Mill Park: The Historic Hennepin Paper Co.
the ecological restoration of a historical landmark
Left in disrepair since its closing in 1998, this historic landmark of the Little Falls, MN was reduced to community blight - plagued by water and soil pollution, streambank erosion, and public safety concerns. In an effort to restore the ecological, historical, and socio-cultural importance of the site, EOR prepared the Mill Park Master Plan for the 100 yr. old Hennepin Paper Company Complex.
Working with and bringing together the City and Citizens of Little Falls, The State Historic Preservation Office, MnDNR, the Morrison County Historical Society, the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers - EOR was successful in fostering the transformation of this contaminated site into a public amenity
Major elements of Mill Park include:
- the preservation and incorporation of historic mill structures and elements into park
- Mississippi River shoreline stabilization and restoration
- ecosystem restoration and habitat enhancement
- fish passage around dam via historical canal
- canoe launch and fishing piers
- water quality pond and skating rink
- hiking and biking trails
- outdoor classrooms and gathering areas
- Native American and mill interpretations
Mill Park has reclaimed the site’s ecologic function and preserved an invaluable piece of history for Little Falls and for Minnesota. Serving once again as a community gathering place for the City, Mill Park provides the community a connection to their agrarian past and to the river that has supported their town for over a century.
“You wish that some of the original buildings could have been saved, but we’re happy to save some of the elements and let the people know that something important was there.”
- Morrison County Historical Society