Hills for Breakfast: The best spots for hill repeats in Minneapolis
Written by Kailey Lai, PRG Content Contributor, Senior, Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine | Competitive Runner
Reviewed by Aaron Boike, PRG Co-Owner, B.S. Kinesiology| UESCA Certified Running Coach | UESCA Certified Ultrarunning Coach | UESCA Certified Endurance Sports Nutrition Coach | UESCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach | ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Published: August 17th, 2026
Minneapolis may be known for its lakes and flat running trails, but there are plenty of hills throughout the city that can add a challenge to your training. Hill repeats in Minneapolis are a great way to build strength, develop power, and add variety to your running. Whether you’re looking for steep climbs or longer, gradual hills, Minneapolis has plenty of options.
Why Should Runners Do Hill Repeats?
Hill repeats combine running-specific strength with higher-intensity aerobic work. Running uphill can encourage powerful strides while challenging your legs, cardiovascular system, and running form. Incorporating hills into your training can help prepare you for hilly races while adding variety to your normal running routine.
Where Are the Best Spots for Hill Repeats in Minneapolis?
Theodore Wirth Park
Theodore Wirth Park offers a wide variety of hills that allow runners to customize workouts based on their training goals. The park includes paved and unpaved trails with both gradual and steeper climbs, making it a versatile location for hill workouts.
For more information about running in the park, check out our Runner’s Guide to Theodore Wirth Park.
Kenwood Parkway and Lowry Hill
Looking for shorter hill repeats? The Kenwood Parkway and Lowry Hill area offers several short, steep climbs on paved roads. Streets around Kenwood Parkway, Waverly Place, and Mount Curve provide several options for runners looking to incorporate shorter uphill efforts into their training.
West River Parkway
Looking for longer climbs? West River Parkway offers more gradual elevation changes that can work well for sustained uphill efforts. Sections near the Mississippi River Gorge and Franklin Avenue also provide scenic views of the river, making this a great option for runners who want to incorporate hills into a longer run.
Tower Hill Park
Tower Hill Park is located in Minneapolis’s Prospect Park neighborhood. As one of the higher points in the city, the surrounding neighborhood includes several uphill approaches that can be incorporated into hill repeats or longer runs. These climbs provide another option for runners looking to add elevation to their training.
Before your workout, check current park and trail information through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
How Should You Add Hills Into Your Training?
If you’re new to hill repeats, start simple. Find a hill that takes approximately 30–60 seconds to climb and run uphill at a controlled but challenging effort. After reaching the top, jog or walk back down for recovery before repeating.
A starting workout might include 4–8 repetitions. As your body adapts to hill training, you can gradually increase the number of repetitions or the length of the hill. Allow adequate recovery between challenging hill sessions and adjust the frequency based on your overall training plan.
Looking for more places to train? Check out our guide to the Best Minneapolis Running Routes for more local running options.
Need Help from a Coach?
From 5k to 100 mile ultramarathon, PRG’s coaching team has nationally certified coaches with experience to help you reach your trail running, road running, and cross country running goals. Book a free Run Coaching Consultation online at www.performancerungym.com/run-coaching
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