If you want to experience the small town feel of Minnesota, you should consider Hopkins, a city that is just west of Minneapolis. The city is historically significant, as it was the headquarters for Minneapolis-Moline, a major tractor manufacturer that lasted until the 1960s. Its small size makes it an excellent getaway from the city and offers a variety of things to do.

Historic buildings

The National Register of Historic Places has added historic buildings in Hopkins, Minnesota to its listings, a historic designation that benefits both the community and property owners. Listed properties are eligible for tax credits, which can help businesses keep their historic buildings in the best condition possible. There are currently over 97,000 sites on the list. Listings are based on significance to American history, architecture, engineering, and culture. The list includes buildings on Mainstreet from 8th to 11th avenues, a district that was once a major commercial center.

Historic buildings in Hopkins include the Esek Hopkins Homestead, which is located on a 7-acre piece of property. The museum is a listed National Register of Historic Places site, and features a real, working 1910 Buick Buggybout, one of only three still in existence. The museum also includes historic memorabilia dating back to the early 1800s. Visitors can learn about the region’s coal industry, politics, and lifestyles.

When the Johns Hopkins Hospital was built in 1873, the board of trustees sought advice from five renowned hospital planners. One of these was John Shaw Billings, a surgeon who had written critical reports on military hospitals after the Civil War. He also consulted with leading hospital authorities in Europe.

A third historic building in Hopkins was the Summit Soda Springs hotel. Designed by architect Henry Schulze, this hotel was originally a summer retreat for Mark Hopkins 1 and his family. The original building had a three-story structure that could accommodate 85 guests. The hotel’s guest registry included prominent Californians of the day.

Historic restaurants

If you’re looking for a place to eat in Hopkins, Minnesota, there are several places to choose from. A neighborhood full of ethnic restaurants, indie shops, and a quaint downtown, Hopkins is an excellent place to spend an evening. The area was once a small village before the city was developed into a bustling suburb.

Bike trails

If you love riding bikes, you’ll love the bike trails in Hopkins. You can also bike through the city. Bike paths and trails connect neighborhoods and schools, so you can enjoy the beauty of this area while staying active. And if you’re not into riding bikes, you can also enjoy hiking.

Hopkins has a variety of cycling routes, from single tracks to mountain peaks. Explore the beautiful views of Lake Minnetonka on these bike paths. You’ll also find paved surfaces and a ferry crossing. Whether you want to pedal on dirt, ice, or concrete, there are bike trails in Hopkins to fit your style.

Three Rivers Park district maintains four regional trails throughout the city. Trails are maintained with grades around five percent, making them ideal for biking, hiking, or running. One of the best bike trails in Hopkins is the limestone Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail, which runs from Hopkins to Chanhassen.

Hopkins Road Boardwalk & Trail: The Hopkins Road Boardwalk & Trail starts from W Klein Road and Hopkins Road, and travels north alongside the road. The path utilizes a boardwalk through the Great Baehre Swamp and crosses a small pond. The path leads to Billy Wilson Park and Margaret Louise Park Path. The path is 0.6 miles long and circles the park.

Skate park

Skateboarders looking to enjoy a fun and unique experience will be pleased to find the Overpass Skate Park located under Highway 169 in Hopkins. This 18,000-square-foot park offers a variety of different features, including piano banks, fun boxes, kinked rails, staircases, and more. The facility is equipped with safety features, including helmets and pads for maximum protection.

The Hopkins Skatepark is open to skateboarders, inline skaters, scooters, BMX bikes, and other types of skateboards. The facility features several sections, including the 8ft-deep Liberty Bowl, 4.5-foot-high Ledge, and 3.5-foot-high volcano. There are also quarter pipes, grind rails, hips, and spines to keep skaters entertained.