Minnesota Then
In 1883, the First Mahtomedi Assembly platted the area and built a tabernacle for gatherings, drawing thousands of seasonal visitors who stayed in tent communities along the lake. It became home to the White Bear Lake Chautauqua Assembly – part of a national movement that blended education, religion, and recreation. When the rail lines reached the region in the 1870s, White Bear Lake's reputation as a resort town grew. By the time the streetcar arrived, the area was already buzzing with picnickers and summer cottages. In 1899, Wildwood Amusement Park opened on this foundation, serving as both a picnic ground and amusement destination that would entertain visitors until closing in 1932.
From 11:00 am to 11:00 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day, hundreds of men, women, and children caught standing-room-only streetcars in St. Paul, paid ten to fifteen cents one-way, and rode to a "hoppin' place" along White Bear Lake. Traveling at speeds up to sixty miles per hour, they arrived at the trolley park about forty-five minutes after leaving the city. Upon arrival, guests walked down steps from the depot, went through a tunnel, and emerged at the entrance to Wildwood Amusement Park. Admission was free.
Wildwood's attractions blended traditional amusement park fare with White Bear Lake's natural amenities. Standard carnival elements—roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and penny arcade—coexisted with water-based recreation including rental bathhouses, a toboggan slide launching swimmers into the lake, and motorboat excursions. The park capitalized on its location by offering fishing boat rentals and occasional hot air balloon rides. Extensive picnic grounds hosted family gatherings and corporate outings, positioning Wildwood as both individual entertainment venue and group destination that built on the established resort culture of the area.
A dance pavilion timed evening events to match the last streetcar back to St. Paul, while orchestras, dancing lessons, bowling, playgrounds, swings, and ball-throwing games kept visitors busy during the day. Separate dormitories for men and women, plus on-site meals, let people stay overnight, turning the park from a day trip into a mini vacation. Baseball games on the beach and attractions for the young and romantic, like the "Laugh in the Dark" ride, took full advantage of the lakefront setting. Companies from the Twin Cities often held employee events at Wildwood, utilizing the extensive picnic grounds and varied attractions.
Locally, it was considered the "Coney Island of St. Paul," a reputation Wildwood earned. Its bustling atmosphere, thrilling rides, and lively entertainment made it a beloved destination for Twin Cities residents and visitors alike. The park's popularity surpassed its sister park at the opposite end of the line, Minnetonka's Big Island Amusement Park, which closed its doors in 1911. Although an immensely popular destination, financial difficulties plagued Wildwood throughout its existence, leading to multiple closures.
In 1916, a group of investors purchased the park hoping to revitalize its fortunes. They added new attractions, including a miniature train and a funhouse, and renamed it "White Bear Park."
Eleven years later, the park again changed hands, this time to the White Bear Lake Amusement Company. Under new ownership, it received several improvements, including a new roller coaster, tilt-a-whirl, and swimming pool. However, despite these efforts, the park's money problems continued, and in 1932, ownership was forced to close its gates for good. Certain parts of the park were given new life elsewhere; the rollercoaster, for instance, found a home in the former Excelsior Amusement Park.
Decline is often attributed to two major factors. First, the widespread adoption of the automobile allowed people to travel beyond the reach of streetcar lines. Families traveled further for their vacations, and Wildwood's attendance declined. Second, the Great Depression decimated the economy, leaving little disposable income for recreational activities. The park's final chapter unfolded on April 10, 1938, when the Twin City Rapid Transit Corporation announced it was abandoning the venture. Its dance pavilion and other remaining buildings were dismantled, and the land was sold and subdivided for development. Though the park was gone, streetcars continued to serve the area until 1951.
