Discover MnDOT’s ‘Beehive Graveyard.’

In 1997, MnDOT inventoried Lilac Way parks before construction began on a $100 million project. They salvaged materials from three parks before removal, saving them in their parking lot.

This pile of 1939 Lilac Way picnic tables and beehive materials became known as the ‘Beehive Graveyard.’

We toured that graveyard in 2008, stunned to see pieces of Lilac Way picnic tables, beehive fireplaces, and walls in neat piles.

Thrilled, we posted photos on this website.

Shortly after I posted the photos, the City of Robbinsdale moved these historic materials to their property.

Scroll through the photos

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone tabletops from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone materials from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone tabletops from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone tabletops from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone tabletops from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone tabletop from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone table bases from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Sadly, this pile of rubble used to be a Lilac Way park.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Sadly, this pile of rubble used to be a Lilac Way park.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Sadly, this pile of rubble used to be a Lilac Way park.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone table bases from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone table base from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone table bases from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone table bases from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone table pieces from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone table bases from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone table bases from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone table pieces from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Beehive Graveyard, 2008. Limestone table pieces from dismantled Lilac Way parks.

Now those historical Lilac Way remnants can be used to restore Graeser Park.