THE BEEHIVE AND THE NEW LILAC PARK

The three-family fireplace commonly called the Beehive was built in 1939 at the Highway 100 Roadside park that was originally called Lilac Park.  See Highway 100's Roadside Parks for complete information about the roadside parks.

Plans for the construction of the beehive, 1937.

The beehive was the cornerstone of Lilac Park for decades with its distinctive shape and its ability to accommodate three picnicing families at once. 

1939

In 1968, Lilac Park was bifurcated by an on-ramp to the highway, and Lilac Park declined.  The park could no longer be accessed from the highway, and the grade from Toledo Ave. was steep.  The Beehive fell into disrepair.

2006

In 2008, the Beehive was moved to the Highway 100 Roadside Park at Highway 7, now known as the new Lilac Park.  It was dedicated at the new Lilac Park on July 13, 2009.

2009 Dedication with Mayor Jacobs

The pictures and resources below tell the story of the move and the history of Highway 100 and its roadside parks.

Click here for pictures of the July 13, 2009 dedication ceremony.

Click here to see the City's award in the Minnesota Pride Competition.
 

Click here for a video of the move on October 22, 2008 and the dedication on July 13, 2009.

Click here for a story about the move of the beehive in the StarTribune dated October 8, 2008.

Click here for photos of the new Lilac Park (Highway 7) on September 14, 2008 in the process of being restored.

Click here for a photos of the Beehive site at the old Lilac Park (Minnetonka Blvd.) on September 11, 2008, in preparation for the move. 

Click here for photos of the damage to the beehive and stone structures prior to the move and restoration.

Click here for a 30 minute documentary about Lilac Way produced by TPT. 

Click here to learn about a private project to restore Lilacs to Lilac Way.  This site has a section called Beehives and Parks which provides extensive pictures of the old and new sites.

Click here for a memoir of the building of Lilac Way/Highway 100 from the Minnesota Historical Society.

Click here for a history of Highway 100.



 

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.