NOTE: see the bottom of Sunday's Site posts for homes for sale in the area
The Twin Cities is known for its trails… in fact, Minneapolis has been named America's most bike friendly city and Minnesota has more miles of paved rail-to-bikeways than any other state. One of these trails, Cedar Lake Regional Trail, passes through St. Louis Park on its way to downtown Minneapolis. It has been called America's 'first bike freeway' because it has divided one-way lanes like a divided highway for most of its Minneapolis run.
It seems only fitting that this 'first bike freeway' should pass by the 'first beltway'… Highway 100, started way back in 1934! When it was built, people thought they were nuts to be building such a big highway out in the middle of nowhere, but audacious dreams went even further… with the goal of creating the most beautiful highway in America.
'Lilac Way', as Highway 100 was known when it was new, was lined with about 30,000 plants including 8,000 lilacs and was designed as a recreational highway. The 7 roadside parks built along its 12.5 mile stretch were more than just parks in 1939… they were a destination. Hand built stone 'Beehive' barbeque fireplaces and picnic tables were signature pieces of these parks where families would spend an afternoon. The highway was even closed down for parades when the lilacs were in bloom!
Over the years most of these parks have disappeared or fallen into disrepair. For the 70th anniversary of Lilac Way the park at the southwest corner of the intersection of Highways 100 & 7 was beautifully renovated as restored as the new Lilac Park. Its carefully moved and restored Beehive is one of only two remaining.
Look for it along the Cedar Lake Regional Trail just west of the distinctive Nordic Ware tower.
It's a great place to stop for a rest or a picnic… or make a convenient 'necessary' stop!
Click here to see homes currently for sale in the area around Lilac Park in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Please be patient while the link searches for the most current listings…click on the map to zoom in until you see icons on the dots, then pass your cursor over them for property information, click for property details.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email – St. Louis Park Realtor
RELATED POSTS
