Battle Creek - Saint Paul, MN Area Guide

The Ojibwe and Dakota tribes fought frequently over resources along the river and in the area now known as Battle Creek. As settlers moved in and resources became even more scarce, the battles increased. In 1819, the US established Fort Snelling and attempted to oversee Indian affairs in Minnesota. The battles continued, and several years and multiple treaties later, the tensions erupted into the Dakota War of 1862, when the Dakota clashed with US soldiers in an attempt to drive them out. It ended badly for the Dakota, with the execution of 38 Dakota men (with an additional 150 killed in battle) just four months after the conflict began. The US lost 77 soldiers and roughly 450-800 settlers.

Today, historic Fort Snelling State Park protects the history of this area. It is located at the junction of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers as part of the massive parks system that follows the Mississippi River and connect to Battle Creek Regional Park. When you choose an apartment in Battle Creek, you'll have this park as your backyard. This park includes a water park, a sledding hill, cross-country ski trails, picnic shelters, a playground, paved trails, a dog park, and a mountain biking trail.

Nearly all of the area's business is clustered along the I-94 corridor, including the popular Minneapolis Mexican restaurant Los Ocampo, which has a St. Paul location on I-94's South Frontage Road. Tortas sandwiches lined with creamy refried beans, traditional Mexican posole and menuda soups, the classic range of tacos, burritos, and flautas done expertly, and tasty drinks featuring fresh margaritas make this a good choice for a night out on the town. Walleye, Minnesota's favorite fish, gives a northern twist to the pan-fried fish served with three different Mexican sauces. Los Ocampo features live mariachi music on weekends.

Tea House Chinese Restaurant serves an authentic Chinese menu. Expect freshly grated garlic, ginger root, and a zing of real spice. Good luck getting a table here on Saturday or Sunday, when families gather for the weekend brunch buffet. Traditional dishes, such as rice congee, egg pancakes, and mapo tofu, make the buffet a fun and flavorful excursion through authentic Szechuan cuisine.

Residents of Battle Creek can quite possibly live car-free in this area; numerous bus lines run through the region, stopping at Sun Ray Center strip mall and through the neighborhoods along McKnight Street and Upper Afton Road. A park-and-ride lot collects commuters heading downtown. As in most parts of the Twin Cities, hailing a cab proves an impossible task, but calling a cab company or Uber always serves as an option.

Drivers appreciate fast access to downtown or the eastern suburbs via I-94, both just 10 minutes away by car. Battle Creek Park features recreational bike trails, and an off-street trail runs along the edge of the park, ultimately connecting to trails that lead downtown. A strong cyclist can reach downtown St. Paul in 45 minutes.

Battle Creek Park is a beautiful, wild, and historically rich park features a waterfall, exposed limestone walls, and abundant wildlife. Its elevation and location in the Mississippi River migration corridor make it a top spot to watch birds in the spring and fall. Thousands of raptors travel overhead, and birdwatchers flock to watch. The developed eastern section of the park offers cross-country skiing, a small, fee-based water park in the summer, a picnic area, and a popular mountain biking trail that runs through the park. Off Upper Afton Road, a large off-leash dog park provides room to run in a gorgeous, mature oak forest.

Approximately 2,000 years ago, Native American Hopewellian communities buried their dead in multi-layered, man-made hills. Found throughout the Upper Midwest, farmers and grave robbers destroyed most of these grave sites, but six have been preserved in Mounds Park and serve as ceremonial sites for today's regional tribes. Paved walking trails and picnic areas make this fascinating and beautiful park welcoming for all.

Prices for groceries, gas and goods run a touch lower here, perhaps five percent less than in other parts of the city. A one-bedroom apartment in Battle Creek goes for around $700. The charming vintage homes in the Mounds Park area command higher prices.

A variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses are located along I-94, including Sun Ray Shopping Center. This strip mall contains a Petland, Sally Beauty Supply, TJ Maxx, and a Cub Foods supermarket.

With downtown St. Paul just over three miles away, take the five-minute trip along I-94 to visit this city's shops, restaurants, and the St. Paul Farmers Market, or head down I-494 for 17 miles and experience the ultimate shopping destination -- the Mall of America. This 20-minute drive is one you'll want to make frequently to experience this mall's amazing shops, the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, and the indoor theme park. If you prefer mass transit, a bus will get you there in just over an hour.