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Islands, creeks and riverbank woods give Fridley more nature than most people expect from a Twin Cities suburb. The city of about 29,000 sits on the east bank of the Mississippi just north of Minneapolis, where Rice Creek winds through wooded parks before joining the river.
Fridley grew from farms and a few river crossings into a postwar suburb, and it is home to the operational headquarters of Medtronic, the medical device company founded in nearby Minneapolis. Its oldest building is the Banfill Tavern, an 1847 stagecoach inn that now serves as the Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts, with exhibits and classes beside the river.
Most visitors come for the outdoors. Springbrook Nature Center protects wetlands, prairie and oak woods, while Islands of Peace Park and Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park line the Mississippi with paths and fishing spots. The Rice Creek trails and Locke Park make easy walks, and downtown Minneapolis is a 20-minute drive or Northstar train ride south.
A free city nature center on about 127 acres of marsh, prairie and oak woods, with boardwalks over the wetlands and an interpretive center with live animals. Birders come for herons, wood ducks and spring warblers. The trails are flat and short, which makes it an easy morning walk for any age.
An Anoka County park along the Mississippi with a footbridge to a wooded island, paved paths, fishing spots and picnic shelters. It was created as an accessible place where people of all abilities can enjoy the river. Watch for eagles over the water and bring a fishing rod if you have a Minnesota license.
An arts center in the Banfill Tavern, an 1847 stagecoach inn that is one of the oldest buildings in the area. Inside are rotating gallery shows by Minnesota artists, plus classes and concerts. It sits in Manomin County Park where Rice Creek meets the Mississippi, so pair a visit with a riverside stroll.
A long, narrow regional park that follows the east bank of the Mississippi through Fridley, with a paved trail, river overlooks, picnic areas and a boat launch. It links into the Mississippi River Trail heading toward Minneapolis. Good for an evening bike ride, with river views most of the way.
A wooded park along Rice Creek with walking trails, a small lake, picnic shelters and playgrounds. The creek-side paths are shady in summer and colorful in fall, and they connect to the Rice Creek West Regional Trail. It is a quiet place for a family picnic, with ample parking off University Avenue.
A city park on Moore Lake with a sandy summer swimming beach, a fishing pier, a walking path around part of the shore and picnic areas. It is the local spot for a summer swim and ice fishing in winter. Lifeguard hours are limited, so check the city schedule before heading to the beach.
A paved and natural-surface trail that follows Rice Creek west through Fridley toward its meeting with the Mississippi, passing through wooded ravines and parks. It is popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists. Go in fall when the maples turn, and join it from Locke Park or the Manomin area.
A small museum run by the Fridley Historical Society, with exhibits on the area's farms, early river crossings, schools and the growth of the city after World War II. Volunteers welcome visitors and help with family research. Hours are limited, so call or check online before stopping by.
The city's long-running early summer festival, with a parade, carnival rides, live music, food stands and fireworks. It brings neighbors and former residents together for a few days each June. Check the city calendar for dates, and find a spot on the parade route early for the best view.
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