Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis (must see)

The 53-foot waterfall—named for the Dakota words for “water” and “waterfall”—steals the spotlight at this beloved Minneapolis park, established way back in 1889. But it’s hardly the only reason to visit. Meander through the serene gardens of the upper park, or tackle the wilder terrain in the lower park if you’re up for a heartier hike.

If you’d rather explore on two wheels, rent a bike and check out the park’s historic gems: the Princess Depot, a petite transport museum; the John H. Stevens House, the first wood-frame home west of the Mississippi; and a replica of Longfellow’s home, where you can dig into the story behind Minneapolis’s expansive park system. For extra fun, there’s a disc golf course, a wading pool, and—drumroll—Sea Salt. Open from April to October, this seasonal hot spot serves up beachy bites like calamari, crab cakes, fried fish tacos, and oyster po’ boys. The lines are long, but the falls are gorgeous, so take in the view while you wait.

Flower lovers, take note: The Minnehaha Falls Pergola Garden is packed with stunning blooms and native plants (perfect for family photos) and the Song of Hiawatha Garden features a fountain brimming with colorful annuals. Meanwhile, Longfellow Gardens—once a zoo—boasts a replica of the poet’s house in Cambridge, Massachusetts. With so much beauty to explore, you might forget all about the waterfall. Almost.