Bryn Mawr, a neighborhood within the Calhoun-Isles community in Minneapolis, was named after one of its own schools and community parks. In Welch, the name means “big hill”. With a population of close to 2,700 residents, the land is defined by its parkland and is located just west of the downtown area of the city. The neighborhood is next to the western portion of the city’s limits, and it borders the suburbs of Golden Valley and St. Louis Park. This neighborhood offers a charming community that includes mainly residential locations, tree lined streets, unique curving sidewalks, landscaped yards, and historic 1800’s and 1900’s homes. The major entrance to and from Bryn Mawr is Interstate 394, as it travels directly through the neighborhood.
The Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association hosts a number of community events each year that promote the neighborhoods overall unity. Every July, the neighborhood puts on what is called the Ice Cream Social. This event includes live music, face painting, games, and of course, lots of free ice cream. The events draws in more than 500 visitors each year. The neighborhood also has an event called the Festive Garage Sales in the month of May, as the neighbors can get together in one location for a massive garage sale. In December, Bryn Mawr hosts an additional event called the Saturnalia. This event promotes the holiday spirit by including hayrides, holiday lighting, games, and festive food. Through these events and several others, the Bryn Neighborhood Association has been able to promote the unity that makes this neighborhood a wonderful place to live.
An important aspect of Bryn Mawr is that although it is located in a large city, it has its own small-town charm. This is very important to the locals, as they enjoy their peaceful community. The neighborhood is also known for having a safe and friendly atmosphere, where the neighbors want to get to know one another. Sparks and Cuppa Java are two of the most popular spots for locals to to enjoy a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. Sparks restaurant creates unique, fire-roasted cuisine in wood-burning stoves. With a cozy, comfortable atmosphere, Sparks offers visitors fine dining at an affordable price. Cuppa Java is cherished by the Bryn Mawr community for its great coffee and engaging atmosphere. Specializing in coffee and espresso drinks, but also offering malts, wines, beers, sandwiches, wraps, and desserts, Cuppa Java is the perfect small-town location to enjoy a drink with a friend or a light, afternoon lunch. Perhaps the most exciting aspect about Cuppa Java is that they deliver to the neighborhood area. This convenience and quality makes it a very popular destination.
The Bryn Mawr neighborhood is located near four unique parks. They include:
Theodore Wirth Regional Park: Theodore Wirth Regional Park is the largest park in the Minneapolis park system. The home of a multitude of activities and numerous events, Theodore Wirth Regional Park is a central location within the city of Minneapolis. Amenities include archery, biking/walking paths, a decorative fountain, disc golf, a fishing pier, multiple gardens, a golf course, picnic facilities, restrooms, soccer fields, tennis courts, and more. Additionally, the park features a chalet ideal for weddings or parties, pavilion, and a beach area for visitors to enjoy special events or time out in the sun. In the winter time, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, and it is a popular location for cross-country skiing on the trails, sledding/snow tubing on the park’s sledding hill, or snowboarding at the Wirth Winter Recreation Area. At over 720 acres, this park connects to the Harrison, Willard Hay, and Bryn Mawr neighborhoods. A great destination for all ages and interests, Theodore Wirth Regional Park is one park that you do not want to miss.
Bassett Creek Park: Bassett Creek Park offers visitors lots of open space in addition to several amenities. They include a biking/walking path, playground, soccer and softball fields, sports facility, and tennis and volleyball courts. With so many active amenities, Bassett Creek Park is ideal for residents who are seeking a destination to play a sport or compete in a league. Additionally, the park’s trails connect to larger, regional trails such as the Cedar Lake Regional Trail and the Luce Line Regional Trail. These trails extend for miles in all different directions and connect visitors to other parks and cities within the metro area.
Bryn Mawr Meadows Park: A large, neighborhood park located within the Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Bryn Mawr Meadows Park is deeply connected to the history of the surrounding area. Established in the early 1900’s, Bryn Mawr Meadows Park has seen a number of improvements over the years. As time has passed and the park has expanded thanks to better infrastructure and its inclusion in the Luce Line Regional Trail. The park offers 51.56 acres of open space and amenities for visitors to enjoy. Amenities include biking/walking trails, a broomball rink, cricket field, picnic area with outdoor grills and restrooms, a playground, soccer and softball fields, tennis courts, and a wading pool. A staple of the Bryn Mawr community, Bryn Mawr Meadows Park is cherished by all.
Cedar Lake Park: Cedar Lake Park is part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park. At 288 acres, this park services the Bryn Mawr, Kenwood, and Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhoods. Located on Cedar Lake, the park offers great fishing and swimming opportunities. Residents enjoy visiting the three separate beaches as well as fishing for northern pike, muskie, and bass on the fishing pier. The park also offers visitors a biking/walking path, picnic area with grills, and cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
If you have any questions regarding the city of Minneapolis, Calhoun Isles, or if you would like to sell or buy a house in the area, please feel free to give Twin Cities Property Finder a call at 952.204.7950.
