The Park That Came Home: The Surprising History Behind Redwood Falls’ Ramsey Park

The Heartwarming Story of Ramsey Park: a History Worth Telling

Every small town has a place that feels like its heart. For Redwood Falls, that place is Ramsey Park. Winding through more than 250 acres of waterfalls, wooded trails, and open picnic spaces, this beloved park isn’t just a scenic backdrop. It’s a symbol of how deeply the community values nature, family, and togetherness — and how Redwood Falls came together to bring this land home again.

A Place Born from Nature’s Beauty

Before it was a park, the land that is now in the center of Redwood Falls, a natural oasis surrounded by quiet neighborhoods and the city's prime properties, was simply known as Riheldaffer’s pasture after its late 1800s owner, a Presbyterian minister who allowed public access to the area. It was a quiet stretch of countryside where locals picnicked near the waterfalls. The roaring Redwood River carved out a rugged gorge lined with ancient stone, and early visitors quickly realized this was a place worth protecting.

In 1911, the State of Minnesota agreed — and Ramsey Park was officially born, named after Alexander Ramsey, the state's first Territorial Governor. It became a state park, complete with picnic shelters, trails, and even a 25-cent admission fee. During the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) built the stone shelters, bridges, and walls that still give Ramsey Park its timeless charm today. The park also includes structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s.

From State to City — and Back Home Again: The History Behind Redwood Falls' Ramsey Park

Photo credit: Friends of the Park: Ramsey Park and Cansayapi.

By the 1950s, Ramsey Park’s future was uncertain. Though it remains the largest city park in Minnesota, it was one of the smaller state parks and didn’t always get the attention or funding it needed. Meanwhile, the people of Redwood Falls had grown deeply attached to it — they cared for it, played in it, and made memories there every season.

So in 1957, something remarkable happened: the State of Minnesota transferred ownership of Ramsey Park to the City of Redwood Falls for the symbolic sum of $1.00, with one simple condition — that it always remain a public park for everyone to enjoy.

That exchange turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened. Ramsey Park officially came home. Admission fees were eliminated, and the park remains open to the public at no cost today. The Friends of Ramsey Park host events for the community all year and partner with the city on maintenance and enhancements to the property. Support their work at www.friendsoframseypark.com.

A Park That Truly Belongs to the People

Under local care, Ramsey Park flourished, and the history behind Redwood Falls' Ramsey Park continued to grow. The city expanded trails, added playgrounds and shelters, and even opened a small zoo that still delights families today. Admission became free, encouraging everyone — from toddlers in strollers to grandparents on park benches — to come and experience the beauty that once cost a quarter.

Today, Ramsey Park is co-named Cansayapi, meaning “where they paint the trees red” in recognition of the Dakota people’s historical connection to the region. Sometimes affectionately called the “Little Yellowstone of Minnesota", its waterfalls, winding roads, and quiet picnic groves are a testament to what happens when a community takes pride in its natural spaces. Today, Friends of Ramsey Park and the City of Redwood Falls, along with the Lower Sioux community, steward the land and ensure the park is maintained for generations.

Importance for Local Families

For families considering a home in Redwood Falls, Ramsey Park is more than just an attraction — it’s a lifestyle. It’s where kids see their first deer on the trail, where parents teach bike riding on summer evenings, and where generations gather for photos beside the roaring falls.

Living near a place like this means more than proximity to nature — it means being part of a community that cares for what it loves. Ramsey Park’s journey from state park to city treasure reflects exactly that: the spirit of Redwood Falls itself.

A Legacy of Homecoming

Ramsey Park’s story is a poignant reminder that the best places aren’t merely defined by their aesthetic beauty or picturesque landscapes; they are deeply cherished by the communities that surround them. Ramsey Park serves as a sanctuary for residents and visitors alike. It stands as a testament to the profound connection that individuals develop with their environment.

When a place is loved by a community as passionately as Ramsey Park is, it transforms from just a physical space into a beloved home away from home, a gathering point for families, friends, and neighbors. The significance of Ramsey Park extends beyond its scenic views; it embodies the spirit of togetherness and shared experiences.

The park's geology, waterfalls, and historic WPA architecture make it both a natural and historic attraction in southwest Minnesota. Each corner of the park tells a story, whether it’s the laughter of children playing on the playground or the quiet moments of reflection by the pond. Investment by the community ensures that the park not only survives the test of time but thrives as an integral part of the local culture and identity.

Moreover, the love for Ramsey Park fosters a sense of responsibility among community members. People volunteer for clean-up days, organize events, and advocate for its preservation, ensuring that it remains a vibrant part of their lives for generations to come.

This collective effort creates a bond that strengthens the community, as everyone works together to maintain and enhance the beauty of the park. In essence, when a place is embraced with such affection and care, it transcends its physical boundaries and becomes a cherished landmark, a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and the community truly feels at home.