Lake Como’s mysterious past whispers secrets. This isn’t just any park. Como Park in Saint Paul Minnesota boasts a history as rich and layered as the earth itself. Originally swamp and oak savannas it was a seasonal home for the Dakota people who called the lake Medawaka meaning Lake Mysterious. One of the first European settlers Charles Perry farmed the land. He named the lake after Lake Como near his birthplace in the Swiss-Italian Alps.
Como Park’s transformation into a public park began in 1873. The city purchased 300 acres. This was a bold move. An economic downturn followed. Many questioned the wisdom of this expenditure. Yet the city held onto its vision for Como Park.
For fourteen years the land lay dormant. Then in 1887 money became available. The city decided to develop Como Park into a landscape park. The renowned landscape architect Horace Cleveland designed it. He envisioned Como Park as a natural refuge from city life. A place for people to stroll boat ice skate picnic and appreciate nature’s beauty. He wanted the hand of man to be barely visible.
There was resistance. Some worried that poor people lacking carriages wouldn’t have access. The park was far from downtown. Yet it became a reality. Cleveland’s plans emphasized preserving natural features. He believed parks were essential. They offered respite from the crowded urban areas. This was particularly true as Saint Paul’s population exploded from 41473 in 1880 to 214744 in 1910.
Frederick Nussbaumer became Superintendent of Parks in 1891. He built upon Cleveland’s work. Nussbaumer added recreational facilities like band concerts rowboats and ice skating. He also developed floral displays. These included the lily pond known as the Aquarium and the Banana Walk lined with palm trees. He even oversaw the construction of the impressive glass-domed Conservatory in 1915. Nussbaumer believed parks should be for everyone. He famously stated that there should be no “keep off the grass signs”.
The Como Zoo’s humble beginnings involved three deer donated in 1897. Donations continued swelling the zoo’s collection to over 100 animals by 1930. The Works Progress Administration WPA helped build permanent structures during the Depression including Monkey Island the main zoo building and the bear grotto. Como Zoo became the first in North America to successfully hand-raise Siberian tiger cubs.
Como Park continues to evolve. It seamlessly blends the old and the new. This makes it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. It embodies the visionary spirit of those who first imagined it a sanctuary a place of beauty and recreation for all. Enjoy your time exploring this remarkable piece of Saint Paul’s history.