Lilydale Regional Park
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St. Paul Parks and Recreation 
Downtown Saint Paul serves as a backdrop to a great blue heron flying over Pickerel Lake. Overview Lilydale Regional Park has two areas of note within it. The Brickyards of St. Paul is the location of the former Twin City Brick Company. The location historically is significant as its artifacts of kiln and mining pits signal a change in building practices using primarily fire-prone wood construction to the use of brick, especially in commercial buildings and fine homes. Harriet Island is now connected to the Mississippi River shoreline by fill, but was one of the first areas set aside for recreation in Saint Paul. It is now the site of many summer activities, including concerts and weddings. This 636 acre park is covered by floodplain forest. A careful observer, however, will spot urban tree and shrub species, such as spruces and lilacs, mixed in with typical floodplain forest trees. These seemingly out-of-place species hint at the area’s urban history. Activities: Picnicking/shelters, playground, softball and baseball diamonds, boat ramp, drinking water, bike and walking paths, football and soccer fields, restrooms, river boat cruises, and birdwatching. Fishing for bluegills, crappie, northern pike, and bass is good in Pickerel Lake before this shallow lake fills with mid-summer weeds. Fossil collecting and ice climbing may be done by permit only in the Brickyards area. Contact the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department for permit information. A master plan is being implemented at this park. A new parking lot and boat ramp (carry-in only) was added recently at Pickerel Lake. Hours: Sunrise to 10:00 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Contact Information: Call Saint Paul Parks and Recreation at (651) 632-5111. Related Activities: Biking, Birds & Wildlife, Camping, Fishing & Hunting, Winter Recreation, Natural History, Hiking & Walks, History & Culture, Boating & Canoeing, Picnicking |
Did You Know?
The river is so shallow at Lake Itasca that children can walk across the Mississippi. Between Governor Nicholls Wharf and Algiers Point in New Orleans, the Mississippi is more than 200 feet deep.