The park contains fossil beds from the Ordovician period, approximately 450 million years ago, when the area was covered by an inland sea.
The site was once the location of a town named Lilydale, which was largely abandoned following severe flooding in the 1960s.
It is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its role as a migratory stopover for numerous avian species.
The park's limestone bluffs contain several natural caves, though most are now gated or inaccessible for safety and wildlife protection.
The Pickerel Lake portion of the park is a popular spot for freshwater fishing and local aquatic wildlife viewing.
Lilydale Regional Park is a 384-acre floodplain site situated along the Mississippi River in St. Paul, Minnesota. The park features a complex landscape of wetlands, steep bluffs, and diverse habitats suitable for birdwatching. It includes the Lilydale Fossil Site, where visitors can observe Devonian-era marine fossils in the exposed limestone cliffs. The park provides extensive paved and soft-surface trails for hiking and cycling. Recreational activities include fishing access points along the river and various wildlife observation areas. The site is part of the larger Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Native prairie restorations and floodplain forests characterize much of the terrain. The park is managed to balance natural resource conservation with public access to riverfront spaces.
The overlooks atop the limestone bluffs providing a panoramic view of the Mississippi River and the St. Paul skyline.
Bring insect repellent, as the floodplain environment creates high mosquito activity during warm months.
Wear sturdy footwear suitable for muddy or uneven terrain if venturing off the paved bike paths.
Check local water levels online before visiting, as the park is prone to temporary closures during high-water events on the Mississippi River.
Attempting to access the park during or immediately after spring thaw or heavy rain, as river flooding frequently submerges trails and parking areas.
Trails and parking areas are subject to intermittent closure during seasonal river flooding.
Do not remove fossils or rocks from the park; leave natural features undisturbed for other visitors.
