Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis

Minnehaha Falls is a captivating natural wonder right in the heart of Minneapolis. The self-guided audio tour brings this iconic waterfall to life, immersing visitors in its rich history and cultural significance. With the VoiceMap app, you can explore the falls at your own pace, discovering fascinating stories behind the ‘laughing water.’ From its pioneering days to its carnival-esque past and presidential visits, the tour offers an engaging and informative experience that’s sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for this beloved Minneapolis landmark. What secrets and surprises await as you venture through the tour?

Key Points

• The self-guided audio tour allows visitors to explore Minnehaha Falls at their own pace, with a runtime of around 1 hour and offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
• The tour focuses on the history of Minnehaha Falls, including its pioneering, carnival, and presidential past, providing insights from a local expert.
• The tour is accessible through the VoiceMap app for Android and iOS devices, and costs $7.99 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Visitors can start the tour at the parking lot on Godfrey Parkway and stroll along Minnehaha Creek, learning about the park’s rich history and significance.
• The tour highlights the meaning of ‘Minnehaha’, the Hiawatha and Minnehaha Statue, and the intertwining of indigenous and European-American histories in the Minneapolis area.

You can check availability for your dates here:

About the Tour

What’s this self-guided audio tour of Minnehaha Falls all about?

The tour allows visitors to explore the renowned Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis at their own pace, with a runtime of around 1 hour and available in English. It’s accessible through the VoiceMap app for both Android and iOS devices, providing offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata.

The tour focuses on the history of the falls, including its pioneering, carnival, and presidential past, as well as the meaning behind the name ‘Minnehaha’ and the significance of the Hiawatha and Minnehaha Statue.

With a $7.99 per person cost and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a convenient and informative way to discover the beauty and history of Minnehaha Falls.

Tour Highlights

This self-guided audio tour allows visitors to explore the rich history of the renowned Minnehaha Falls, with insightful commentary from Frank Bures, editor of Under Purple Skies: The Minneapolis Anthology. Explorers will discover the park’s forgotten past, including its pioneering, carnival, and presidential roots. The tour also sheds light on the meaning of ‘Minnehaha’ and the significance of the Hiawatha and Minnehaha Statue. To enhance the experience, the tour includes a handy 3×3 table highlighting key tour highlights:

Highlight	Description
History of Minnehaha Falls	Uncover the park’s pioneering, carnival, and presidential past.
Meaning of ‘Minnehaha’	Learn the significance behind the name and the Hiawatha and Minnehaha Statue.
Insider Perspective	Hear from local expert Frank Bures, editor of Under Purple Skies.

Tour Details

The self-guided audio tour of Minnehaha Falls costs $7.99 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can reserve the tour now and pay later, though any ticket or entrance fees to museums or other attractions aren’t included.

To fully enjoy the experience, a smartphone and headphones are required. The tour is available in English and can be accessed through the VoiceMap app for both Android and iOS devices. The app provides offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata, allowing visitors to explore the park at their own pace.

With a tour duration of around 1 hour, this is a convenient and cost-effective way to discover the rich history and natural beauty of Minnehaha Falls.

What to Expect

Strolling along Minnehaha Creek from the Longfellow House to the Song of Hiawatha Garden, visitors can expect to learn about the park’s rich history, including its reputation for ‘rowdy, lawless indulgence’.

They’ll discover the forgotten past of this iconic Minneapolis landmark, exploring the pioneering, carnival, and presidential influences that shaped it over the years.

Along the way, they’ll hear from Frank Bures, editor of Under Purple Skies: The Minneapolis Anthology, who provides insights into the meaning of ‘Minnehaha’ and the significance of the Hiawatha and Minnehaha Statue.

Allowing at least an hour to fully enjoy the falls and surrounding area, visitors will come away with a deeper appreciation for this beloved natural wonder.

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Important Information

To begin the self-guided audio tour, visitors need to start at the parking lot on Godfrey Parkway, near the large stucco pavilion. They’ll also need to install the VoiceMap smartphone app and download the tour before arriving at the starting point, as the tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions.

