Mueller Park

A Little Urban Oasis

Tucked away in Minneapolis's Lowry Hill East neighborhood, Mueller Park is a 1.85-acre green space that feels somewhat like a neighborhood backyard. This little haven might be modest in size, but it packs in plenty of charm for families and locals looking to escape the concrete jungle without leaving Uptown.

Despite being surrounded by the city, it's relatively quiet here - you can actually hear yourself think, which isn't always the case in urban areas.

Literary Roots

One of the coolest things about Mueller Park? It has a genuine connection to Minnesota literary history. The park contains a commemorative plaque marking the former home of Maud Hart Lovelace, the popular Minnesota author who penned the Betsy-Tacy series. Book lovers might appreciate this little nod to local literary heritage while their kids are busy playing.

The park itself isn't ancient history - it opened in 1976 and got a nice facelift in 1997 when they redesigned the playground and swapped an old tennis court for a basketball court.

What's There to Do?

If you've got little ones, the playground is definitely the main attraction. It's particularly suited for toddlers and younger kids, with features like a safety swing that clicks securely into place. Older children can still have fun with climbing structures and areas for digging adventures.

During those sweltering Minnesota summer days (yes, they exist!), the wading pool becomes the park's hotspot. Open from Memorial Day through late August, this shallow splash zone is fantastic for cooling off the kiddos. Just remember there aren't any lifeguards on duty, so you'll need to keep an eye on your little swimmers.

For the sports-minded, there's a half-sized basketball court - though fair warning: balls sometimes make a break for the nearby road. If you're more into relaxing than rebounding, you'll appreciate the picnic areas scattered throughout the park. The tables are nicely spaced so you won't feel like you're dining with strangers, and several grills are available if you're in the mood for an impromptu barbecue.

There's also a drinking fountain and restrooms on-site, but you should know the restrooms may have limited hours.

Far From Just a Park

Beyond its amenities, Mueller is a popular neighborhood meeting place. In an area where backyards are scarce, this pocket of green provides shared outdoor space for the community.

You'll come across some community plants that local gardening enthusiasts tend to, adding a grassroots touch to the space. There's plenty of room to spread out a blanket, read a book, or just watch the world go by. And yes, your four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Nature Bits

While enjoying all this outdoor goodness, it's worth knowing that ground wasps occasionally make themselves at home in sandy areas. If you or your little ones have bee allergies, just keep an eye out. They're generally not looking for trouble unless disturbed, but crawling babies and toddlers might accidentally invite an interaction.

On the plus side, the mature trees around the park create wonderful natural umbrellas during hot days, making Mueller Park a truly pleasant retreat when the summer sun is doing its thing.