Twin Cities Metro: Vadnais Heights/ Little Canada, MN ©copyright '98 by www.MNRealty.com

Ann & Mike Hermes

Chad Swanson

Steve & Dianna STRUinski

Vadnais Heights

From humble beginnings as a small rural farming community, Vadnais Heights has consistently grown into the successful, thriving residential suburb and business community it is today.

In the 1840's, French settlers began to move north from St. Paul searching for new land to farm. One of these settlers was Jean Vadnais, who settled his family on the northeast edge of the large lake, now known as Vadnais Lake.

In the 1990's, the population of Vadnais Heights reached a landmark 10,000 - and continues to grow at a steady pace.

The lakes, wetlands and ponds around Vadnais Heights have become popular centers for residential neighborhoods. The Greenhaven development, North Oaks Addition, and Raspberry Pointe are just a few of the single family housing developments that have grown out of demand for more residences in the area

In the 1980s, Vadnais Heights was recognized as a great place to locate a business. H.B. Fuller, I.C. Systems and several other high tech companies now reside in the city.

Parks and Recreation

Vadnais Lake has long been important to neighboring St. Paul. In the 1880's, The St. Paul Water Department bought the land around Vadnais Lake and incorporated the lake into its water system. Man made channels were later added to divert the water for supply to St. Paul.

Many of the parks in Vadnais Heights, including Vadnais Park, Berwood Park, and Sucker Creek Park are located on or near these prized wetlands, ponds and lakes.

School Information

Vadnais Heights students are served by Mounds View School District 621 and White Bear Lake School District 624.

The first school building was built in 1892 at the intersection of Centerville Rd. and County Road E, and served about 50 students. Today, a modern school resides on that site with more than 500 students in its elementary grades.

Little Canada

In 1844, settler Benjamin Gervais moved north from St. Paul and claimed land in what is now Little Canada to build the first grist mill in Minnesota that was independent from the government. Today, the large lake on the east side of Little Canada bears his name, and the former grist mill is recognized as the birthplace of the city.

Little Canada began as the township of New Canada in 1858. In the 1950's the township was threatened by the suburban sprawl and the ensuing larger communities that were formed, such as Maplewood. The city leaders came together in 1953 and established the village of Little Canada.

A familiar landmark near the center of Little Canada is the towering St. John's Church. The modern structure now covers the site of the original log church of St. John the Evangelist of Little Canada. Built in 1851-52 by forty French-Canadian families. St. John's was the fourth Roman Catholic church established in the Minnesota Territory. It is the second oldest Catholic church in the state occupying the same plot of land under the same name.

Parks and Recreation

Pioneer Park is one of the newest additions to Little Canada. The park features 4 softball fields, tennis courts and a children's play area.Swimmers can enjoy the beach on Gervais Lake. Grist Mill Park and Spooner Park offer additional opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors.

School Information

Little Canada is served by Roseville School District 623.

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