Plan to visit three historic Depression-era Lilac Way parks on one short drive, and it’s free!
Restored Graeser Park, protected Rock Island Park and renewed Lilac Park are all located on one short 8-mile stretch of Highway 100.
Take a break for the perfect escape.
Bring a lunch, family and friends, and see the heroic preservation efforts of dedicated volunteers and MnDOT.
These three Insta-worthy 1940 parks make for a great getaway. Visit all three to see the only two beehive-shaped fireplaces in Minnesota, as well as the last two rock gardens in the state.
Graeser Park, restored • Robbinsdale, MN
Restored to Historic Preservation Standards
In 2021, Andrea Salo Weber, Manager of MnDOT Historic Roadside Properties and Waysides Program launched a series of preservation and restoration projects at Graeser Park. Following Historic Preservation Standards, they totaled just under $550,000 and completely transformed this historic park.
The rare beehive fireplace has been restored, and 11 picnic tables were rebuilt from stone salvaged from lost Lilac Way parks. Don’t miss this national treasure.
Features
- Beautifully restored beehive fireplace, one of only two (grilling is not allowed post restoration)
- Picnic area with 10 rebuilt stone picnic tables, benches
- Rock garden with four repointed stone benches, one stone picnic table, two ponds, a cone fountain and paths
- New accessible walk along Broadway from bridge to parking area leads into the picnic area to an accessible picnic table near the beehive fireplace
- Overlook wall with curved ‘bandshell’ area
- Free parking
Rock Island Park, protected • St. Louis Park, MN
Saved from development
On May 1, 2023 the City of SLP voted YES to Rock Island Park, accepting MnDOT’s offer of the rock garden at no charge, and bought the north meadow for $176,000. In February 2025, the council voted to change the north meadow’s zoning from R-1 residential to ‘park and open space.’
The community was very grateful to see this park saved from development.
Features
- All that remains of the now-lost original Lilac Park on Minnetonka Boulevard
- Oval pool
- 10′ footbridge to island
- Handcrafted curved limestone bench
- Lovely meadow is home to wildlife and native plants
- Many recently unearthed original features, including lost pathways and stone garden walls
- Street parking
Lilac Park, renewed • St. Louis Park, MN
Features 100-ft. lilac hedge and beehive saved from demo
In 2009, the City of SLP moved a rare beehive fireplace from Minnetonka Boulevard to this park, saving it from demolition. The park was then revitalized and is now a treasure to the community.
The remaining beehive fireplace and picnic table in the original ‘Lilac Park’ on Minnetonka Boulevard were moved here, saving them from demolition. After renewal, the park’s name was changed to Lilac Park to honor that lost park.
The 100′ lilac hedge blooms in mid-to-late May every year. Just look for the Lilac Park entrance on the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail.
Features
- Beehive fireplace, saved from demolition
- Five stone picnic tables
- Informational signage
- 20′ dia. council ring with small fire pit (recreational permit required)
- Circular walking path
- 100′ row of mature lilacs (blooms mid- to late-May)
- Bike rack
- Three parking spaces, one handicap permit space plus street parking
BYOP – Bring Your Own Picnic
Bring sandwiches, coffee, takeout—anything you like. Pack food from home, or stop at a local restaurant or grocery store on your way.
Then bike, drive or walk to to one of the three historic 1930s Lilac Way parks.
Please keep your picnic low-waste – we encourage you to bring reusable plates and utensils to reduce your footprint.
Scroll over the gold map pins for park details and maps
