Lilydale Regional Park, aka “The Brick Yards”

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA
2009 FIELD TRIP NUMBER  1
Lilydale Regional Park, aka “The Brick Yards”

Leaders: Roger Benepe and Steve Erickson. Geological Society of Minnesota

HIGHLIGHTS:    This is a half day trip to the old Twin Cities Brick Company, now called Lilydale Regional Park, which will look at Ordovician Rocks containing lots and lots of fossils.  Some of the fossils found are crinoids, corals, brachiopods, Bryozoans and for a few lucky hunters, TRILOBITES.  We can also look at some of the remains of the Brick Company, with a few souvenir bricks.  This will be for all ages, great one for kids.  Adults supervision of children required, Rog and I am not good baby sitters.  This will start at 9 AM and you may leave whenever you feel covered enough in mud.  Good hiking boots required, a stressful climb will be part of the days work. 

WHEN AND HOW:   If you go through St. Paul, either Wabasha or Robert Streets will take you to Plato Blvd. Take Plato to its end. However, do not go onto Water Street. The Hudson Street guide is incorrect. Water Street is a dead end. Instead go on Plato until it comes to a “T” at Justus Ohage Drive (on some Hudson Road Maps this is listed as “Water Street” ). Turn left and go 1 mile south, under the High Bridge, to the sign marked “Lilydale Regional Park”. 
Or, if you are coming up north on 35E, you may exit at Minnesota Highway 13, just before the river, and at the top of the ramp head east (turn right if you have come northbound on 35E), and you will see Lilydale Drive about 50 yards from the ramp. Go 2.1 miles on this road and you will see Lilydale Regional Park, after you pass under an abandoned railroad bridge.

PREPARATION:   Come prepared for any type of weather.  Be prepared for stressful hiking up and down the river bluff.  Good hiking boots are required.  Bring a rock hammer, chisel, and at least one bucket, (two if possible, makes a good portable seat).

Bring water, and a snack or box lunch. 

COST:   For single people $ 5.00 dollars for members, $10.00 dollars for non-member.  For family, $10.00 dollars for members, and $20.00 dollars for non-members.