The Beginnings of Golf Terrace Heights
Nestled in the heart of Edina, Minnesota, Golf Terrace Heights is a neighborhood where elegant streets intertwine with a rich tapestry of local history. Known today for its picturesque homes, leafy boulevards, and proximity to the beloved Edina Country Club, this community holds a special place in the story of Edina’s growth and evolution.
The origins of Golf Terrace Heights date back to the early 20th century, when Edina was beginning its transformation from a rural milling village to an affluent, sought-after suburb of Minneapolis. Much of Edina’s early settlement was centered around the old Edina Mill at Minnehaha Creek, but as streetcar lines and highways made commuting to the city convenient, residential neighborhoods began taking shape further south and west—including the elevated area that would become Golf Terrace Heights.
How Golf Terrace Heights Got Its Name
The name "Golf Terrace Heights" is both literal and evocative: it reflects the neighborhood’s scenic, rolling topography (“Heights”) and its relationship to one of Edina’s greatest institutions, the Edina Country Club and golf course. Developed in the late 1920s, the Edina Country Club quickly became the social heart of the community, drawing families seeking a blend of gracious living and recreation.
Homes began springing up on the tree-shaded avenues that adjoined and overlooked the club’s fairways. Streets such as Golf Terrace, Lynnhurst Avenue, and Wooddale Avenue formed the primary arteries of the evolving community. The area soon earned a reputation for both its natural beauty and its close-knit atmosphere, forging an identity distinct from surrounding neighborhoods.
Landmark Moments and Development
The decades following the country club’s establishment were transformative for Golf Terrace Heights. The Great Depression and World War II slowed further development, but from the 1950s onward, Edina’s booming growth saw the neighborhood blossom. Brick ramblers, two-story Colonials, and charming Tudors quickly gave the enclave its now-iconic architectural character.
- In the post-war years, Golf Terrace Heights became known for the quality of its schools—especially the historic Highlands Elementary and proximity to Edina High School.
- The construction of the Edina Promenade and subsequent expansion of parks and bike trails in the 1970s and 1980s made the area even more desirable for families.
Several blocks of Golf Terrace Heights still retain original street layouts; if you stroll down W 54th Street, Benton Avenue, or Drexel Drive, you’ll notice mature elms and maples overhead, and homes with lovingly maintained gardens. The proximity to Minnehaha Creek lends a sense of peace and connection with Edina’s natural heritage.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
The Edina Country Club, stretching along 50th Street and Wooddale Avenue, is undeniably the crown jewel of Golf Terrace Heights. Founded in 1923, its lush greens and stately clubhouse remain a beloved gathering place. Over the generations, it has hosted everything from championship golf tournaments to charitable galas, but it’s often the hum of laughter from summer barbecues or the sight of children sledding on a nearby hill that best captures the spirit of the neighborhood.
Just to the north, Wooddale Park offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and open green spaces that are treasured by young families and fitness enthusiasts alike. The park acts as a communal “backyard,” hosting everything from birthday parties to friendly weekend baseball games.
Nearby, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church—established in the 1940s—serves as another focal point, welcoming generations of Edina families with open arms.
Streets Steeped in Tradition
As you walk or drive through Golf Terrace Heights, you’ll notice that the neighborhood was thoughtfully designed for community, comfort, and aesthetics:
- Golf Terrace: The namesake street curves gracefully through the neighborhood and offers some of the most striking views of the country club’s fairways.
- Lynnhurst Avenue: Lined with homes that span almost a century of Edina’s architectural trends, Lynnhurst is known for both its beauty and friendly neighbors.
- Wooddale Avenue: Serving as both an entryway and a spine for the neighborhood, Wooddale is where parades and holiday decorations set a festive mood through the seasons.
Evolution Over the Decades
Golf Terrace Heights has always prized a sense of continuity and connection between past and present. While many of the original houses have undergone tasteful renovations, the neighborhood’s character—the pride in long-term residency, beautifully tended lawns, and a culture of hospitality—remains vibrantly intact.
Over the years, Golf Terrace Heights has attracted a diverse mix of residents. You’ll find multi-generation Edina families living next door to newcomers drawn by the area’s reputation for walkability, access to parks, and stellar schools. Regular neighborhood gatherings, block parties, and civic committees encourage a spirit of volunteerism and belonging.
The neighborhood association, established in the 1970s, continues to play an active role in preserving the unique charm of Golf Terrace Heights. From advocating for traffic calming measures to organizing garden tours, residents cherish their ability to shape their own community’s destiny—in partnership with city officials and each other.
Heritage and Heart: What Makes Golf Terrace Heights Special
Ask any longtime resident about Golf Terrace Heights, and you’ll hear stories of childhood adventures along Minnehaha Creek, friendships nurtured on front porches, and holiday light displays that seem to stretch for blocks. It’s a neighborhood where traditions are cherished but progress is welcomed—where every corner has a tale to tell, and every street reflects Edina's commitment to excellence in community living.
The harmonious blend of historic homes, green spaces, and a vibrant community spirit makes Golf Terrace Heights not just a place to live, but a place to belong. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of early residents along Wooddale Avenue or discovering the natural beauty of the parks, it’s clear that the heart of Edina beats strongest here—rooted in history, blossoming with every new generation that calls Golf Terrace Heights home.