About Minneapolis' Prospect Park-east River Rd.

Built in 1913 by the Minneapolis Parks Board, the hill on which the tower stands was purchased in 1906 to increase water pressure to Prospect Park. It occupies the highest natural land area in Minneapolis. City engineer and Norwegian architect Frederick Cappelen designed the structure and gave it some Gothic flair by topping it with a Witch's Hat roof covered in green tile.

Easily known as the Witch's Hat Tower, the building stands 107 feet high and grants visitors some amazing views of the Minneapolis skyline and surrounding neighborhoods. When driving east on I-94 from downtown, you can see the "hat" peeking out of the trees. The tower was decommissioned in 1952, with plans for tearing the structure down in the works. Thankfully, when local neighbors got wind of the plan, they lobbied to save the water tower, which is now a wonderful neighborhood park and gathering area.

Tower Hill Park and the Witch's Hat Water Tower are now listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places, and is located at 55 Malcolm Ave SE.

To read more about historic places in the Twin Cities, visit my historic home blog.