Keewaydin Park

History and Origins

Situated in south Minneapolis, Keewaydin Park spans a modest 4.05 acres adjacent to Keewaydin Elementary School. This community location has been part of the neighborhood fabric since 1927, born from a partnership between the school and park boards. Though it started life as Alexander Ramsey Playground, it was christened with its current name on May 2, 1928.

Ever wondered about that distinctive name? "Keewaydin" comes from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "The Song of Hiawatha," where it poetically refers to the "Northwest Wind, the Home Wind." Pretty fitting for a Minnesota park, if you ask us.

Recent Improvements

Summer 2023 brought a complete makeover to Keewaydin Park, with the playground areas getting a total refresh. Now you can find two separate play zones flanking the wading pool, each with its own personality and equipment.

The renovated playgrounds embrace a nature-themed design and feature the Minneapolis park system's first bouldering structure - a major win for little climbers! The climbing rock has become quite the attraction, however it's worth noting it sits pretty close to other play areas.

The zipline that runs straight across the playground is particularly popular. You'll need a little push to get started, but once you're off, it's pure joy. Kids of all ages lining up for their turn, making this park something of a destination playground in the area.

Playground Features

While children of all ages can enjoy the equipment here, it really shines for kids up to about 10 years old. The adventure play structures offer some unique climbing challenges that you won't find at your average playground.

Underfoot, you'll discover a combination of rubber ground material and wood chips - no sand to bring home in shoes and socks! The nature play elements woven throughout the playground really spark imaginative play.

One of the best things about this playground is how it accommodates both toddlers and bigger kids, with enough variety to keep a family entertained for quite some time. Just be prepared for crowds during prime times, especially on sunny weekends when it seems like the whole neighborhood turns out.

Recreational Facilities

Keewaydin offers more than just playground fun. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of both a baseball field and a softball field for practice or pickup games.

If baseball isn't your thing, you'll also find a soccer field and basketball hoops. The open field space is wonderfully multipurpose - meant for learning to ride a bike when the weather's nice, and a favorite sledding spot when snow blankets the ground.

During Minnesota's warm months, the wading pool becomes a neighborhood hotspot. At 1.5 feet deep and circular in design, it's an ideal spot for little ones to splash around and cool off. It's consistently clean and well-maintained - a welcome relief on those sticky summer days.

Year-Round Amenities

Keewaydin doesn't hibernate when winter arrives. The park benefits from a well-equipped shelter for skating and hockey rinks, thanks to the adjacent school building. This makes it a go-to spot even during Minnesota's coldest months.

The walking paths invite year-round strolls, whether you're enjoying fall colors or getting some fresh air on a winter day. If you're planning to stay a while, you'll appreciate the picnic areas with tables scattered throughout.

There's plenty of grassy space to spread out a blanket for an impromptu picnic too. And yes, the practical stuff is covered - you'll discover drinking fountains and restroom facilities on-site, however the cleanliness of the restrooms can be hit or miss.

Community Center

The Keewaydin Recreation Center adds another dimension to what this park offers. Inside, you'll discover a multipurpose room and a meeting space that serve as gathering spots for community events and programs.

The center also provides accessible restrooms for park visitors. The center hosts various community programs and events throughout the year.

Parking and Access

You can find a small parking lot nestled between the playgrounds, but don't count on finding a space during peak times - especially weekends when it fills up faster than the zipline queue. Street parking isn't too hard to find nearby, usually requiring just a short half-block walk.

Many locals simply walk or bike over, as the park is well-integrated into the surrounding Keewaydin neighborhood. Open daily from 6AM to 10PM, the park welcomes both early birds and night owls alike, making it a flexible option for fitting some outdoor time into your schedule.