Prospect Park Water Tower facts for kids
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Prospect Park Water Tower and Tower Hill Park
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Prospect Park Water Tower overlooking Tower Hill Park
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 55 Malcolm Avenue SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota |
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| Area | 4.7 acres (1.9 ha) |
| Built | 1906 (park), 1913 (water tower) |
| Architect | Frederick William Cappelen |
| Architectural style | Late-19th and 20th Century Revivals |
| Part of | Prospect Park Residential Historic District (ID15000213) |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001426 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 13, 1997 |
| Designated CP | May 12, 2015 |
The Prospect Park Water Tower is a special building in Minneapolis, Minnesota. People often call it the Witch's Hat Water Tower because of its unique roof. It was built in 1913 on top of Tower Hill Park, which was created in 1906.
This water tower has become a symbol for the Prospect Park neighborhood. Its cool design was made by an architect named Frederick William Cappelen. Some people even say that the tower inspired Bob Dylan's famous song "All Along the Watchtower"! This is because Dylan lived nearby and could see the tower from his home.
Both the park and the water tower were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This means they are important for their architecture, city planning, and engineering. In 2015, they were also recognized as important parts of the larger Prospect Park Residential Historic District.
A Unique Design
The Witch's Hat Water Tower was built in 1913. It stands on Tower Hill, one of the highest spots in Minneapolis. The main reason for building it was to make sure homes had enough water pressure. This also helped firefighters do their job better.
Even though it was built for a practical purpose, the city engineer, Frederick William Cappelen, gave it a fun look. He added a special "hat" to the top of the building. This hat is made of green ceramic tiles and looks like a witch's hat, which is how it got its nickname. This unique design has made it a beloved landmark for many years.
Community Love for the Tower
The people of Prospect Park have always loved the water tower and the park around it. From the very beginning, the tower and its park attracted neighbors. Families would have picnics under the trees in summer. In winter, kids and adults would slide down the snowy hills.
The tower used to have an observation deck. From there, people could see amazing views of the Minneapolis and St. Paul skylines. The tower itself has also inspired many artists. They have drawn and painted its one-of-a-kind shape. Over the years, the tower has also brought the neighborhood together.
Saving a Landmark
The Prospect Park Water Tower stopped being used for water in 1952. But it remained a very important symbol for the neighborhood. In 1955, the city planned to tear down the tower after it was hit by lightning.
However, the community quickly got together to save it. Eleven young girls from a group called the "Prospect Park Blue Birds" helped lead the effort. Neighbors worked hard to convince the city to keep their beloved tower. Thanks to their efforts, the tower was saved!
Today, the observation deck is usually open only one day each year. This special day is celebrated with an ice-cream social, bringing the community together.
Gallery
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People waiting in line to visit the Witch's Hat Tower
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A view of Minneapolis from the Witch's Hat Water Tower
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The Witch's Hat Water Tower during winter
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An angled view of the Witch's Hat Water Tower
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