Lyndale Farmstead Park

A Glimpse into History

Set on a picturesque hillside at 39th and Bryant Avenue South, Lyndale Farmstead Park spans 61 acres of green space that carries some serious historical weight in Minneapolis. The park has a rich history that's significant to Minneapolis.

The park gets its name from William S. King's "Lyndale Farm," which once stood on this land. King wasn't thinking small - his farm sprawled across approximately 1,400 acres and included almost all of Lake Harriet. It was an impressive property for its time.

From Farm to Park

The transformation of this land into the park we know today is closely intertwined with Minneapolis's park system development. In the early 1900s, Theodore Wirth - a name you'll encounter often in Minneapolis park history - pushed for expanding and improving this green space.

Under Wirth's watchful eye, the park blossomed with new additions including greenhouses, nurseries, and a warehouse that helped shape the landscape we enjoy today.

Recreation for Everyone

These days, Lyndale Farmstead offers something for just about everyone. Need a peaceful escape? The walking and biking paths provide an excellent retreat from city life.

If you're more of the active type, you'll appreciate the football field, soccer field, softball field, and tennis courts. Tennis enthusiasts particularly love the convenient backboard for solo practice when you can't find a partner, but pick-up games are common here too.

Families with little ones will find the playgrounds and tot lots a hit with their children. There's also a well-regarded preschool program that local families rave about.

Winter Wonderland

When the snow falls, Lyndale Farmstead doesn't hibernate - it transforms. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board maintains an outdoor ice skating rink complete with a warming house (typically open mid-December through mid-February, weather permitting).

And let's not forget the sledding hill - a winter favorite that draws everyone from giggling kids to adults reconnecting with their inner child. This hill alone makes the park worth visiting during those snowy Minnesota months.

Comfort and Convenience

You won't need to cut your park visit short due to lack of amenities. Lyndale Farmstead comes equipped with drinking fountains, restrooms, and picnic areas to keep you comfortable during your stay.

There's also fitness equipment for those outdoor workouts and a shelter that provides protection from unexpected weather changes, making the park suitable for planned gatherings or spontaneous outings year-round.

A Touch of Preservation

History buffs will appreciate the Theodore Wirth House and Administration Building, which holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Once home to Theodore Wirth and his family, this historic structure connects visitors to the park's heritage and its place in Minneapolis's park system history.