in the heart of Minneapolis…so get ready to stop and smell the roses!
This is one of my favorite places in all of Minnesota.
The Minneapolis Rose Garden is a beautiful park located near Lake Harriet. This public garden features over 2,500 roses of various colors and species. In the summer, you’ll be amazed at the vibrancy and beauty of the garden. Be sure to bring a camera!
The garden was first established in 1908 by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and was originally known as the Gladys Brooks Garden. It was renamed the Minneapolis Rose Garden in the 1950s and has since become a beloved local landmark.
Do you ever find yourself wondering…is Minnesota a good place to live? Read our pros and cons post from a local and find out now: https://jackandkitty.com/2023/04/is-minnesota-a-good-place-to-live-2023-pros-and-cons-honest-opinion-from-local
One of the things I loved about living in Minneapolis is the parks. According to a 2021 report from the Trust for Public Land, Minneapolis ranked third in the country for park access and quality, with over 97% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board manages 6,817 acres of parkland throughout the city, which includes 195 parks and 102 miles of trails. Minneapolis parks provide over 22,000 hours of free programming and events each year, ranging from concerts and movies in the park to sports leagues and environmental education programs.

Overall, Minneapolis has a robust and highly regarded park system that provides residents and visitors with a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
In addition to the roses, the Minneapolis Rose Garden also features a pergola, which provides a shaded area for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery. There is also a fountain in the center of the garden, which adds to the peaceful ambiance.
The garden is open to the public year-round, and admission is free. However, the best time to visit is in late June to early July, when the roses are in full bloom and the garden is at its most beautiful.
Love Minnesota? You betcha!
If you love Minnesota as much as we do, you’ll probably love these cute items. They’ll definitely have you saying, “oh for cute”! Hehe…
The Minneapolis Rose Garden is located in the city’s Kenwood neighborhood, near Lake Harriet, and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. It is a popular spot for weddings, photography sessions, and other special events, as well as for simple walks and picnics in the park.
Lake Harriet is a freshwater lake located in the southwest corner of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It covers an area of 335 acres and has a maximum depth of 85 feet. The lake is a popular destination for boating, hiking, and swimming. It also features several beaches, including North Beach, South Beach, and William Berry Beach, which is designated for dogs.
The Lake Harriet Bandshell is a popular outdoor music venue located on the eastern shore of the lake. It hosts free concerts and performances throughout the summer months, including the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra and the Lake Harriet Live Music Festival.
After your visit to the Minneapolis Rose Garden, I recommend hitting the Lake Harriet Trail. It is a 2.75-mile paved path that circles the lake, providing a scenic route for walking, running, and biking. It also connects to the larger Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, which circles the entire city of Minneapolis.
Overall, Lake Harriet is a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities and natural beauty in the heart of the city…and the Minneapolis Rose Garden is the crown jewel of the park system. I hope you get a chance to enjoy this gem for yourself.

Want a short video to see more of Minnesota? Just watch this!
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more travel tips, hidden gems and more. We typically make a lot of content about fun and quirky spots to visit in Minnesota and the upper Midwest…you betcha!
Travel Gear we love and recommend…
Small Backpack:
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3l9kF83
TSA Approved Luggage Lock:
Amazon – https://amzn.to/40sEK9A
Our travel videos are filmed using the following equipment…
Cameras:
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3wDbWxy
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3WPFfrc
Lens:
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3JoJIhG
Microphone:
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3j9zxTe
Drone:
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3XVCeXo

About the Authors
Jack and Kitty Norton are Emmy Award winning travel experts. They have spent a lifetime on the road: as traveling musicians, documentary filmmakers and television producers. They now focus on writing for their travel blog (JackAndKitty.com) and making fun videos for their YouTube channel. Jack and Kitty offer travelers fun and quirky things to do in Minnesota, the Midwest and beyond. High school sweethearts turned married soulmates, the couple lives in the small college town of Winona, Minnesota and would love to have you over for some hotdish.