Swede Hollow Park — Attraction in Saint Paul

I love Swede Hollow. My great grandmother was born in the hollow and lived part of her childhood there. My grandmother has treasured this park and the cafe above on the streets. It's a historic place that dates back to the Native Americans should be treasured and cared for, but it isn't.

Today, during my visit, I descended the steps off of Bates and Muray streets. On my way down, I encountered shattered window panes, broken glass bottles, human excrement, and trash. Down in the hollow, I made sure my dog and I stayed on the path. We encountered more broken glass, trash, rotting food, disgusting clothes tossed into the weeds and grass, and a questionable-smelling pond. Lots of questionable-looking people walking around, homeless encampments, and needles. Poked our heads on the other side of the Seventh Street Improvement Arches to Connemara Patch, and encountered a shattered bottle on the pavement, a threatening note, and a pile of trash with needles.

On the way out, I made sure that my dog didn't have any glass in her paws. I really shouldn't have to do that. That speaks to how far this park has fallen. It's not a slum, it's become deplorable.

Huge disappointment to say the least. I called in a complaint to the city of Saint Paul. Get your act together! I wish I could visit the hollow that was turned into a park for all to enjoy, but it isn't a safe place right now....

I ride my bike to work on the trail through Swede Hollow almost every day. It is a beautiful park with a fascinating history and lots of potential. However every week it seems like there are more intoxicated people asleep on the benches or stumbling around and more homeless encampments on the hills and under the bridges. The unfortunate circumstances that lead to homelessness aside, the city doesn't seem to be doing anything to address this issue. It has gotten to the point where I do not feel safe riding through the park and I have absolutely no intention of riding to downtown on the nights or weekends like I was hoping I would be able to. If Saint Paul wants to grow and develop as a city refurbishing Swede Hollow would be a great place to start. Clear the underbrush, install good lighting and possibly add a path/stairway to get straight up to the Hamms brewery to go to Flat Earth or 11 Wells. This park could be like Saint Pauls mini green way from the East Side to downtown but instead it is a place to sleep one off or...

Very mysterious , suspicious and kind of creepy. From the fact that it would line up to be 666 Bates if the street didn't end right before the hollow park begins. When you travel down in the depths of of Swede Hollow park one of the first things people see is the swedehenge display of rocks in formation. A play off of the "Stonehenge" site,. Which is cute but the whole thing reminds me of a human sacrifice meeting point. I like the place but it's not a place I would frequent in wee hours and all alone. Otherwise a great place to workout, with 300 plus stairs and path to bike or jog a person could save 100.00 bucks a month on a gym membership. A Gotta see site in the...