Category: History

West St. Paul Libraries

A look at the history of libraries in West St. Paul, officially starting in 1960 and spanning three buildings, but with roots going back to the 1920s.

Then & Now photo looking south along Robert Street in 1980 and 2026.

Then & Now: More Fast Food on Robert Street

A stretch of fast food along Robert Street in 1980 compared to the same section today.

Then & Now: 1010 Dodd

Here’s a look at the demolition of 1010 Dodd in 2016 and how it looks today as the realigned Smith/Dodd intersection.

125 Years of Women's Hockey in Minnesota

125 Years of Women’s Hockey at Dakota County Historical Society

Women’s hockey is having a moment, but that moment is a long time coming, as evidenced by the 125 Years of Women’s Hockey display.

The West St. Paul Board Game

West St. Paul has its own board game. Created about 35 years ago, it’s a variation of Monopoly using local businesses for the famous properties.

Then & Now: Charlton Tunnel

A look back at the construction of the Charlton Street tunnel in 2015, which completed the River-to-River Greenway Trail.

McDonald's playland (photo courtesy John Ramsay)

McDonald’s Playland in West St. Paul

The McDonald’s playland came to West St. Paul in 1975, drawing children from all over the metro. The iconic playground created memories for a generation of children before disappearing by the early 2000s.

Then & Now: Kennedy Park

With the reopening of Kennedy Park, here’s a look back at the park in 1988 and today.

Tonei Lang: West St. Paul’s Civil Rights Crusader and the 1965 Cross Burning

In the 1960s, West St. Paul resident Tonei Lang traveled to the South multiple times and hosted Black civil rights workers in her home—prompting a cross burning and bomb threats.

100 Years of Harmon Park: 1925-2025

Created in 1925 with a grant from an East Coast philanthropist, Harmon Park is the oldest park in West St. Paul.

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