Longfellow Park

A Poet's Legacy in the City

Found in Minneapolis's Howe neighborhood, the 8.13-acre Longfellow Park carries the name of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the celebrated American poet behind "The Song of Hiawatha." Interestingly, Longfellow himself never set foot in this area, making the park's name a literary homage rather than a historical marker.

The park has a bit of an unusual origin story. Established in 1918, it actually replaced an earlier Longfellow Park located about a mile closer to downtown. What makes this space unique among Minneapolis neighborhood parks is how it came to be - it was funded entirely through the sale of the original Longfellow Field rather than through the typical property assessments that financed most other local parks.

Get Your Game On

Whether you're looking to shoot some hoops or practice your serve, Longfellow Park offers several options. The grounds feature athletic fields meant for football and baseball games, plus dedicated courts for basketball and tennis enthusiasts.

When winter blankets Minneapolis in snow, the park transforms into a cold-weather playground offering ice skating and hockey opportunities. For the little ones, there's a playground with updated equipment that provides a safe and fun environment for climbing, sliding, and imagining.

Cool Off and Splash Around

One of the park's summer highlights is its wading pool - a shallow oasis where kids can splash and play when the Minnesota heat kicks in. The pool's design prioritizes safety for younger children, making it an ideal spot for families looking to cool down without heading to a full-sized pool or lake.

Community Hub

At the heart of the park stands a sturdy brick recreation center built in the 1960s. In 1975, the center got an upgrade with the addition of a gymnasium, expanding the indoor activities available to community members.

The center represents a neighborhood gathering spot, hosting various programs and activities all year long. Outside, you'll find picnic areas complete with grills - ideal for everything from family reunions to casual weekend cookouts with friends.