Harriet Island Park

by Paul
(Twin Cities, MN)

Harriet Island Park is located across the Mississippi River from downtown Saint Paul. It is a beautiful 5,000 square-foot year-round rental facility and the location for many of Minnesota's best festivals, concerts and gatherings.

Harriet Island, situated on the Mississippi River, across from downtown St. Paul, was one of the first recreational sites in St. Paul. Up until l950, the park was a true island, separated from the mainland by a channel of water varying in width from 100 to 200 feet. This channel was subsequently filled.

The park is named after pioneer school teacher Harriet Bishop. The park facilities provide picnicking, river watching, a 300 capacity pavilion, two harbors, ball fields, and an innovative playground named after Harriet Bishop. The playground offers a paddleboat-shaped climbing area, a track ride, swings, slides and a water table. Much of the equipment is located within the shell of a replica of Harriet Bishop's first school house.

River boats cruises are also available at Harriet Island.