Loring Park, originally named Central Park, was purchased in 1883 as the first acquisition by the newly formed Minneapolis park board. Briefly renamed Spring Grove Park in 1885, it reverted to Central Park before being renamed in 1890 after Charles M. Loring, the first president of the park board. Loring, known as the “Father of Minneapolis Parks,” played a pivotal role in the city’s park development, securing land donations, leading the creation of the lake parks, and advocating for playgrounds.
Loring’s contributions extended beyond his tenure as a park commissioner. He personally oversaw the development of Central Park, helped acquire Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, and Lake Calhoun, and advocated for connecting parkways. His passion for parks led him to support playground development, and he played a key role in hiring Theodore Wirth as park superintendent in 1905. Loring also made significant donations, funding a warming house, an artificial waterfall, and a trust for tree planting along Victory Memorial Drive. He passed away in 1922 and was buried in Lakewood Cemetery, which he helped establish.
Central Park was acquired for $150,000 in 1883 and expanded over the years, ultimately costing nearly $350,000. Johnson’s Lake was excavated to remove bogs, and Horace Cleveland was hired to design the park, focusing on fast-growing trees and shrubs. The park quickly became a community hub, hosting ice skating, a bandstand, tennis courts, and even rowboats for rent. An artesian well was added in 1887 to maintain the lake’s water supply.
The park served as a key connection in Minneapolis’ evolving park system, linking to the lakes and later to Minnehaha Falls. In 1895, the city nearly lost the park when the park board considered offering it as a site for the state capitol, but the plan was abandoned. Over the years, Loring Park remained central to public life, hosting theatrical performances, music events, and even the national horseshoe tournament in 1921. A wading pool was introduced in 1940, and in 1960, it became the first Minneapolis park to offer senior programs.
Encroachments on the park began in 1891 when Hennepin Avenue was widened, with further land losses occurring due to street expansions and, most significantly, the construction of I-94 in the 1960s. Two major landmarks were added to the park: a statue of Norwegian composer Ole Bull in 1897 and the Berger “Dandelion” Fountain in 1975.
Renovations in the late 20th and early 21st centuries revitalized Loring Park. In 1977, dredging and bridge repairs were conducted, followed by the creation of the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge in 1989 to connect Loring Park with the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. A major overhaul in 1998 improved the lake, expanded the Loring Shelter into an art center, and developed the Loring Garden of the Seasons. Subsequent improvements included dredging in 2007, a wading pool upgrade in 2008, and new tennis courts in 2021-2022. The Holidazzle festival relocated to Loring Park in 2015, further solidifying its role as a vibrant community space.
From its inception, Loring Park has been central to Minneapolis’ park system, adapting to the city’s growth while maintaining its historical significance and recreational value.