The Perfect Afternoon Is Spent At Portland Square Park, One Of The Oldest City Parks In Minnesota

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we love our public spaces. Itasca State Park is the second oldest state park (that began as a state park) in the United States. Our state park system was one of the first in the country. And even before Itasca was established in 1891, several cities and towns had dedicated public spaces, making them some of the oldest city parks in Minnesota.

Based on what I was able to dig up, it seems the oldest city park in Minnesota is probably St. Paul's Rice Park. It was dedicated in 1849, making it more than 175 years old.

Located downtown, Rice Park is flanked by the Ordway, the Landmark Center, The Saint Paul Hotel, and the downtown branch of the Saint Paul Public Library. It's probably best known as the home of the ice sculptures during the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. But lovely as it is, at a single, urban, square block, I would find it hard to spend a whole afternoon at Rice Park.

The land for Murphy Square was donated to the city of Minneapolis to use as a park in 1857.

However, due to its location - in the present-day Cedar Riverside neighborhood - and a dispute over finances, Murphy Square was not developed into the first Minneapolis city park until 1873. Meanwhile, other cities and towns in the state had dedicated green spaces for the enjoyment of their citizens.

One of the most venerable public parks in Minnesota is Portland Square Park in Duluth, which was established in 1856 - a year before Edward Murphy made his gift to the city of Minneapolis.

And unlike RIce Park, it's an easy place to spend an afternoon.

Portland Square was notably the home of Duluth's first playground.

This one was installed a little later.

This park isn't huge, but it's home to plenty of mature trees, green space, and spots to relax and enjoy an afternoon.

Come winter, you can even do a little sledding!

If you're not a Duluth local, you can visit Portland Square on your next visit.

Stay a couple blocks from Portland Square in this classic Duluth hillside home. With three bedrooms and a bath and a half, this Duluth vacation rental is close to all the action the city has to offer. But it's in this quiet neighborhood, so you can relax, take a stroll in the park, when you need to.

I think Portland Square is a sweet neighborhood park, and it's especially great if you bring along your kids or dog to enjoy it with you. It's also a great spot to enjoy a picnic lunch from Northern Waters Smokehaus. If you're looking to do a little more adventuring after your afternoon at Portland Square, just head a few blocks over to Chester Square Park, one of the best municipal parks in Minnesota for outdoor enthusiasts.

Have you visited any of these oldest city parks in Minnesota? Do you have a favorite historic city park near you? Tell us about it in the comments!

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