Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

10/30/2026

The final days of fall color are here as the autumn show winds down in Minneapolis. While there are still some pops of green, many trees are nearing the end of their color transformation and are losing leaves quickly.

According to the latest Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder, the Twin Cities have passed peak fall color. We may have another week or so to enjoy some lingering color, depending on the weather, but a windy day or hard freeze could bring the season to a quick close.

Get out in the parks and enjoy the last bits of color while they're still here!

10/29/2026

Horticulture staff are busy planting bulbs in the Lyndale Park Annual-Perennial Garden, helping set the stage for a beautiful spring display.

Our expert staff say the best time to plant bulbs is when temperatures start to cool in late September until the ground freezes. Soil temperatures need to drop and hold for multiple weeks so short fall heat waves won’t risk them breaking dormancy too early. October is a great time to plant, but even November planting can be successful before the ground freezes!

All their work now means something beautiful to look forward to when spring arrives.

10/28/2026

Halloween is Saturday! Looking for ways to celebrate? Your neighborhood rec center has you covered with pumpkin carving, crafts, costume swaps, parties, movies, parades, trick-or-treating and even pet-friendly options.

Find a Halloween event near you at minneapolisparks.org/halloween26.

10/27/2026

Turtle Fountain has a winter makeover!

Andrew Jo is a seasonal gardener in the Lyndale Park Rose Garden. He painted the panels that now protect the Phelps Fountain, also known as Turtle Fountain. Staff winterize the Lyndale Park display fountains each fall with covers to keep them safe through Minnesota winters. Andrew’s mural turns those covers into art with his take on the plants and animals of Minneapolis.

Come by Lyndale Park and see the mural!

10/26/2026

A tiny mystery growing near the Quaking Bog!

This small mushroom was recently photographed near the entrance to the Quaking Bog, surrounded by a carpet of leaves. But what is it?

It appears to be one of the inky cap mushrooms, a group with several possible species. Our best guess is a shaggy mane mushroom, though this little specimen is smaller than expected.

Mushroom enthusiasts, what's your best guess?

10/23/2026

Fall colors are putting on a show!

Maples are blazing with reds and oranges, while oaks, elms and other trees are adding golden hues across the city. These photos from Theodore Wirth Park and Lyndale Park Peace Garden are really showcasing seasonal beauty!

Get out to the parks and enjoy the colors while they last!

10/22/2026

Come visit the Bell Museum's Wild Beauty exhibit with Minneapolis Parks’ Susan Wilkins, curator of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. Susan is just the fifth curator since Eloise Butler, who founded the Garden in 1907 with support from the Minneapolis Park Board, fellow teachers and the greater community. The Wild Beauty exhibit is on view now through January 3, 2027.

Special thanks to the Bell Museum for allowing us to use this footage.

10/21/2026

Registration for winter youth sports with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board opens Wednesday, October 21.

🏀 Basketball
🏒 Hockey
🤼 Wrestling
🤸‍♂️ Gymnastics

Youth Sports staff will ensure every child or teen who signs up is placed on a team!
These programs give every child an opportunity to participate without regard to physical condition, s*x, race, and economic or social status. Plus, all Minneapolis Parks youth programs are fully discountable, up to free.

Visit https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities-events/sports_leagues/youth_sports_leagues/

10/21/2026

10/20/2026

Registration opens today, October 20, for winter adult basketball, broomball, dodgeball, pickleball, pond hockey or indoor volleyball with Minneapolis Parks.

No team? No problem! Register as an individual and we'll match you with a team.

Visit mprbathletics.org for more information.