Rotary Park in North St. Paul

Nestled right along the Gateway Regional Trail at the intersection of North St. Paul Drive & 2nd Street, Rotary Park is your perfect mid-ride (or walk) stop in 55109. It’s not just a pit stop — it’s a park built by our community, for our community.

🌿 Why It’s Worth Visit Rotary Park

• Trailhead with perks: 31 parking spots, restrooms, picnic shelters, benches, and shaded areas. orth St. Paul+2

• Community-built with heart: The Rotary Club of North St. Paul–Maplewood–Oakdale teamed with the city and local donors to transform this spot over years of planning.

• Cool features: Drinking fountain, rain garden, picnic tables, bike repair station, a Little Free Library, and permanent restrooms (yep, no more port-a-potties!)

See Rotary Park Location on Google Maps

The N St. Paul Windmill

The wind turbine beside Rotary Park isn’t just for show — they’re part of the city’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.

Here are some fun facts that make them even more impressive:

• ⚡ Power Production: The turbine can produce about 160 kilowatts (kW) of energy every hour — enough to power roughly 100 homes in the community.

• 🌎 Smaller Scale, Big Impact: The turbine is smaller than those in large wind farms, designed to fit naturally within the local landscape.

• 🏗️ Size and Height: The turbine base stands 80 feet tall, and each blade is 35 feet long, giving the entire structure a total height of around 115 feet — about the same as a modest-sized water tower.

• 🌬️ Speed: When running at full capacity, the blades make about 1.5 rotations every two seconds, creating a steady, calming rhythm as they generate power for the grid.

The turbine has become a local landmark, symbolizing North St. Paul’s commitment to cleaner, greener energy and forward-thinking city planning.

🔎 Tips for Visiting

Hours: Open daily 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

• Use it as a rest point: ride the Gateway Trail, stop, stretch, refill water, rest in shade.

• Great for casual picnics or meeting up with a friend while enjoying nature.

• Bikes? Bring ’em. The repair station might save your day.

• If you want privacy or shade, hit it earlier in morning or later in the evening.

Rotary Park doesn’t try to be a giant scenic destination — but it nails the sweet spot of “local, useful, and charming.” It’s proof that a well-thought, community-backed park can be a gem right in our backyard.