Cornelia Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cornelia Park is a small park located in the city of Edina, Minnesota.


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Summary

Although it may not be the largest or most well-known park in the state, it has several noteworthy features that make it a worthwhile destination for visitors.

One of the primary reasons to visit Cornelia Park is its peaceful atmosphere. With plenty of green space, walking trails, and a small pond, it's an ideal spot for a quiet stroll or picnic. There are also several well-maintained playgrounds for children, making it a great place for families with young kids.

Another highlight of Cornelia Park is the Edina Aquatic Center, a large public pool complex that includes water slides, a lazy river, and multiple pools suitable for all ages. The aquatic center is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so the summer months are the best time to visit if you want to take advantage of this feature.

In addition to the park's recreational offerings, there are several interesting facts and points of interest that make it a unique destination. For example, Cornelia Park was originally a farmstead owned by a woman named Cornelia Hunter. Her family donated the land to the city of Edina to be used as a park in the early 1960s. Today, visitors can still see some remnants of the original farm, including a barn and silo that have been converted into a picnic shelter.

Overall, Cornelia Park is a great place to visit if you're looking for a peaceful outdoor escape in the midst of the city. With its large green spaces, playgrounds, and aquatic center, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And with its interesting history and unique features, it's a destination that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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