ORIGINAL LILAC PARK

The original Lilac Park, also known as the Minnetonka Road Parking Area, was located in a half-mile segment between Minnetonka Blvd and 28th Street in St. Louis Park. It was built, like the others, in 1939. Access is from Toledo Avenue, which serves as an on- and off-ramp to Highway 100. There is no barrier at all between the park and the highway.

 

PICNIC AREA

The photo above from 1939 shows the park from across the highway.  You can see the Beehive and a pond on the south side of the park.  At one time there were 11 picnic tables at this site.

This photo is looking south

All structures, including the Beehive, have been removed from the picnic area.  See the separate page on the Beehive.

ROCK GARDEN/HIDDEN PARK/MONKEY ISLAND

North of the Beehive picnic area was a rock garden that was cut off from the rest of the park in 1968.  The photo below was taken in 1939. 

As of 2009, the remains of the rock garden are still on site.  Photos below by Steve Raymer.

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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.