September 3, 2009: Snail Lake Park Hike (Shoreview/Northern Ramsey County)
Join the hiking group for a hike through the varied parkland bordering Snail Lake Park in northern Ramsey County. Snail Lake was also known as Maryland Lake. In February 1850, Socrates A. Thompson, accompanied by an Indian friend, left St. Paul in search of a good location for farming. He eventually filed a claim for the northwest quarter of Section 13 near the Eastern Shore of Turtle Lake (which he so-named for a large turtle he had captured in its waters). Thompson was the first person to settle on land that is now within the boundaries of the City of Shoreview. Soon people from Switzerland, England, Ireland, Germany, Vermont, Virginia, Illinois, and New York began farming here. Mounds View Township, which was named for the range of hills running through the center of the township, was organized in 1858 on the day that Minnesota became a state. The 1858 township included all of what are now the cities of Shoreview, Arden Hills, New Brighton, Mounds View, and parts of North Oaks and St. Anthony.
If driving:Take I-35 E or I-35W to I-694 north of St. Paul to the Victoria Street exit. Proceed north on Victoria Street approximately 1/2 mile to 4191 Snail Lake Boulevard and turn east (right.). Proceed on Snail Lake Boulevard to Snail Lake Park, on the north side of the road. Meet in the parking lot of Snail Lake Park.
If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 62; 262; 227. The closest bus service point appears to be the corner of Rice and Gramsie (Rtes 62 or 262) or Victoria and Co. Rd. F/Snail Lake (Rte 227). Applicable Metro Transit Map / Bus Schedule information
Interested hikers will reassemble for dessert or dinner after the hike at a nearby restaurant (Perkins, 3855 North Lexington Ave., Arden Hills.)
Map to hike starting point: 4191 Snail Lake Blvd
Shoreview, MN 55126
Ramsey County Parks: Snail Lake Regional Park Map
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This page was last updated on August 25, 2009.