Have you ever cast a line into waters steeped in history? Lake Phalen in Saint Paul Minnesota isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a living testament to the city’s past. This beautiful urban lake is one of the largest in Saint Paul. It’s the heart of the Phalen Regional Park System attracting 500000 visitors yearly.
Lake Phalen’s story begins long before its namesake Edward Phelan. An early Irish settler Phelan built a cabin near Phalen Creek. The creek flows from the lake into the Mississippi River. The lake became known as Phalen’s Lake even though Phelan never lived near its shores. Intriguing isn’t it?
For years Lake Phalen served as Saint Paul’s main water source. That was until 1913. The Saint Paul Water Company established a plant here in 1869. Historian John Fletcher Williams called it a disgrace that such a beautiful lake supplying the city with water was named after a man accused of murder. Edward Phelan was accused of killing his partner John Hays in 1839. However another man later confessed to the crime.
The lake itself is a hotspot for fishing. Walleyes are stocked every other year. Tiger muskies get added every three years. You’ll find northern pike largemouth bass crappie and sunfish too. But there’s a more unusual resident. The rainbow darter a fish that usually lives in fast-moving streams was discovered here in 1996. It’s rare to find them outside six to eight other Minnesota streams.
In the 1890s sailing was incredibly popular on Lake Phalen. By 1919 880 canoes were stored along the shore. Today the Saint Paul Sailing Club boasts space for 50 boats. The lake also hosts college rowing competitions. The University of Minnesota holds several meets annually on its 1940-meter course. The Big Ten Championships were even held here in 2006. Note that gas-powered motors are banned. Electric trolling motors are allowed.
The city acquired Lake Phalen and its surrounding area in 1899. The purchase price? A mere $22000. The land became a 494-acre park. This park contains Saint Paul’s only swimming lake and an 18-hole golf course. A fascinating detail is the collaboration with Changsha China St Paul’s sister city. They’re developing a Chinese garden. In exchange for five Peanuts statues a replica of Changsha’s Yanghu Wetlands Park pavilion will be installed.
The shoreline restoration project deserves special mention. For years attempts were made to “tame” the lake’s edge. Wetlands were filled in and the shoreline was dredged. Riprap was used extensively. Shoreline erosion became a serious issue. Then in 2001 a five-year restoration program began. They converted much of the riprap to natural vegetation. The percentage of natural vegetation skyrocketed from 28 percent to 74 percent.
Lake Phalen’s story is one of transformation. From a vital water source to a recreational paradise. It’s a place where history nature and recreation blend seamlessly. A story whispered by the water itself. So take a moment soak in the view. Let the lake’s history wash over you. Enjoy your time at Lake Phalen.