5/14/2009: Harriet Island/Lilydale Regional Park Hike (St. Paul)

Join the hiking group for a hike along the south bank of the Mississippi River west from St. Paul's historic Harriet Island through the former Lilydale town site. The hike passes a three-kilometer reach of the Mississippi River gorge that is known locally as "Mushroom Valley" because of the abundance of man-made mushroom caves carved into the sandstone bluffs. Mushroom growing lasted a century, from its introduction by Parisian immigrants in the 1880's until the last cave ceased production in the 1980's, during the creation of the Lilydale Regional Park. Some of the approximately 50 caves originated as sand mines, but other common uses were the aging of cheese (Land O' Lakes,) the lagering of beer (Yoerg's Brewery,) and storage (Villaume Box & Lumber.) The Lilydale Regional Park area was settled early in Minnesota's history, but because of repeated flooding, the original town was moved up on top of the bluff. In the Lilydale Regional Park, a mesic prairie has been recreated along the Mississippi River floodplain. Shale beds in the Lilydale Regional Park also are a good place to find fossils.

If coming by car: From I-94 on the east side of downtown St. Paul, take the Highway 52/Lafayette freeway exit south and cross the Mississippi River on the Lafayette bridge to the Plato Boulevard exit. Go west on Plato Boulevard about 2/3rds mile to Wabasha Street (second stoplight and turn north (right) onto Wabasha Street. Proceed a short distance on Wabasha Street to Water Street and turn east (right) on Water Street, then immediately turn north (left) onto Levee Road. Proceed on Levee Road back west under the Wabasha Street bridge. The parking lot is on the left.

If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 5, 7. The closest bus service point appears to be the corner of Wabasha and Plato Boulevard. From that corner, the assembly point is a short distance north and west. Applicable Metro Transit Map Applicable Metro Transit Map / Bus Schedule information

Interested members of the group will reconvene at a nearby restaurant (Joseph's Grill, 140 South Wabasha Street) after the hike for dinner or dessert.

Map to the hike start point: Water St W At Plato Blvd W
St Paul, MN 55107

Directions to Harriet Island

Another map to the hike meeting point.

Additional map to the hike meeting point.

Map of the hike route

Information on Harriet Island

Historic bridge along the route

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This page was last updated on May 14, 2009.