Midtown Greenway Planning & Urban Trail Design

Located in south Minneapolis, the Midtown Greenway offers 5.5 miles of biking and walking trails along a former railroad corridor. What began as a disused and hazardous stretch of track has become one of the most celebrated urban corridors in the Twin Cities.

SRF has been a long-term partner in the Greenway’s planning, design, and evolution. Working closely with the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority, the City of Minneapolis, and the Midtown Greenway Coalition, SRF provided a full range of services, from master planning and urban design to construction documents and construction administration.

A Vision for Connectivity, Community, and Green Space

The Greenway’s master plan embraced a multiple-use vision that extended urban design improvements into 15 surrounding neighborhoods. A major focus was fostering a strong sense of identity and ownership among local residents. SRF led robust community engagement efforts, including neighborhood advisory committees, pop-up meetings, and stakeholder workshops that reflected the voices of a diverse cross-section of Minneapolis.

Today, the Midtown Greenway functions as much more than a bike trail. It’s a commuter route, a green infrastructure corridor, a community gathering space, and a canvas for public art. It connects people to parks, schools, businesses, and transit, and it provides a daily link for thousands of users navigating the city in a safe, sustainable way.

From Rail Line to Regional Landmark

Just two decades ago, the corridor was a forgotten, unsafe stretch of railroad. Through visionary planning and community investment, it’s now a defining piece of Minneapolis’s identity. The Greenway offers year-round opportunities to commute, recreate, and enjoy nature in the heart of the city. Thousands use the trail every day in spring, summer, and fall, and hundreds of committed cyclists and runners keep it active through the winter months.

Its success is a testament to the power of inclusive design and forward-thinking planning. The Greenway continues to enhance the quality of life in Minneapolis and further establishes the city as one of the top biking communities in the U.S.

Resource Links:
Midtown Greenway Coalition
City of Minneapolis
Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority

Internal Category:
Community & Transportation Planning
Parks, Trails & Recreation
Urban Mobility

More from:
Minneapolis, MN