Nestled in the southwest corner of Edina, just west of Minneapolis proper, Parkwood Knolls is one of those Minnesota neighborhoods where history, beauty, and neighborly spirit have quietly converged for generations. While many residents describe it as a “hidden oasis,” the story of Parkwood Knolls is deeply woven into the broader fabric of Twin Cities history, brimming with storied homes, winding streets, and shared memories.
Origins: From Rural Retreat to Residential Haven
Parkwood Knolls began as rolling farmland and woodlands on the outskirts of Minneapolis. In the mid-20th century, as Edina itself grew from a sleepy village into a thriving suburb, developers saw potential in this gently hilled land peppered with ponds and natural woodland. The area’s transformation took off in the 1950s, especially as demand surged for upscale suburban living that balanced proximity to the city with peaceful surroundings.
The name “Parkwood Knolls” speaks directly to the land’s character: “Parkwood” highlights the neighborhood’s abundance of natural parks and leafy groves, while “Knolls” refers to the gently rising hills that distinguish the local geography. Many original marketing materials from the Edina Realty archives played on that idyllic, elevated feeling—a place where families could enjoy “country living in the city.”
Early Development and Visionary Planners
Development in Parkwood Knolls was marked by an emphasis on privacy, space, and casual elegance. Large lots were carved out along curving roads like Parkwood Road, Londonderry Road, and Knoll Drive, all designed to follow the landscape’s natural undulation. By the early 1960s, covenants ensured homes would fit harmoniously into the tree-dotted scenery. Most houses were custom-built, reflecting mid-century modern design trends: low-slung ramblers, split-levels, and later, more contemporary interpretations.
One of the defining characteristics from the earliest days was the absence of through-traffic, with streets designed intentionally to wind and loop. That legacy continues—those who walk or drive through Parkwood Knolls today notice its tranquil air, rarely disturbed by the bustle of arterial roads.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
While Parkwood Knolls is known primarily for its residential character, several landmarks stand out, serving as touchstones for the community:
- Creek Valley Elementary School: Positioned along Gleason Road, this beloved elementary school has welcomed generations of Edina families. Its sprawling campus serves as an unofficial neighborhood gathering place for community events, picnics, and after-school play.
- Bredesen Park: With its extensive trails, wetlands, and woodlands, Bredesen Park is a recreational treasure adjacent to Parkwood Knolls’ eastern edge. The park’s 206 acres offer residents a slice of wilderness just steps from their doors—ideal for walking, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing in winter.
- Private Ponds: Several homes in Parkwood Knolls back onto sparkling private or semi-private ponds. In winter, many become neighborhood skating rinks, making for quintessential Minnesota memories.
The neighborhood is also home to a number of elegant original residences—some thoughtfully updated, others carefully preserved—that showcase the work of noted Twin Cities architects. Several properties along Parkwood Road and Knoll Drive feature unique flourishes, from fieldstone walls to dramatic windowlines, offering snapshots of changing architectural tastes across the decades.
Key Historical Milestones
Parkwood Knolls has evolved steadily, not in dramatic bursts but through thoughtful continual renewal. Some key milestones in its story include:
- 1950s-60s: The first phases of neighborhood development; construction of the early custom homes and the establishment of covenants.
- 1973: The opening of Creek Valley Elementary School, cementing Parkwood Knolls’ status as a family-focused community.
- 1980s-90s: Second-generation homeowners refresh and expand many original homes, introducing new family needs and ideas into the community fabric.
- 2000s-Present: Ongoing revitalization, as some of the largest and most significant homes in west Edina are built—and as longtimers and newcomers blend to create an active neighborhood association.
The Parkwood Knolls Neighborhood Association, founded to advocate for safety, environment, and social life, remains a unifying force. Block parties, yard sales, and seasonal celebrations invite the whole neighborhood to participate, reinforcing a cherished sense of belonging.
A Neighborhood That Grows With Its People
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Parkwood Knolls is how it has preserved its essential character while evolving to reflect the changing face of Edina—and the Twin Cities more broadly. Homes here are larger than those in many surrounding areas, with lush lawns and mature trees that speak to careful land stewardship. Residents enjoy proximity to both city amenities and quiet natural beauty, with shopping and dining at nearby 50th & France, or quick access to Highway 100 for easy citywide commuting.
Over the years, the neighborhood has grown more diverse, reflecting broader changes in Edina and beyond. Longtime residents—some who have called Parkwood Knolls home for multiple generations—eagerly welcome young families, empty nesters, and professionals who are drawn to the neighborhood’s warmth and timeless appeal.
Living History: Stories Carried Forward
Current Parkwood Knolls residents will tell you: it’s not just the stately homes or meandering streets that make this neighborhood special, but the people. Generations have shared sledding runs down snowy knolls, fireworks over the park, and warm summer evenings chatting on front porches or cul-de-sacs.
Children grow up tracing the same trails their parents once biked; neighbors still greet each other by name, and annual block parties introduce new friends to old traditions. In Parkwood Knolls, the passage of time does not erode the place’s spirit—instead, every decade only adds to its texture.
Looking Ahead
As Parkwood Knolls looks to the future, it remains a living tribute to principled planning, smart growth, and a community ethos built on respect for nature and neighbor alike. It’s no wonder many families who leave eventually return: there’s something magnetic about these shady streets, these gentle hills, these echoes of history in every stone and story shared.
For anyone lucky enough to call it home, Parkwood Knolls is not just a neighborhood—it’s a heritage, and a promise, lovingly passed from one generation to the next.