What’s the oldest park in Maplewood? (Hint: it's a tiny hidden gem with a big view of Lake Phalen)

Park Spotlight:  Lookout Park

Tucked quietly between Phalen Place, Ripley Avenue, and Gordon Avenue, Lookout Park might just be Maplewood’s best-kept secret. At only one-fifth of an acre, it doesn’t have playgrounds, tennis courts, or fancy trails — just a single bench, a few trees, and a peaceful view worth slowing down for.

This little triangle of green happens to be Maplewood’s oldest park, platted all the way back in 1884. Back then, it even had a 55-foot-tall wooden observatory that gave visitors sweeping views of St. Paul, Minneapolis, and everything in between. (Sadly, the tower came down in the early 1900s — but the view is still amazing.)

Today, Lookout Park remains a quiet perch to pause, breathe, and take in the beauty of Lake Phalen just a block away. Whether you’re out for a morning walk or an afternoon drive, it’s the perfect little spot to stop and remind yourself why we love living here. 💙

Free Holiday Lights for North St. Paul Electric Customers 💡

North St. Paul is helping residents brighten up the season — literally. The city is giving away free sets of holiday lights to all North St. Paul Electric customers through the end of December.

Residents can stop by City Hall during regular hours to pick up their choice of white or colored lights — perfect for adding a little extra sparkle to the neighborhood while saving energy with efficient bulbs.

The offer runs through December 31, so grab yours while supplies last and help light up the city in true North St. Paul fashion.

(Sorry, Maplewood friends — this one’s just for the NSP crowd. We’ll wave when we drive by your Xcel-powered glow-ups. 😉)

Street Sweepers Are Rolling! 🍂

Fall cleanup is in full swing! To help our streetsweeper crews, here a couple tips to keep it rolling smooth:

🗑️ Keep garbage and recycling bins off the street
🍁 Don’t sweep leaves into the road (or your neighbor’s yard!)
🚗 Park in your driveway if you can
📫 Give your mailbox a quick stability check

A little teamwork now keeps our streets clean and drains clear later!

Pumpkin Recycling Returns to North St. Paul 🎃

If your jack-o’-lantern’s looking a little rough — maybe the squirrels have been treating it like an all-you-can-eat buffet — it might be time to say goodbye. 🐿️💀

North St. Paul’s Pumpkin Recycling Dumpster is back now through Monday, Nov. 10. Drop off your old pumpkins in the blue dumpster on 7th Avenue, right in front of the North Star Scouting Museum.

All those tired pumpkins will head to local farms, where they’ll be turned into animal feed and compost — a much better ending than slowly collapsing on your front steps.

Just remember to remove candles and decorations first. The cows like their pumpkins plain — no wax, no googly eyes. 🐄🎃

Going All Weekend:

Illuminate Festival of Lights ✨

What: A magical, family-friendly indoor light festival with giant lanterns, live shows, food, and local shopping.
When: Friday, 4–10 PM, then all weekend, along with next few weekends
Where: Pan Asian Center South (former Sears building), Maplewood, MN
Why: Because everyone deserves a little extra glow this season. 🌙✨

Cost:  Kids cost $16.73 and Adults $27.23 

Step inside, warm up, and experience the magic.

Check out their facebook event page to get tickets and learn more.

Mega Card Show – Buy, Sell & Trade

What: The Mega Card Show is back! Three days of trading, buying, and bartering your favorite collectibles — from vintage sports cards to Pokémon and more.
When: Nov. 7–9 (Friday through Sunday)
Where: Maplewood Mall
Why: Because no matter your deck — baseball, basketball, or Bulbasaur — there’s always a new treasure waiting to be found. ⚾🐉

Grab your binders, grab your buddies, and come deal some cardboard magic!

North High Presents: The Little Mermaid 🧜‍♀️

What: Dive under the sea with North High’s talented cast for this year’s fall musical, The Little Mermaid!
When: Friday at 7pm.  Saturday at 2pm & 7pm.  Then again next weekend
Where: North High School Auditorium, North St. Paul
Why: Support local students and enjoy a magical night of music, color, and sea-worthy fun! 🎶🐠

Click here to see the poster and get tickets

Thursday (Tonight!)

Meat Raffle at the Moose Lodge 🥩

What: Meat raffle, drink specials, and good company — the perfect North St. Paul combo!
When: Every Thursday night (Envelope drawings start at 7:30 PM, every 15 minutes until 8:30)
Where: Moose Lodge, North St. Paul
Why: Because who doesn’t love meat, prizes, and a cold beverage or two? 🍻

🎯 Bonus: The 4th Thursday of every month is Plinko Night — with even more prizes and laughs.

Open to members and qualified guests.

Want to learn more -> Check out their event page

Saturday

St. Paul Farmers Market at Bachman’s 🥕

What: Fresh produce, local goods, and friendly faces — the St. Paul Farmers Market pops up right here in Maplewood!
When: Saturday, 10 AM – 1 PM
Where: Bachman’s, 2600 White Bear Ave, Maplewood
Why: Support local growers and pick up something fresh for the weekend. 🌽🌻

Shop small, eat fresh, and say hi to your neighbors while you’re at it! 👋

Rebel Queens Fall Ball & Flannel Party 🎸

What: The flannel party is back at The Dog House — and it’s about to get loud! 🎤🔥
When: Friday, Nov. 8 @ 8 PM
Cover: $10
Why: Because nothing says Minnesota fall like cold beer, warm flannel, and a rock show that shakes the walls.

