HISTORY

Then and now photo of main street Linen Hills

The Linden Hills neighborhood, named for the abundance of linden trees and the area’s gentle hills, today represents the ideal in urban living with small town charm. It was originally a popular suburb of a younger Minneapolis, made possible by the trolley route linking it with downtown.

It is easy to be fascinated by the rich history of this community. This history has been well-documented by the Linden Hills History Study Group. This fabulous group of volunteers researched and wrote Down at the Lake. This historical book is available for sale at local Linden Hills retailers, including the Linden Hills Co-op, Settergren Ace Hardware, and The Bibelot.

The Linden Hills History Study Group also recorded hours of conversations with historians that document the history of Linden Hills. You can check out these audio recordings through the Hennepin County Library.

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Down At The Lake: A Historical Portrait of Linden Hills and the Lake Harriet District

Publisher: Linden Hills History Study Group

Publication Date: January 28, 2001

Overview: Native American farmers, rumbling streetcars bringing people to the lakes from downtown, grand entertainment pavilions, early cottages, aggressive land speculators…all part of Linden Hill’s colorful past. Down at the Lake is a look back at the early recreational, residential, and commercial development of the land that lies between Lakes Calhoun and Harriet.

Linden Hills walking tours

Learn more about our neighborhood by going on a walking tour using one of the guides created by the History Study Group. Click below to download the self-guided tour.

Photo courtesy of Steve Mosborg
Photo courtesy of Steve Mosborg