Oshaughnessy Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oshaughnessy Park is located in the state of Minnesota and is known for its picturesque beauty and outdoor recreational activities.


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Summary

The park covers 416 acres and is situated along the Mississippi River. The park is considered a great destination for tourists because of its natural beauty, hiking trails, and historic landmarks.

There are several reasons to visit Oshaughnessy Park. Firstly, for its beautiful scenic views that overlook the Mississippi River. Secondly, for the hiking trails that run through the park, which are ideal for nature lovers and avid hikers. Other popular activities include picnicking, fishing, and bird watching.

There are several specific points of interest to see in the park, including the Indian Mounds Park, which is home to several burial mounds dating back to the Woodland Period. There are also several historic landmarks in the park, such as the Irish Heritage Trail, which features several markers for notable Irish Americans who have contributed to the development of the United States.

One interesting fact about Oshaughnessy Park is that it was named after Thomas O'Shaughnessy, who was a prominent businessman and philanthropist in the Twin Cities area. He donated the land that became the park to the city of St. Paul in 1903.

The best time of year to visit Oshaughnessy Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the changing scenery during the fall and winter months as well.

       

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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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