Ramsey County History – Summer 1990: “The Mississippi at St. Paul—Playground on the City’s Door Step”

The Mississippi at St. Paul—Playground on the City’s Door Step

Author: Thomas B. Mega

This article reviews the pleasure uses of the river in St. Paul from Pig’s Eye’s 1838 grog shop through the RiverFest music events of 1988. From very early days there were pleasure cruises. There were camp meetings at Red Rock. The Minnesota Boat Club and Minnesota Yacht Club put on races, regattas, and picnics. Harriet Island, with its “public baths,” zoo, and playgrounds was a huge attraction for many years, and other parks were built to take advantage of river views. There have been decades of decline, brought on by pollution, neglect, and the Corps of Engineers. Recreational renewal began in the 1970s, spurred by the cruise boat Jonathan Padelford and revitalization of the rowing and boating clubs. “The Mississippi riverfront, then, is enjoying a renaissance as a center for recreation in St. Paul.”

PDF of Mega article