June River Bluffs: Trails, Views, & Top-Tier Sandwiches

Juni Park — Seward, Minneapolis
Korean-American UX designer, outdoors obsessive, the person your friend group texts when nobody can agree on what to do Saturday.

Summer's here, Minnesota, which means it's time to get out there and actually enjoy this brief window of warmth before, well, you know. While everyone else is flocking to the big-name lakes, I'm taking you to a spot that offers stunning views and a sense of quiet, paired with a truly excellent sandwich. Think a classic picnic, elevated by a proper riverside hike and a deli you'll want to keep secret.

This guide is for a chill Saturday or Sunday afternoon in June. It's low-key, budget-friendly, and all about soaking up that river energy.

The Plan: Bluff Walks and Deli Feasts

We're heading to the less-trodden trails of the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park, specifically the East River Parkway side, and pairing it with a pick-up from a stellar sandwich spot in Longfellow. Grab your walking shoes, a blanket, and let's go.

It's about a 4-5 hour outing, depending on how much you linger. The best part? You control the pace.

Stop 1: Fuel Up at Try Harder Sandwiches

Before you hit the trails, you need sustenance. And not just any sustenance. Try Harder Sandwiches is a gem tucked away in the Longfellow neighborhood, known for seriously good, inventive sandwiches that are perfect for a picnic. They make everything in-house, and their bread is outstanding.

• Address: 4600 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
• Phone: (612) 440-2345 (call ahead for pickup, especially if you're hitting them during a lunch rush!)
• Hours: Typically open 11 AM - 7 PM, but always check their current hours before you go. Closed Sundays. (This means if you're doing a Sunday picnic, you'll need to pick up Saturday, or opt for a different sandwich spot. If it's Saturday, you're golden!)
• Price Range: $$ (most sandwiches are $12-$16)
• What to order: Honestly, you can't go wrong. Their 'Hot Turkey' is legendary, and the 'Kimchi Chicken' is a flavor bomb. Don't skip the chips or a house-made cookie if they have them.
• What to bring: Your appetite, a tote bag for your order.

Getting There:

• Drive: Street parking is usually pretty easy right on Snelling Ave or the side streets around the shop. It's free.
• Bus: Take Metro Transit Route 7 which runs along 46th Street, or Route 46 which runs along Snelling Ave. Both have stops very close to the shop.
• Bike: Longfellow is very bike-friendly. Snelling Ave has bike lanes, and it's a short ride from the Minnehaha Parkway trail system.
• Walk: If you're in Longfellow, it's a pleasant walk from most places in the neighborhood. It's about a 15-minute walk from the 46th Street Blue Line station.

Stop 2: River Bluffs Exploration & Picnic

With your sandwiches in hand, it's time to head to the Mississippi Gorge. We're aiming for the section of the East River Parkway between the Franklin Avenue Bridge and the University of Minnesota campus. This area offers a mix of paved paths and dirt trails winding through the trees, with plenty of spots to take in the river views.

• Address: East River Parkway & Franklin Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (This is a good starting point for your navigation)
• Cost: Free!
• What to bring: Your Try Harder sandwiches, a picnic blanket, water bottle, a small trash bag (pack it in, pack it out!), bug spray (it's June, after all), and comfortable walking shoes. Maybe a book or a small deck of cards if you like.

Getting There:

• Drive: There's usually free street parking along East River Parkway, though it can fill up on busy days. Look for spots south of Franklin Avenue.
• Bus: Route 2 runs directly along Franklin Avenue, with stops just a block or two from East River Parkway. From the shop, you could take Route 7 west to 46th St and Hiawatha, then transfer to the Blue Line North to Franklin Ave, then a short walk. Or, a bit more direct: Route 7 to Lake St, then transfer to Route 9 east to Franklin Ave, or catch Route 2 directly.
• Bike: East River Parkway is part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, making it super accessible by bike. There are Nice Ride stations near the U of M campus, just a short ride north of our target area.
• Walk: This part of the park is very walkable from the University of Minnesota's East Bank campus or surrounding Prospect Park neighborhood.

Your Picnic Spot:

From the intersection of East River Parkway and Franklin Avenue, head south on the paved path. Keep an eye out for smaller dirt trails that veer off towards the river. These are your friends. Wander a bit, find a secluded bench, or a grassy patch with a good view of the river and the cliffs on the St. Paul side. There are several small overlooks and less-obvious clearings that make for perfect, private picnic spots. Just make sure you're not blocking a path.

Spend an hour or two eating, watching the barges float by, and enjoying the tranquility. Afterwards, continue your walk further south or head north towards the Weisman Art Museum (the building itself is a sight to behold, even if you don't go inside) before looping back.

The Payoff

This isn't about crowded beaches or loud patios. This is about finding a pocket of peace in the city. The Mississippi Gorge offers surprisingly rugged beauty right in our backyard. The sounds of the river, the rustle of leaves, and a truly satisfying sandwich make for a perfect June afternoon. It’s a classic Twin Cities experience without feeling like a tourist trap.

Cost Breakdown

• Try Harder Sandwiches: ~$15 per person (including a drink or side)
• Metro Transit Fare: $2.50 per ride ($2 if off-peak).
• Parking: Free street parking.
• Total: ~$15-$20 per person for a full afternoon adventure.

Skip This If:

• You're looking for a formal dining experience (this is all about the casual picnic).
• You don't enjoy walking on uneven natural paths (stick to the paved Parkway if that's the case, which is still lovely!).
• You prefer crowds and loud activities (this is more on the quiet, contemplative side).

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Photo by Tomek Baginski on Unsplash