Once upon a time, shingles weren’t just on roofs. Let me tell you the story of Shingle Creek in Minneapolis. This neighborhood gets its name from the creek that meanders through it. Shingle Creek’s history is intertwined with the growth of Minneapolis. It reflects how a small area evolved into a thriving metropolis.
Back in the early 1900s, this creek was a vital transportation route. Shingles forged nearby were floated down to the Mississippi River. Imagine the scene. River pigs guiding trees downstream every spring. The area around Shingle Creek was once known as “The Country”. It sat on the other side of the Burlington Northern railroad tracks. These tracks now belong to CPRail. Farms flourished here. Besides shingle making, the area was home to the Workhouse and the Johnson Brickyard. Swedish and Norwegian immigrants worked at the C.A. Lumbermill. It was also known as Mereen-Johnson on Lyndale. It was the world’s largest lumbermill.
After World War II, the Mississippi Courts and new homes along Humboldt Avenue North appeared. These provided much-needed housing for returning veterans. Shingle Creek became one of the first African American neighborhoods in Minneapolis during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Pilgrim Rest, established in 1923, is the oldest African American church here. It’s associated with the early settlers of Shingle Creek.
The church stands at the corner of 51st Avenue North and James Avenue North. Today, Shingle Creek is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in north Minneapolis. It is a great place to raise a family. There are neighborhood schools, libraries, and updated parks. These include the Three Rivers Park North Mississippi Regional Park and Shingle Creek Regional ponds. The nationally recognized Grand Rounds National Scenic Byways are also nearby.
Shingle Creek sits in the Camden Community. It’s bordered by Lind-Bohanon and Victory neighborhoods. Brooklyn Center lies to the north and west. Shingle Creek Crossing is less than two miles away. Easy access to Highway 100, Interstate 94, and 694 makes transportation simple. The park along Shingle Creek has an interesting history. In 1905, a petition was made for a park. But that land became Camden Webber Park. In 1930, another petition requested plans for Shingle Creek. It was to stretch from Webber Park to the city limits. Theodore Wirth created plans to extend it to Twin Lakes in Robbinsdale.
However, the creek originates in Eagle Lake in Maple Grove. The park board obtained the site of the former city workhouse in 1935. It became Bohannon Park. After World War II, Minneapolis faced a housing shortage. Northwest Minneapolis around Shingle Creek was undeveloped due to swampy land. The solution was to lower the creek bed for drainage. The park board acquired land for storm-water drainage in 1946. About 70 acres were designated along two miles of the creek. In 1948, transactions concluded. Over 55 acres were acquired for the park.
In 1958, construction began. The creek bed was relocated, lowered, and widened. Ball fields, a wading pool, and tennis courts were built at Creekview Park. A recreation shelter was completed in 1959. Floyd B. Olson Junior High School was built nearby. The creek bed was lowered by five feet. In 1977, a new recreation center was completed at Creekview Park. It was attached to Olson Junior High. In 1979, a pedestrian and bike pathway was added. A cross-country ski trail was developed in winter. In 1998, an arson fire damaged the Creekview Recreation Center. It reopened in 1999. Extensive improvements were made to the playground from 2005 to 2007. A skate park was built. A baseball field was upgraded. New playground equipment was installed. A computer lab was created.
So, as you explore Shingle Creek today, remember its journey. From a humble waterway for shingles to a vibrant neighborhood. It is full of parks, history, and community spirit.