Ideas for scouting your portraits spots around Minneapolis and St Paul
The Twin Cities have many spots that make great portrait locations. From architectural triumphs to little neighborhoods, and many MANY parks in between. This portrait guide to locations in the Twin Cities is just a start for finding the right spaces to capture you.
Planning for great photo locations requires a little knowledge and some goals.
When thinking about locations for portraits, you might want to consider what your goals are. Do you want something that will feel exciting and busy? Do you want something quiet and crowd free? If nature is important to you, consider the season and also the time of day to reduce glare on lakes or harsh shadows. Of course, also consider practicalities like construction, parking, and how far of a walk you are up for.
Here are a few favorite places for portraits around Minneapolis and St Paul. Many couples find inspiration in what a location has to offer, but make sure that the images you create in that space are you own. Photos will always vary depending on lighting or weather conditions.
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
STONE ARCH BRIDGE
The most popular location in Minneapolis, and with good reason – it features a spectacular view of the Minneapolis Skyline no matter the weather. To the side of the bridge, walkways and greenspaces give options for variety. The areas around the bridge have recently undergone improvements and there are even bathroom facilities. My favorite location for shorter sessions, evening sessions, and people who love walking. This is also the perfect location for a quick stop in winter and is a great way to finish a session from another location, particularly the Saint Anthony Main area. The Stone Arch bridge itself is under construction through 2026, with one side open at a time (you cannot walk all the way across until the updates are complete).
The Stone Arch Bridge is best for photos in the early morning sunrise or dusk when the lights of the city come up.
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
SAINT ANTHONY MAIN AND WATERPOWER PARK
The area on the St Anthony Main side of the river combines great views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi river, tree-lines park space, and the exteriors of old Minneapolis cafes and architecture. A recently cleaned up stone jetty offers spectacular views if you can manage the climb down. Attached Water Power Park brings in a closer view of the city and river.
St Anthony Main is best for portraits in the afternoon and evening. Mix of indoor and outdoor spaces make this a great choice for rainy or cold weather.
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
NICOLLET ISLAND/BOOM ISLAND
Nicollet Island and Boom Island are connected by bike trails and an old trestle bridge. The Nicollet Island area brings in stunning views of downtown Minneapolis across the Mississippi. The Boom Island area has a feeling of being away from the city in the woods and features a rustic iron bridge, forested walkways, and seasonal tall grasses and fall color. Great from early spring to early winter.
Nicollet Island and Boom Island are best for photos with a rustic vibe without leaving the city
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
MILL CITY AREA
The downtown side of the Mississippi river has a good mix of color and urban architecture mixed with old stonework and a real Mill City vibe. Beautiful options all year long, and a good mix of semi-covered and open spaces make it a good choice for photos in light rain or snow. The variety of textures and architecture makes this a perfect my favorite place for headshots or graduation portraits.
Mill City area is best for photos with lots of variety in a small area.
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
LORING PARK AND WALKER SCULPTURE GARDEN
Centrally located park features a mix of interesting spaces and a slightly European vibe. Easy walking to a few cafes, and the Minneapolis Sculpture garden for more drama. A favorite is the underground “sky pecher” bunker for a wild architectural photo.
Loring Park and the sculpture garden are best for photos if you like week night walking
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
MINNEHAHA FALLS
Having a waterfall in the middle of a city is something extraordinary, and it offers amazing opportunities for portraits. I love Minnehaha so much that I offer short portraits there every Thursday night when the weather is good, and I never tire of the mix of waterfall, trees, and gardens.
Minnehaha Falls is best for photos with a waterfall and lots of liveliness without leaving Minneapolis.
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
LAKE OF THE ISLES
Get outside in summer at this versatile park close to a boat rental (canoe fun!) and featuring small secluded areas, willow trees, and a good mix of lake views with trees and tall grasses.
Lake of the isles is best for a mix of lakes and willow trees
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
ST PAUL UNION DEPOT
The St Paul Union Depot is a recently renovated historic train depot and the “waiting room” area has really gorgeous architecture and a high domed brick area. This is also an active train and bus depot, so there can be other people mingling around, and the use of lighting is limited, but it can be a gorgeous additional to photos in St Paul.
The St Paul Union Depot it best for photos featuring big indoor space with old architecture.
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
GUTHRIE THEATER INSIDE
The Guthrie Theater has modern bold colors and lines, a panoramic view of the Mississippi river, and has large parts of space that are open to the public. It is also an active theater so photos must be timed to not conflict with intermissions, etc. The best time to go is definitely early in the day to avoid tourists and theater-goers.
The Guthrie Theater interiors is best for photos with bold colors and architectural reflections
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
RICE PARK
St Paul’s Rice Park is small but mighty – trees draped in lights in wintertime, the architecture of the JJ Hill Library and the Landmark Center, and a slightly European vibe throughout.
Rice park is best for photos with a lot of St Paul in a little space
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
OTHER PARKS
The twin cities have some of the best parks in the country, so finding one that speaks to you should be no problem. Be aware that some parks (the Three Rivers District, for example) require photo permits or might have other regulations. Some parks I love include:
Raspberry Island in St Paul has gorgeous views of downtown St Paul. Great year round, almost any time of day.
Lake Harriet in Minneapolis
Other Favorites: Hidden Falls, Swede Hollow, Centennial Lakes, Interstate Park
Portrait Location Guide Twin Cities
LOCATIONS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY
The best way to feel comfortable for photos is to actually be comfortable, so find something that makes you happy. I’ve done sessions at the State Fair, on a canoe, surrounded by cows, in a home. Planning a session around things you enjoy doing (starting with an ice cream, hitting a favorite brew pub, walking in your neighborhood) is the best way to ensure you have fun!
Ready for Twin Cities Portraits?
If you are ready to plan for portraits in Minneapolis or St Paul, I would love to talk about your photography!