Author: Kelley Regan

We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place, said the author Pascal Mercier. A part of us stays behind and can only be found again by returning. With that in mind, today we are debuting a regular feature: This Week in Eden Prairie History. This Week in Eden Prairie History steps back into a place in time where a part of us all – whether near, far, or no longer with us – is found in the events of the past. The short descriptions below are invitations to doorways into Eden Prairie’s past. By stepping through you…

If you happened to be near The Waters senior living center on Jan. 20, you may have heard polka music in the air. That’s because the residents at The Waters received their first-dose immunizations for COVID-19. What could have been a somber affair for the residents was morphed it into a lighthearted event called a “poke a party.”  After each resident received the immunization, they were invited to take a swing at the COVID-shaped piñata. The second shot will be coming in approximately four weeks and, thanks to the creative staff, it surely will be another fun event.

Just south of County Road 5 on Eden Prairie Road sits a stately Queen Anne home which houses one rock star café. The building is an integral part of Eden Prairie’s history. Smith Café offers scrumptious home cooked fare, an accomplished wine list, and an incredible cup of joe. Yes, the café offers an incredible dining experience where you are you able to satisfy those hunger pangs, but it also remedies that Eden Prairie history fix you might be needing. The home itself was built in 1877 by Sheldon Smith and his wife Mary, one of Eden Prairies founding families.…

Eye strain associated with screen time has increased during COVID-19, according to Dr. Afire Hasan, optometrist and owner of Insight Vision Care in Eden Prairie. Hasan said there is “quite an increase in kids coming in with eye strain from increased computer usage which has resulted in more prescription glasses as well.” Hasan recommends that both kids and adults take a break from the screen every twenty minutes. Eye strain and dry eyes are a common complaint from people who spend time in front of a screen as people tend to blink less. For this problem, Hasan recommends using a…

With the pandemic pressing down on us the need to stay at home has left many families scrambling for ideas to keep everyone entertained. It is a challenge but it’s also the perfect time to focus on family and friends and to cherish the time spent with those who are most precious.  To help spur a little action in your home we’ve put together a list of fun activities.  We hope these ideas help you and your family. Zoom or Facetime – A little online love goes a long way. Give your family or friends a virtual call.  Both you…

By mid-November, sunset happens before 5 pm. It is dark and cold. Things can, well, get a little gloomy. The good news? With darkness as a backdrop, household and neighborhood light displays stand out all the more to awaken the holiday spirit. And Eden Prairie residents know how to put on a show that doesn’t disappoint. And EPLN has created a special holiday lights Google map to make the voyage easier here. There are several homeowners in Eden Prairie that go all out in a big way by creating dazzling displays on their own front lawn. Fill up a thermos…

The Eden Prairie Historical Society will be hosting the 3rd annual EP Sharing Tree lighting event on November 28th at the historic Cummins Farmhouse in Eden Prairie. The Sharing Tree event celebrates the winter season for all cultures and religions. It is a symbol of joy and hope for good things to come in the new year. The Eden Prairie Historical Society started the EP Sharing Tree festive event for Eden Prairie’s non-profit organizations. These organizations were invited to adorn the tree with unique handmade ornaments.  Due to COVID-19 challenges attendance to the Sharing Tree event this year is limited.…

On October 23, 2020 a new kiosk was installed at the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area in Eden Prairie by the Eden Prairie Historical Society.  The Feldmann family kiosk is located on the walking trail at the main entrance of the park off of Flying Cloud Drive.  The kiosk highlights the rich history of the land. It describes the challenges of immigrant life and the good that immigrants brought to Eden Prairie.   The Feldmann family immigrated to Eden Prairie from Switzerland in the 1860’s. They built their home and farm where the park is today.  Jeff Miller (a direct descendant…

On the corner of Pioneer Trail and Eden Prairie Road is a small piece of land that houses a marvel of a farmer’s market. Marshall’s Farm Market opens in July. It’s a whirlwind of a summer for fourth generation farmers, Carrie and Greg, who own and operate the farm. The fruit and vegetables are scrumptious and rightfully so, given the care given in growing these gems. Not only are these veggies raised with tender loving care but the farm also practices sustainable gardening giving you the confidence needed when feeding your family.  In early October, when the summer fruits are…

If you are looking for a true farm experience when selecting your perennials, annuals, and vegetables, visit the Picha farm in Eden Prairie. Just a short jaunt off Eden Prairie Road and over the railroad tracks, you will find a dirt road leading to the farmstead and its charming farmer’s market.  It’s owned and operated by a five-generation farm family with roots going back to the 1800s. Today, the Picha farm is owned and operated by Terry Picha and his wife, Kathy. They do it all: planting, harvesting, and selling. And, word has it that Terry is quite the cultivator.…