Featuring Rebel Queens, the all-female rock band bringing powerhouse vocals, wailing guitars, and big classic-rock energy with a modern edge. Grab your flannel and your friends — it’s gonna be a good night. 🤘

Click here to learn more on their event page

Sunday

FREE LEGO Snowman Build at Barnes & Noble ⛄

What: A fun, hands-on Holiday LEGO Snowman Build Event — build it, customize it, and take it home! Designed for ages 10+, but everyone’s welcome.
When: Sunday, Nov. 9 @ 2 PM
Where: Barnes & Noble, Maplewood Mall
Why: Because building snowmen is fun — but building LEGO snowmen is legendary. 🧱🎄

Event kits are limited, so call the store to reserve your spot!
🎁 Bonus: Cake Pops are Buy One, Get One 50% Off all weekend at the café.

Go to the Maplewood Barnes and Noble Event Website

Tuesday - Veteran's Day

Veterans Day Ceremony – North St. Paul

Join members of American Legion Post 39, VFW Post 1350, and honored guests as our community comes together to remember and thank those who have served.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 11 • Ceremony begins at 11:00 AM (arrive by 10:45)
Where: Veterans Park, North St. Paul

Take a moment to stand in gratitude, reflect, and show support for the veterans who make 55109 proud. 💙❤️

Making a Difference: The Pizza Factory

If you’ve lived in North St. Paul for a while, you know The Pizza Factory — that classic corner spot where the ovens always seem to be working overtime and the smell alone could stop traffic on Division.

Earlier this year, The Pizza Factory got a fresh start with new owners, Matt and Stacie, who’ve made this community their home since 2010. They didn’t just reopen the doors — they’ve reopened the heart of the neighborhood too.

As the cost of living rises and SNAP benefits continue to shrink, Matt and Stacie are quietly making a difference — offering 10 free Factory Meals every day to anyone in need. No questions, no judgment, just kindness (and really good pizza).

“No one in our community should go hungry,” they said. “We’re here, and we’re in this together.” ~ Matt & Stacie

 

That’s the kind of local business that reminds us what makes 55109 special — neighbors who show up for each other, one slice at a time. ❤️🍕

Learn more and follow along on their Facebook Page

💛 Meet our New Section: Giving Back

This month, we’re kicking off a brand-new section of 109 Online called “Giving Back.”

Because what makes 55109 special isn’t just our parks and our events — it’s the people. The ones who step up, lend a hand, and remind us that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple through a community.

Here, we’ll highlight local heroes — from businesses running food drives, to neighbors organizing coat collections, to restaurants quietly feeding those in need.

Want to get involved? Keep an eye on this space for ways to help, donate, or simply cheer on the people who make North St. Paul and Maplewood a place where generosity never goes out of style. 💛

Pizza Factory

As mentioned above, Pizza Factory has stepped up to offer 10 meals a day to anyone in need.

Learn more on their Facebook Page

Hy-Vee

Today and Tomorrow -> With $3 Meal Deals and kids eat Free.

Learn More Here

Pet food and human hygiene supplies

A few of our amazing neighbors have turned their Free Libraries into Pet Food and Human Hygiene Supply Stations. They believe people shouldn't choose between themselves and their pets eating.
Stop by, donate if you are able!
Address:  2727 9th Ave E, NSP

Winter Coat Drive for Veterans

Now through November 30, American Legion Post 39 is collecting clean, serviceable coats for our Veterans.

 Drop-off: Inside the Legion Post 39 bar (box near the stage)
 Needed: Men’s and women’s winter coats
Coats are cleaned and distributed through the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)

Learn more or get involved at americanlegionnorthstpaul.com

Visit or Donate to The Toy Shelf

Located at 2266 2nd Street North, North St. Paul, The Toy Shelf is a volunteer-run program bringing smiles to kids from birth to age 16. Families living in 55109, 55119, or 55128 can shop for free toys, games, and books this holiday season — no registration required.

Learn more on their website

Sometimes the world feels heavy — and right now, with the government shutdown, it’s hitting even closer to home.

But here’s the thing: you matter more than ever right now.
Every kind word, every small favor, every moment you take to check in on someone — it all counts.

Maybe you buy an extra bag of groceries for the local pantry. Maybe you hand someone your unused coupons at the checkout. Or maybe you just smile at a stranger who looks like they need it.

That’s how communities like ours get through tough times — together.

So keep showing up, 55109. The little things you do every day?
They’re not so little after all. 💛

If you didn't see the Spoiler in the Park Spotlight, the answer is: Lookout Park! 🌳

Platted all the way back in 1884, Lookout Park is officially Maplewood’s oldest park!

✉️ Got something to share?

Want to submit an event or spotlight your business in The 109 Online?
Hit us up at 109online@gmail.com

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Let’s keep 55109 connected. 🏡✨