Address
2325 West River Road N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
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Contact
Phone: 612-230-6400
Email: info@minneapolisparks.org
Park Hours
6 am-midnight in developed areas
6 am-10 pm in undeveloped areas
Ordinance PB-2-33
Orvin "Ole" Olson Park
Part of: Above the Falls Regional Park
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Features & Amenities
- Biking Path
- Walking Path
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Good to Know
Paths connect to:
- James I. Rice Parkway
- West River Parkway
Master Plans
This park will be affected by a completed park or service area master plan. View Master Plans
2015 Vegetation Restoration
Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is working with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to improve the ecological health of Ole Olson Park. Starting in the late summer of 2015, FMR will conduct soil remediation, remove invasive species, and restore the slope down to the river to a dry savanna. FMR is seeking volunteers to help establish a demonstration prairie garden. See the FMR fact sheet [PDF] for more information.
Park Details
Rentals & Permits
Outdoor Use and Event Space: Learn how to reserve park space for corporate events, community celebrations, and more.
Outdoor Weddings: Make your outdoor ceremony unique and memorable. View wedding permit details.
History
Name: The park was named Skyline Park from the time of its acquisition until it was renamed Orvin “Ole” Olson Park in 2006. Olson was a park commissioner from north Minneapolis 1974-1978. As chair of the Riverfront Development Coordinating Board while he was a park commissioner, Olson was instrumental in establishing policy and guidelines for the later development of the Central Riverfront parks in the 1980s. Olson’s son, Jon, has served as a park commissioner since 2002 and was president of the board 2006-2007.
Acquisition and Development
The land was purchased in 2002 as part of the park board’s long-term plan to acquire more land along the Mississippi River above the falls. It is included in the board’s Above the Falls Master Plan, which targets the acquisition of riverfront property as it becomes available. The land was formerly the location of the Riverside Supper Club.
The first paths into the new park were built in 2007.
The park is a part of Upper Mississippi River Regional Park.
Park history compiled and written by David C. Smith.