Summer Guide • Morrison County Record • www. mcrecord. com • 2026 • 3
Little Falls: Where History Meets the Mississippi
Little Falls offers visitors an easy way to enjoy the outdoors, with a park system that blends river scenery, neighborhood green spaces, playgrounds, trails and family-friendly attractions.
For a mix of history and natural beauty, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is a must-see. Located along the Mississippi River, the park features wooded trails, a historic WPAbuilt picnic shelter and access to Pike Creek for canoeing. Visitors can wander among red and white pine, watch for bald eagles and explore the adjacent Charles Lindbergh House and Museum.
Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge offers a quieter outdoor escape. Its trails wind through wetlands and prairie, making it a favorite for hiking, birdwatching and simply enjoying the peaceful landscape.
Within the city, Mill Park stands out for its river views and the ruins of an old paper mill, creating one of Little Falls’ most distinctive scenic stops. Maple Island Park is known for its floral gardens, picnic shelters and views of the Mississippi River and dam, while Veterans Memorial Park offers monuments, gardens and a meaningful place for reflection.
Pine Grove Park, home to Pine Grove Zoo, combines park space with one of the community’ s best-known family attractions. Riverside Park and Le Bourget Park also provide access to the river and relaxing places to enjoy the
Your 2026 Guide to
fun in the area.
outdoors.
Belle Prairie Park is one of the area’ s most versatile destinations, offering hiking trails, frisbee golf, playgrounds and river access. Disc golf is also available at Le Bourget Park. Families looking for playgrounds will find them at Belle Prairie Park, Washington Playground, Lions Park, Columbia Park, Lindbergh Lions Recreational Area, the Little Falls Area Recreation Complex, Legion Park, Pine Grove Park and Pine Tree Park.
Smaller city parks help round out the system. Columbia Park, Gamradt Park, Legion Park and Kiwanis Park provide neighborhood recreation space, while Pine Tree Park includes a designated dog park for visitors traveling with pets.
To make a full day of it, visitors can pair the area’ s parks and trails with nearby attractions that add history, arts and local flavor. The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Museum, Linden Hill Historic Estate and Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame offer a deeper look at the community’ s story, while downtown shops, Great River Arts and The Falls Theatre give visitors more reasons to linger after a morning on the trails or an afternoon by the river.
Whether visitors are looking for a scenic walk, a playground stop, a riverside picnic or a full day of exploring, Little Falls offers a wide variety of parks, attractions and natural spaces to enjoy throughout the summer.
Summer
MORRISON COUNTY
INDEX TO CONTENT
Little Falls.................................. 3-10 Pierz......................................... 11-12 Randall.......................................... 13 Bowlus.......................................... 15 Harding......................................... 15 Swanville................................. 16-17 Royalton....................................... 18
RECORD
Motley........................................... 19 Public Parks................................. 21 Upsala........................................... 20 Area Lakes.............................. 22-23 Golf............................................... 25 Historic Sites, Museums........ 28-29 Area Events............................. 30-34
... relax and enjoy.
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Published by AMM East Central Minnesota • Circulation audited by Certified Audit of Circulations( CAC) Fax: 320.632.2348 • Copyright © Morrison County Record 2026