Walkable Neighborhoods

Historic Walker Lake District

The Historic Walker Lake District, part of the larger Lenox neighborhood, is a newly revitalized area in St. Louis Park, centered around the intersection of Walker St. and Lake St. The area is considered an historic district because it is home to St. Louis Park’s oldest commercial building, the two-story brick Walker Building.

Exterior of Historic Walker Lake building

The Walker Building was built by T.B. Walker in 1892 and was part of St. Louis Park’s original commercial district. Today, it serves as a hub for the area and the home of Sota Clothing.

Minnesota Inspired

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox murals

Visitors to the area will delight in the murals lining the west side of the Walker Building. Stop and snap a pic with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox or the “You Betcha We Love It Here” Instagram-worthy photo station, whose surrounding décor changes with the season. Be sure to show off your newly purchased, distinctly Minnesotan Sota swag!

As you stroll through the neighborhood, be sure to look down. The sidewalks of Lake St. and Walker St. have been sandblasted with poetry by local residents and students. The poems explore themes of local identity, cultural expression and the concept of place and time. Take a moment to pause, reflect and be inspired.

Puppers and Pampering

a dog-friendly pawtio

Four-legged travelers will want to stop by Petropawlis, a store filled with all the latest dog toys and treats, and then get a bite to eat at The Block Food + Drink, which offers a year-round “paw-tio” and special dog menu. Relax with a brew and your dog can even have one too! Their “Come. Sit. Stay.” wall is the perfect backdrop for a buddy photo. Another popular photo op is their “Love from SLP” mural.

Those looking to indulge in a little self-care can easily walk to an array of services, including Pilates classes, massage and acupuncture, spray tanning, and hair salons.

Need a good read? Journey a few blocks northwest and you’ll arrive at the St. Louis Park Public Library. A block away, stop in at the Park Tavern, a popular local restaurant and entertainment center that offers 20 lanes of bowling, a bar filled with big screen TVs, an arcade and a spacious outdoor patio. Or drop by Muddy Paws Cheesecake and pick up a slice – they have over 222 flavors!

A Community Mural

mural at Walker Lake District

Art lovers will want to stop into México City Café for street tacos and to admire the beautiful cactus and butterfly mural on their wall, courtesy of Good Space Murals. And no trip would be complete without viewing the pièce de resistance of murals, Historic Walker Lake Mural (3550 Dakota Ave. S), located on the south side of the building at the corner of Walker St. and Dakota Ave. This amazing 1,500 sq. ft. mural, created by Good Space Murals, with the help of local residents and the SLP Friends of the Arts, depicts the past, present and future of this vibrant area.

Shopping

sota clothing – Laid-back apparel with creative and original designs organic to Minnesota, including graphic t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats.

Petropawlis – Your neighborhood pet care store offering food, toys and supplies, grooming and daycare.

Minneapolis Window Shade Co. – A top provider of window coverings for over 100 years. They carry a wide array of options and are an authorized Hunter Douglas dealer, as well as a fabricator of high-quality roller shades.

Park Vacuum Center – One of the largest vacuum showrooms in Minnesota, providing sales and service for nearly 40 years.

Personal Care

Alotapilates – A leading Pilates studio whose mission is to inspire and encourage you on your path to optimal health.

Epic Bodyworks – A massage studio specializing in corrective massage techniques including deep tissue, neuromuscular, myofascial release, trigger point and passive/active stretching.

Function MN Massage & Acupuncture – A health facility providing functional, outcome-driven massage and acupuncture services for people on the move.

Harlowe Salon – A full-service salon offering a range of cuts, color techniques and bridal services.

Hour Rose Salon –  A full-service hair salon offering haircuts, color, bayalage, extensions, French braids, blowouts, updos and bridal services.

KATS Airbrush Tanning Studios – The first airbrush only tanning studio in the Twin Cities providing services for all skin tones.

Minneapolis LocStarz: Natural Hair Salon – A natural hair beauty salon with an array of services for gorgeous locs.

Swoon Lash + Beauty Lounge – A friendly, upbeat and lively spa offering the highest quality eyelash extensions, as well as brow waxing + tinting and lash lifting + tinting.

Vinna Fitness – A sports medicine-based fitness facility that coaches, trains and educates people who want to get moving.

Dining

The Block Food + Drink – A dog-friendly American restaurant with a year-round “paw-tio” known for their broasted chicken, vegan entrées, shakes and “block”tails.

México City Café – A family-owned café serving authentic and modern Mexican food, including street-style tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and tortas.

Muddy Paws Cheesecake – Choose form 222 flavors of artisan cheesecake baked from scratch using the finest, most natural ingredients available.

SLP American Legion Post 282 – An American restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, salads and wraps.

SLP Nutrition – A smoothie and juice bar aimed at making the world a healthier and happier place.

McDonald’s is also nearby.