Saint Paul’s Raspberry Island Will Transform

By next summer, Raspberry Island, which can be found beneath the Wabasha Street Bridge in downtown St. Paul, is going to be converted into a real park.

Search Homes for Sale in:


Jump to Saint Paul’s Raspberry Island Will Transform

Saint Paul’s Raspberry Island Will Transform

Posted by Homes of Minnesota Team on Sunday, June 29th, 2008 at 9:07pm.

By next summer, Raspberry Island, which can be found beneath the Wabasha Street Bridge in downtown St. Paul, is going to be converted into a real park. After years of planning, the city of St. Paul recently began a $5 million reconstruction of its last true island. Currently, construction crews are replacing a concrete shoreline with limestone riprap. By the fall, workers will begin building new paths, lighting, and public restrooms.

It is commonly known as Navy Island, as was a naval training site after World War II.  In the past, the island has played host to music concerts.  Since 1870, the Minnesota Boat Club has based its rowing operations there. It has sometimes served as a spillover area for Taste of Minnesota.  Lately it has become a site for riverfront weddings and other special events.

St. Paul officials and riverfront boosters have been talking about enhancing the 2-acre island for more than ten years. In 2005, the state awarded nearly $5 million to the project.

By July 2008, fishing enthusiasts will be able to cast their lines after strolling down a new set of steps to the water's edge. Seating will make it easier for island visitors to sit back, relax, and watch the barges go by. Public restrooms will be installed in the restored boat club building.

The park will be closed all summer for the construction.

Though some cottonwood trees on the east side of the island must be removed for the shoreline improvements, as part of the project, the island will be reforested with hundreds of trees and shrubs. In fact, the new Raspberry Island will look a lot greener next year as the project calls for:

131 trees

443 shrubs

4,000 ornamental grasses

10,000 sedge plants

1,400 wildflowers

900 perennials

300 ferns

Be the first to comment on this blog entry!

Leave a Comment

My Account

Log in, to view your saved searches and add to your favorite listings.

Sign Up Here For Your FREE Account

... So You Can:

  • View detailed property information
  • Print detailed property flyers
  • Save your searches & favorite homes
  • Inquire about a private showing
  • Map individual property locations
  • Share your favorite homes with friends
Return to Top Email this Page Print This Page