Nestled in the heart of Edina, Minnehaha Woods stands as one of the city’s most cherished neighborhoods. With leafy streets, a proud community spirit, and a mix of architectural charm, Minnehaha Woods shines brightly among Edina’s storied neighborhoods. Yet, what truly sets this enclave apart is its deep-rooted sense of history — a tapestry woven through decades of growth, transformation, and a steadfast love for the land that lines Minnehaha Creek.
The Beginnings: Origins of Minnehaha Woods
Long before streets like Wooddale Avenue and Waterman Avenue welcomed their first residents, the land that would become Minnehaha Woods was dominated by woodlands and prairie. Part of the vast territories originally inhabited by the Dakota people, the area was shaped by the winding Minnehaha Creek — a name derived from the Dakota word meaning “curling water” or “waterfall,” capturing the spirit and beauty of this natural feature.
As Edina began to take shape in the late 1800s, the area surrounding Minnehaha Creek drew the attention of settlers for its lush scenery and access to water. Initially agricultural, the land remained relatively untouched until suburban development post–World War II transformed the Twin Cities’ outskirts. By the 1940s and 1950s, families yearning for tranquility flocked to neighborhoods like Minnehaha Woods, setting the stage for the tight-knit community that thrives today.
How the Neighborhood Got Its Name
Minnehaha Woods owes its poetic name to its geographic and cultural connection with Minnehaha Creek. The creek itself was immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem, “The Song of Hiawatha.” As the area began to urbanize, developers and city planners saw fit to honor this creek, the Dakota heritage, and the natural beauty by naming the neighborhood “Minnehaha Woods.” The name evokes not just the water, but the enveloping forest that once dominated the landscape and continues to define its identity.
Key Milestones in Minnehaha Woods’ Story
- 1940s–1950s: Suburban Growth
As Edina experienced a postwar boom, Minnehaha Woods became an attractive site for new homes. Developers introduced a mix of classic ramblers, Cape Cod-style houses, and elegant two-story family homes. This period saw the laying out of the now-familiar grid: streets such as Lynn Avenue and Minnehaha Boulevard soon became home to a growing community of young families.
- The Arrival of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (1953)
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at the intersection of 50th Street and Wooddale Avenue, quickly emerged as not only a place of worship but a neighborhood hub. Its distinctive midcentury architecture and welcoming congregation contributed to the community spirit that Minnehaha Woods is known for.
- Preserving Natural Spaces: Arden Park
No story of Minnehaha Woods is complete without mention of Arden Park. Located along Minnehaha Creek, this beloved green space has hosted generations of children, dog-walkers, and outdoor gatherings. Renovated in 2018, its playgrounds, picnic areas, and restored creek banks continue the tradition of celebrating the land’s natural beauty.
Notable Landmarks and Architecture
Minnehaha Woods might not be famous for commercial strips or towering monuments, but it quietly rewards those who pay attention to its details.
- St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
With its soaring A-frame roofline and welcoming red doors, this church is a neighborhood icon and home to local events beyond Sunday services — from holiday bazaars to music recitals.
- Arden Park
This gem is more than just a greenspace — it’s the community’s backyard. With beautiful views of the creek, ice skating in winter, and shaded paths in summer, Arden Park is a year-round gathering place.
- Classic Edina Homes
Along streets such as Lynnhurst Avenue and Waterman Avenue, you’ll find a living gallery of mid-century charm. Many homes have been lovingly updated, blending historic character with contemporary amenities, and several boast original architectural features like wide porches and cottage windows.
The Evolving Face of Minnehaha Woods
The Minnehaha Woods of today owes its character to thoughtful evolution rather than rapid change. Over the decades, several trends and events have shaped its present-day identity:
- Ongoing Reinvestment
Homeowners are known for investing in their properties, leading to careful remodels and tasteful new construction that respects the original scale and style. The balance between preserving the past and embracing the future is visible on every block.
- Community Engagement
Minnehaha Woods boasts an active neighborhood association, which fosters a welcoming spirit through annual gatherings, block parties, and park clean-up events. The connectivity and pride shared here run deep, echoing the first families who put down roots after World War II.
- Natural Beauty and Sustainability
Thanks to its location along Minnehaha Creek and near the Edina Promenade, the neighborhood is a haven for those who cherish the outdoors. Efforts from residents and the city to restore native plantings and enhance natural habitats have made Minnehaha Woods both beautiful and environmentally resilient.
- Proximity to Edina’s Heart
Running parallel to 50th Street and intersected by Wooddale Avenue, Minnehaha Woods enjoys easy access to Edina’s premier shopping, dining, and schools. Yet, it remains a pocket of tranquility — where neighbors know each other by name and a stroll along the creek feels a world away from city bustle.
The Spirit of Minnehaha Woods: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Ask any resident what makes Minnehaha Woods special, and you'll hear stories of block parties, sledding at Arden Park, and welcoming new faces to the street. It’s a neighborhood where tradition meets progress, and where each generation leaves its mark on a proud heritage.
As Edina continues to grow and change, Minnehaha Woods stands as a testament to the enduring power of community, nature, and history. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are discovering its quiet charm for the first time, the story of Minnehaha Woods is one worth celebrating — and continuing for decades to come.