Lyndale Park

Gorgeous Gardens with a View

Part of the Chain of Lakes Regional Park on the northeast shore of Lake Harriet, Lyndale Park is famous for its collection of themed gardens that'll have you reaching for your camera - the Peace Garden, Rose Garden, Annual-Perennial Garden, and Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens each offer something special.

These spaces serve as living demonstrations of plants that thrive in Minnesota's sometimes challenging climate. While the park itself is open year-round, the gardens really shine from mid-April through mid-October, with peak blooming happening from mid-June to early October.

A Rose Garden with History

If you're a flower enthusiast, you can't miss the Rose Garden - one of America's oldest public rose gardens. Spread across 1.5 acres, it features everything from wild roses to meticulously cultivated varieties. The garden is anchored by the Heffelfinger Fountain, an elegant Italian import from Florence, and includes a test garden for All-America Rose Selections.

The fragrance is remarkable. On summer days when the roses are in full bloom, the scent fills the air, adding another dimension to the experience.

Next door, the Peace Garden has evolved from its origins as a rock garden into a thoughtful space inspired by Wisconsin's bluff landscapes. Look for alpine plants, conifers, and historic stones alongside meaningful peace symbols including Japanese peace stones and a graceful yatsu-hashi bridge.

The perennial garden in full late-summer bloom with a variety of flowering plants

Photo: Joe Passe (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A Haven for Winged Visitors

The Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden displays vibrant colors from mid-June until the first frost, attracting numerous pollinators. You'll likely spot monarchs and other butterflies dancing between blooms during summer visits.

In the Annual-Perennial Garden, plants that can handle Minnesota's weather extremes take center stage. The space is enhanced by decorative water features, including the bronze Phelps Fountain with its charming turtle sculptures that kids always seem to love.

Spring brings a special magic with tulips and flowering trees dotting the landscape. Keep an eye out for the occasional whimsical garden gnome or decorative prop hiding among the spring flowers - a playful touch that adds character to the formal gardens.

A cyclist rides along Roseway Road with the park's manicured gardens in view

Photo: Fibonacci Blue (CC BY 4.0)

Nature Trails and Birding Paradise

Right next to the manicured gardens lies the Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary, offering a more wild experience. Well-maintained trails wind through peaceful woodland, making this a prime spot for spotting local and migratory birds.

If you're new to birding, check out the free guided tours sometimes offered Saturday mornings at 8 AM. The seamless connection between the park's trails and the sanctuary creates a surprising natural escape that belies its urban setting.

The historic Phelps Fountain featuring one of its bronze sculptures against a blue sky

Photo: Fibonacci Blue (CC BY 4.0)

Green Practices and Community Spirit

Lyndale Park walks the walk when it comes to sustainability, employing eco-friendly landscaping and water conservation throughout its grounds. The park hosts community events like the annual Pollinator Party in July.

You're welcome to bring your dog (just keep them leashed), and parking is available at several spots around the park's edges. Over the decades, the park's natural beauty has made it a popular wedding venue, with many couples returning year after year to celebrate anniversaries in the place where they said "I do."