William Berry Park

Rich Natural Heritage

William Berry Park is a 29.23-acre park located in the East Harriet and Linden Hills neighborhoods of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The park is part of the larger Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park and is connected to Lake Harriet Parkway and Lake Calhoun Parkway via the William Berry Parkway, which is part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway.

The park is notable for containing one of the few remnant native plant communities in the Minneapolis park system. The William Berry Woods area has been relatively untouched since receding glaciers carved out the landscape, preserving its natural beauty since the park's acquisition by the Park Board in 1889.

Historical Significance

Originally named Interlachen Park, it was renamed in 1916 to honor William Morse Berry, who served as the first Superintendent of the Minneapolis park system from 1885 to 1906. Berry played a crucial role in developing Minneapolis's celebrated park system from its inception.

Landscape and Recreation

The park features a hilly, wooded landscape that offers extensive walking and biking paths through magnificent wooded areas. It provides a scenic location for passive outdoor recreation, allowing visitors to enjoy nature within an urban setting.

Park Development

In 1908, the park underwent some improvements, including the installation of sidewalks along the parkway and the planting of trees. Pin oaks planted in 1908 thrived so well that more were added the following year. The first lights were installed along the parkway in 1914, the same year a bridle path was created through the park.