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A Guide to Heritage Park

Welcome to Heritage Park on St. Paul's east side. A visit to this park is like a visit back in time.

The park is a history lesson with pictures from St. Paul's past. Read about the famous people and companies including 3M and Hamm's Brewery that sprung up in the industrial area near the park.

The east side of St. Paul has long attracted wealthy business owners and workers who found jobs in the factories and breweries and the park is a reminder of the industrial past.

This great park and its nature center, sits amid 92 acres of forest, prairie and wetlands. The park's three-plus miles of trails is perfect for hiking or skiing, depending on the season. Canoeing, fishing and snowshoeing are also popular. The nature center highlights regional plant and animal life with displays and even living creatures, including birds, rabbits and snakes.

If you are looking to cool off or just put your feet in the water, Heritage Park has something for you. The park was built at the head of the historic Phalen Creek Valley as a way to rediscover the historic creek that was diverted underground through the sewer system in the 1850s to make way for railroads and industry. The creek it self is just a little stream that runs deep in the valley below the park.

Phalen Creek which feeds nearby Lake Phalen is visible again and can be seen along the trail system. Native wild flowers grow along the banks and in the woods. This is a wonderful park to bike or hike to and is a great place for the entire family. Kids of all ages can enjoy.

Discover nearby Swede Hollow and explore the Bruce Vento trail. Bring a camera or some binoculars and take a walk along the trails after lunch and forget that you are in the city.

Park hours are from sunrise to 11 p.m. and amenities include a sheltered picnic area with a fireplace.

Heritage Park
Monday to Sunday: Sunrise – 11 p.m.
735 Phalen Blvd.
St. Paul,  MN
Website

-- Teresa Boardman blogs about travel & outdoors around Minnesota.

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