Lyndale Park

Lyndale Park is a sprawling garden area along Lake Harriet that combines several distinct garden sections with different purposes and plant collections. The space includes rose gardens, spaces for perennial plantings, and trial gardens where new varieties are tested.

The park began as an arboretum in 1907 when Theodore Wirth started developing the grounds, which led to the creation of what became one of the oldest public rose gardens in the country. The space grew over time with the addition of new garden sections and plant collections.

The Peace Garden features stone formations and inscribed plaques that explore themes of nature and human connection in a reflective setting. Visitors often pause here to consider the quiet messages about environmental stewardship woven throughout the space.

The gardens are open from early morning until midnight, with developed areas easy to walk through and explore independently. Guided tours and special events are available, and the grounds can be reserved for occasions.

Since 1946, a dedicated section has served as a testing ground for newly developed rose varieties selected by national organizations for evaluation. This role gives the garden an ongoing purpose beyond display, contributing to the development of new plants.