Longfellow Park

History and Origins

Longfellow Park is an 8.13-acre public park located in the Howe neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The park is unofficially named after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the American poet who wrote "The Song of Hiawatha" in 1854, though Longfellow never visited the area himself.

Originally acquired in 1918, Longfellow Park replaced an earlier park by the same name that was located about a mile closer to downtown. The current park was developed using funds from the sale of the original Longfellow Field, making it one of the few neighborhood parks in Minneapolis that was not paid for through property assessments.

Recreational Facilities

The park features a variety of recreational facilities and green spaces. It includes athletic fields for sports like football and baseball, as well as courts for basketball and tennis.

In winter, the park offers ice skating and hockey opportunities. For younger visitors, there is a playground with updated equipment.

Community Center

Longfellow Park also houses a modern brick recreation center, which was built in the 1960s and expanded in 1975 to include a gymnasium.

This community center offers various programs and activities for residents throughout the year. The park grounds include picnic areas with grills, providing space for community gatherings and outdoor meals.