Historical Sites

Historical Sites

While all of the parks in Minneapolis have an extensive history, we are fortunate to house several unique historical sites.

Ard Godfrey House

Longfellow House

Princess Depot

John H. Stevens House

“Witch’s Hat” Water Tower

Stone Arch Bridge

Theodore Wirth Home and Administration Building

Girls Basketball in 1914

Basketball hoops were first installed in Minneapolis parks in 1908.

John H. Stevens House

Built in 1849, the Stevens House was moved to its current location in 1896 by an estimated 10,000 school children, tugging on huge ropes in relay fashion.

Theodore Wirth Home and Administration Building

Theodore Wirth, the longest-serving park superintendent, led the transformation of Minneapolis parks into a nationally renowned park system from his drafting room in the Theodore Wirth Home.

Longfellow House

Built in 1906 as a replica of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s home in Cambridge, MA, it now serves as an information center.

Water Toboggans on a Minneapolis Lake in 1924

It is not clear when these slides were removed from Lake Calhoun and Lake Nokomis, but we still have plenty of water recreation activities available.

Ice Skating in Van Cleve Park in 1901

The first ice skating rink in Minneapolis parks was created in 1891. We currently have 47 outdoor ice rinks at 22 parks citywide.

Ard Godfrey House

The oldest surviving frame home in the Twin Cities, built in 1848.

Heffelfinger Fountain Dedication in 1947

Theodore Wirth, Minneapolis Mayor Hubert Humphrey, Francis Gross and Charles Doell at the dedication of the Heffelfinger Fountain at Lyndale Park

Princess Depot

Hop on a lightrail train and visit the first train station on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, now operating as a museum.

Maude Armatage's 90th Birthday in 1960

Maude Armatage was the first women elected to the park board. She served from 1921 to 1951, the longest consecutive service in board history. She is pictured with Inez Crimmins and Lorna Phillips, the second and third women to serve as park commissioners.

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Girls Basketball in 1914

John H. Stevens House

Theodore Wirth Home and Administration Building

Longfellow House

Water Toboggans on a Minneapolis Lake in 1924

Ice Skating in Van Cleve Park in 1901

Ard Godfrey House

Heffelfinger Fountain Dedication in 1947

Princess Depot

Maude Armatage's 90th Birthday in 1960

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