Alexander Ramsey Park
| Alexander Ramsey Park | |
|---|---|
| Little Yellowstone of Minnesota | |
Interactive map of Alexander Ramsey Park | |
| Type | Municipal park |
| Location | Redwood Falls, Minnesota |
| Coordinates | 44°33′00″N 95°07′30″W / 44.55000°N 95.12500°W |
| Area | 256 acres |
| Opened | 1911 (State Park); 1957 (Municipal) |
| Operated by | City of Redwood Falls |
| Status | Open year-round |
| Facilities | Campground, zoo, hiking trails, shelters |
| Website | Official website |
Alexander Ramsey Park is a municipal park located in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, United States. Covering approximately 256 acres, it is the largest municipal park in Minnesota. It is often referred to as the "Little Yellowstone of Minnesota".[1] The park features a zoo and a campground, along with several picnic structures, including those built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park is also known to the Dakota people as Cansayapi, meaning "the place where they paint the trees red," referring to the practice of marking trees as landmarks for travelers.[2]
History
Ramsey Park Swayback Bridge | |
The historic Swayback Bridge at Ramsey Park. | |
| Location | Ramsey Park, Redwood Falls, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°33′02″N 95°07′28″W / 44.55056°N 95.12444°W |
| Built | 1938 |
| Built by | Works Progress Administration |
| Architectural style | Swayback bridge |
| MPS | Redwood County MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002144[3] |
| Added to NRHP | August 11, 1980 |
Originally established as a state park by the Minnesota Legislature in 1911, it was named in honor of Alexander Ramsey, who was the first governor of the Minnesota Territory. The park was transferred to the city of Redwood Falls in 1957 for one dollar. The city continues to operate it.[4]
The Redwood River flows through the heart of the park, creating a series of cascades including the centerpiece, Ramsey Falls. The river runs through a deep granite gorge, and can be viewed via several trails. The river is prone to flooding at the park and has caused damage in the past.[5]
In 1902, August Burmeister utilized this descent to build a dam and hydroelectricity facility, which was among the first in the state. The most significant flood on record occurred in June 1957, when the river reached a discharge of 19,700 cubic feet per second, destroying several park structures.[6]
Structures
Several structures were constructed by the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. The most famous of these structures is the swayback bridge over the Redwood River. The Swayback Bridge is a granite-faced bridge built in 1938 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[7] The bridge carries East Oak Street, also known as County Road 31.[8] Redwood County renovated the bridge in 2013 due to flood damage. Other historic features include the massive stone Lower Shelter and the remnants of the Burmeister Mill.[9]
The park contains a zoo, located near the main entrance. It features several species native to the region, including bison, elk, white-tailed deer, and Prairie dogs. Several bird species are also at the zoo, along with goats, and it is open year-round.[10]
Geocaching
The park contains many geocaches, and the City of Redwood Falls encourages the activity in the park. Most geocaches are located along trails throughout the southwestern portion of the park; there are several different types available to find.[11][12][13]
References
- ^ "Alexander Ramsey Park". Redwood Area Community Center. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "History of Ramsey Park". Friends of Ramsey Park. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
- ^ "GMRPTC Visits Ramsey Regional Park in Redwood Falls". Greater Minnesota Regioanp Parks and Trails Commission. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "Spring Flooding Takes A Toll On Historic Redwood Falls Swayback Bridge". CBS News Minnesota (WCCO-TV). September 4, 2019.
- ^ "Minnesota River Basin Redwood River Watershed" (PDF). Minnesota River Basin Data Center. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "History of the Ramsey Park Swayback Bridge". Friends of Ramsey Park. April 19, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "Bridge 89859 (Swayback Bridge)". Minnesota Department of Transportation. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "Alexander Ramsey Park Overview". City of Redwood Falls. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "Alexander Ramsey Park & Zoo". Redwood Area Chamber and Tourism. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "Geocaching in Ramsey Park". Friends of Ramsey Park. April 18, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "GC2A86K Ramsey Park - At the Crossroads". Geocaching.com. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "GC3KHDQ Ramsey Park - East of the Other Falls". Geocaching.com. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
External links
- Official Alexander Ramsey Park Page (Redwood Area Community Center)
- Friends of Ramsey Park
- Ramsey Park Tourism Profile (Redwood Area Chamber and Tourism)
- Alexander Ramsey Park Official Brochure (PDF)
- Ramsey Park at Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway