 The result of Cleveland 's vision is the famous " Grand Rounds " , an interconnected series of parkways and parks centered on the Mississippi River . This vision was expanded by subsequent park commissioners and superintendents to encircle a series of lakes , now known as the " Chain of Lakes " , and to follow Minnehaha Creek to Minnehaha Falls . The area was designated as a National Scenic Byway in 1998 , and the Minneapolis Grand Rounds is known today as one of the best urban park systems in the world . 
