KSTP-TV’s Joe Mazan profiled Lilac Park’s restored beehive fireplace for their ‘So Minnesota’ series.
Their ‘So Minnesota’ stories showcase the people, places and things unique to Minnesota.
In December 2020, they featured the history of Lilac Way and the restored beehive fireplace in Lilac Park in St. Louis Park, MN.
Joe interviewed Karen Laukkonen of Restore Lilac Way to hear the story behind this local landmark. Thanks for sharing these rare historic Lilac Way parks with the KSTP-TV audience.
Lilac Way History
Lilac Park, restored
Graeser Park
Seven Parks
Encourage your civic group, non-profit or business to sponsor Lilac Way’s Rock Island for MnDOT’s Highway Sponsorship Program.
Without it, years of volunteer preservation efforts will stop.
Rock Island is looking for a sponsor for MnDOT’s Highway Sponsorship Program.
It is a rare opportunity to raise your profile through community involvement, environmental action and historical preservation.
Restore Lilac Way has been working with Rock Island’s dedicated group of volunteers for two years.
Browse the photo albums
Lilac Park, restored
See dramatic before and after photos, and process of restoration.
Graeser Park, waiting for restoration
The only other remaining beehive a growing community hopes for restoration.
Building Lilac Way and Highway 100
Built during the Great Depression, it was one Minnesota’s largest WPA projects.
Beehive fireplaces
See the original 1937 drawings, historic beehives and a beehive moved on a flatbed truck.