Important Information
Tour Start Location	Parking Lot on Godfrey Parkway, near the large stucco pavilion
Required App	VoiceMap
Download Tour	Before Arrival
Tour Route	Set Route with Turn-by-Turn Directions

Preparing in advance ensures visitors can fully enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of Minnehaha Falls during the one-hour self-guided tour.

History of Minnehaha Falls

Situated in Minneapolis’ beloved Minnehaha Park, the renowned Minnehaha Falls have captivated visitors for centuries, their thunderous cascades and picturesque setting inspiring artists, writers, and adventurers alike.

The falls’ name originates from the Dakota word ‘Minnehaha’, meaning ‘laughing water‘, a nod to its gentle, whimsical flow.

Over the years, the park has witnessed a fascinating history, from its pioneering days when it served as a popular picnic and recreation spot, to its carnival-esque era that earned it a reputation for ‘rowdy, lawless indulgence’.

Today, the Minnehaha Falls remain a beloved landmark, with the Hiawatha and Minnehaha Statue standing as a testament to the park’s enduring cultural significance.

Significance of Minnehaha

The Minnehaha Falls have long captivated visitors with their cultural significance, as the name ‘Minnehaha’ originates from the Dakota word meaning ‘laughing water‘, a reflection of the waterfall’s gentle, whimsical flow.

The Hiawatha and Minnehaha Statue nearby stands as a testament to the park’s enduring importance, symbolizing the intertwining of indigenous and European-American histories in the region.

On the tour, you’ll learn about the meaning and significance of these iconic figures, and how they’ve come to represent the rich cultural heritage of the Minneapolis area.

The falls and surrounding park hold a deep spiritual and historical significance, making this a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to connect with the area’s vibrant past.

Exploring the Park’s Past

Throughout the self-guided audio tour, visitors often discover the park’s forgotten history, which encompasses its pioneering, carnival, and even presidential past. From the Longfellow House to the Song of Hiawatha Garden, the tour delves into the rich tapestry of Minnehaha Falls’ evolution, shedding light on the site’s reputation for ‘rowdy, lawless indulgence’ in its earlier days.

Past Attractions	Year
Minnehaha Midway	1887
Presidential Visits	1887, 1901
Minnehaha Park Zoo	1889
Rowdy Carnival Culture	Early 1900s
"Eyes of Little Crow" Statue	1912

The audio guide brings these forgotten stories to life, helping visitors appreciate the fascinating history that has shaped this beloved Minneapolis landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Pets on the Self-Guided Tour?

The tour details do not mention anything about bringing pets. However, it’s generally best to check with the park or tour organizers to confirm their pet policy before visiting. Pets may be allowed, but it’s important to follow any rules or guidelines.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, as the paths and trails around Minnehaha Falls are generally flat and paved. However, visitors should be aware that there may be some uneven terrain or stairs in certain areas of the park.

Can I Use a Different Audio Tour App Instead of Voicemap?

While the tour is designed for the VoiceMap app, users can potentially use a different audio tour app if it supports offline access and GPS-triggered content. However, the experience may not be as seamless as using the recommended VoiceMap app.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available Along the Tour Route?

The tour route includes restroom facilities along the way. Visitors can find public restrooms at various points throughout Minnehaha Falls Park to accommodate their needs during the self-guided audio tour.

Is There an Option to Book a Guided Tour Instead?

No, the tour is self-guided and there’s no option to book a guided tour. Visitors can explore Minnehaha Falls at their own pace using the VoiceMap app to access the audio tour, maps, and directions.

Recap

Minnehaha Falls’ self-guided audio tour offers an immersive exploration of the iconic waterfall’s rich history.

From its pioneering days to presidential visits, the tour delves into the cultural significance of this ‘laughing water’ landmark.

With offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, visitors can learn about the falls’ importance to the Minneapolis region at their own pace, making for an engaging and informative experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: