Have you ever wished you were part of The Lord of the Rings? The action, adventure, and heroism are enough to make anyone wish to escape reality for a little while. We can’t help you fight an orc, but we can tell you about the one place in Minnesota that looks like something from Middle Earth. The lush scenery that surrounds all 22 miles of Minnehaha Creek looks like something out of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy series. Take a look:

From Minnehaha Creek's headwaters at Lake Minnetonka, the creek flows southeast through lush wetlands.
mamichan/Flickr
While it may not be quite as thick and dark as Mirkwood, the forest that grows alongside the creek is no less beautiful.
Bridget Samuels/Flickr
Several bridges cross the creek as it winds its way across two counties.
schwa021/Flickr
Some are made of stone, others wood, but they're all reminiscent of something you might see in Middle Earth.
m01229/Flickr
Just like a Hobbit, you can follow the trail to the final destination as you see fit. Many prefer to bike, walk, or canoe alongside Minnehaha Creek. But no matter how you get there, the final destination should be Minnehaha Regional Park.
jpellgen/Flickr
Besides the creek, this park holds some secrets. Look closely for mysterious statues that almost blend into the woods.
Francis Forticaux/Flickr
But the showpiece of Minnehaha Creek is the gorgeous Minnehaha Falls.
sparkle-motion/Flickr

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This 53-foot beauty is the one waterfall to rule them all.
Meet Minneapolis/Flickr
You can view the Falls from above...
Janelle/Flickr
...or you can walk down several flights of stone stairs...
Robert Oberle/Flickr
...to see the Minnehaha Creek fall over the ledge from below.
Richard Roche/Flickr
Some even venture out to touch the water if it's calm enough.
Shawna Ebbeson/Flickr
In winter, a walk behind the frozen Minnehaha Falls will make you feel like you're in a fantasy land. The blue kind of looks like Durin's Door, right? Speak friend and enter.
MJI Photos/Flickr
And when you're all done staring at the Falls, take a walk along the nature-filled path along the creek as it bends its way towards the Mississippi.
m01229/Flickr
The stunning Minnehaha Regional Park can be found at 4801 South Minnehaha Drive in Minneapolis. If you're interested in traveling the entire length of this Middle Earth trail, check out this nifty map.

That’s it! Have you ever gone on a journey through the Minnesota version of Middle Earth? Let us know how you fared!

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