12/26/2002: Golden Valley Christmas Lights Hike (West St. Paul)

Join Patti for a Christmas lights hike through a portion of Golden Valley. Golden Valley was named by William Varner, one of the area's first settlers. After arriving at St Anthony Falls in 1854, Varner headed west to find a home site and eventually came upon a hill so high that he thought it was a mountain. Varner climbed the hill and looking down, he could see that the whole valley lush and green dotted with golden daffodils. In the distance, he could see a lake shining in the sunlight and he called the valley "Golden Valley." The Village of Golden Valley was incorporated on December 16, 1886. During its early years, Golden Valley was an agricultural community of only a few hundred residents, full of farms, mills, and dairies. Residential development began after the Electric Luce Line Railroad was cut through the village in 1912.

If coming by car: Take I-394 west to Hwy 100 and proceed north on Hwy 100 to the Duluth Street exit. Go east on Duluth Street/Golden Valley Road to Noble Ave. Proceed north on Noble Ave to the corner with Culver Rd. We will meet at 2900 Noble Ave.

If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 19. The closest bus service point appears to be along Noble Avenue. Applicable Metro Transit Map/General Transit Information

The group will reassemble at Patti's after the hike for "pot luck" treats, so bring something to share.

Maps on Us map to the hike starting point

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This page was last updated on March 31, 2005.