Crosby Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crosby Farm |
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![]() Crosby Farm, February 2016
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Type | Natural park |
Location | Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States |
Area | 534 acres (2.16 km2) |
Created | 1887 |
Status | Open all year |
Website | Crosby Farm Regional Park |
Crosby Farm is a large and beautiful park in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It's a special place located along the Mississippi River. This park is known for its amazing floodplain forests. It gets its name from a historic farm owned by Thomas Crosby many years ago. Crosby Farm Regional Park is cared for by the City of Saint Paul. It is also part of the bigger Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
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A Look Back: The History of Crosby Farm
Thomas Crosby bought the land for his farm in 1858. It was about 160 acres big. He farmed this land until he passed away in 1886. After that, different families owned the farm over many years.
In the 1960s, the Saint Paul Port Authority bought the land. They then leased it to the City of Saint Paul to be used as a park. This is how Crosby Farm became the public park we know today.
Exploring Crosby Farm: A Big Natural Park
Crosby Farm Regional Park is huge, covering 534 acres. It connects with another large park called Hidden Falls. Together, they form the biggest natural park in Saint Paul.
What Makes This Park Special?
Crosby Farm protects a special type of forest. This is a floodplain forest along the Mississippi River. It also has a thick oak forest near the river bluff. The park is home to several wetlands and small lakes. These include Crosby Lake and Upper Lake. These areas provide homes for many different plants and animals.
Fun Things to Do at Crosby Farm
Crosby Farm Regional Park is a great place for outdoor adventures. It has 6.7 miles (about 10.8 kilometers) of paved trails. These trails are perfect for walking, running, or riding your bike. They even connect to the Watergate Marina and Hidden Falls Regional Park.
Trails and Activities
Many people enjoy visiting Crosby Farm for different activities. You can have a picnic with your family or friends. Hiking through the trails is a popular choice. Boating and fishing are also fun ways to enjoy the lakes and river. When winter comes, the trails are great for cross-country skiing.