Horton Park

A Piece of History

Tucked away at the intersection of West Minnehaha Avenue and Hamline Avenue North sits Horton Park, a modest three-acre green space that's been part of Saint Paul's landscape since 1895. Though small in size, this urban oasis is a vital breathing space for the surrounding community, including folks living in the nearby Hamline Hi-Rise public housing and students from Friends School of Minnesota and Hamline University who often stop by for a moment of calm.

Places to Gather

If you're looking for a spot to enjoy a sandwich or meet up with friends, the western and northern sections of the park offer several options. These areas feature several benches, shady spots, and picnic tables that make for perfect lunch breaks or casual hangouts.

The rest of the park offers open lawn areas where you can spread out a blanket, toss a frisbee, or simply soak up some sunshine. There's something refreshingly simple about Horton Park - it doesn't try to be flashy, just a quiet place where you can catch your breath amid the urban bustle.

A Tree Lover's Haven

What really makes Horton Park special is its unexpected role as a mini arboretum. After losing many of its elm trees to Dutch Elm Disease, the park found new purpose as a home for an impressive variety of trees.

Today, you'll discover more than 60 different tree species and cultivars within the grounds, making it a fantastic spot for anyone interested in botany or just appreciating the diversity of nature. Unlike many parks that focus on playground equipment, Horton's stars are its trees, creating a natural canopy that changes with the seasons.

Wandering through this living collection offers both beauty and education - a chance to see different tree species up close without leaving the city.

Neighborhood Location

Despite its modest footprint, Horton Park provides a versatile green space that offers a momentary escape from city life. The thoughtful combination of picnic areas, open lawns, and diverse trees creates a space that serves many purposes without feeling cramped or overdeveloped.

Over the years, local community groups have contributed to the park's landscape, adding flowers and helping maintain its natural charm. This grassroots involvement speaks to how much residents value having this little pocket of nature where generations of Saint Paul locals have come to relax, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world in their own backyard.