There are many things that one can do here in West Saint Paul, Minnesota! Whatever you want, I am sure there’s one for you. There’s something for everyone here in the city of West Saint Paul!
You certainly wouldn’t know from its newly renovated look and modern amenities, but Harmon is West St. Paul’s oldest park.
Located at the 19 newly remodeled acres are five baseball and softball fields, a splash pad and playground, a soccer field, two community buildings with restrooms, a concession stand, boarded hockey rink, pleasure skating rink, scores of shade trees and ample parking. Harmon Park is an ideal space to hold parties and gatherings of all types. From children’s birthday parties to annual work gatherings and family reunions.
In addition to Harmon Park’s many outdoor amenities, it is also host to a beautiful indoor space called the Neighborhood Center. The Neighborhood Center features a large gathering room with a capacity of 70 people suitable for birthday parties, work outings and gatherings of all types. The Neighborhood Center also features a large serving area to prepare food, men’s and women’s restrooms and a patio complete with pergola accessible from the gathering room. Just outside the center’s walls are the splash pad, playground, picnic area, and ball fields.
In the middle of a bustling urban setting, this 72-mile-long river park offers quiet stretches for fishing, boating, and canoeing. Other spots are excellent for birdwatching, bicycling and hiking. And there are numerous visitor centers and museums that highlight the history and science of the Mississippi River. If you are interested in Mississippi, this park is a great place to start.
Unlike most other national parks, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a “partnership” park. We own only 67 acres of the 54,000 acres within our borders. The rest is composed of city parks, regional parks, a state park, a national wildlife refuge, state scientific and natural areas, along with private businesses and homes. We work in partnership with those other units of government to bring additional services to both them and visitors and to preserve and protect the natural and cultural history of this great river.
The award-winning Harriet Island Regional Park is one of West Saint Paul’s—and one of the Twin Cities’—most popular parks. Located alongside the Mississippi River near downtown Saint Paul, the ‘island’ boasts many amenities, including the Clarence W. Wigington Pavilion, a 5,000 square foot facility that hosts receptions, parties, weddings, and more throughout the year.
Realized as a potential recreational and natural green space in the early 1900s, Cherokee Regional Park has since developed into one of West Saint Paul’s most visited parks, bringing in over 300,000 visitors a year. The park contains playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, BBQ grills, and more spread out across 100 acres of land.
Cherokee Regional Park’s popularity is also boosted by the presence of two open-air shelters that see generous use throughout the season. The larger of the two shelters can accommodate 100 people while the smaller of the two can hold up to 60 guests. Electricity is also available at up to 110 volts at either location.
The possession and consumption of non-intoxicating malt liquor (containing not more than 3.2% alcohol by weight) is permitted from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. within designated picnic areas. Glass beverage containers are not allowed.