WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025: HISTORY WALK-AND-TALK AT GRAESER PARK
The Amazing Restoration of Robbinsdale’s Historic Wayside Rest
Cosponsors Golden Valley Historical Society and Robbinsdale Historical Society have arranged a guided tour of the restored Graeser Park on Wednesday, May 7, at 6:00pm. The park, located at 4400 Lakeland Ave N in Robbinsdale, was originally built in 1940-41 as one of seven wayside rests along Highway 100, aka Lilac Way. The event is free and open to the public.
The tour will be led by Andrea Weber, who oversaw the park’s restoration and preservation. Weber is manager of MnDOT’s Historic Roadside Property and Waysides Program.
“Graeser Roadside Park is a true hidden gem of the Twin Cities,” Weber noted.
On the tour, she will point out specific features that have been restored, noting some of the challenges, such as fixing the damaged beehive fireplace, stabilizing existing features, and making accessibility improvements. In selecting plants for the rock garden and trees for the picnic area, every effort was made to match the original landscape plan.
MnDOT plans to pass ownership of the park to the City of Robbinsdale in the near future.
Note: The tour will include standing and walking on uneven turf, stone steps, and pathways. Anyone using a mobility devise will be able to stay on accessible paths. In case of severe weather, the event will relocate to indoor space at the Golden Valley Historical Society, 6731 Golden Valley Rd. A notice of change of location will be posted on the organizations’ websites and Facebook pages.
A friend and I love this little park it is great for small family gatherings about 6-8 stone tables with benches. You would need to bring your own grills and all other supplies. There is room to set up volleyball.