Discovering Dewey Hill: The Heart of a Welcoming Edina Neighborhood
Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Edina, Dewey Hill is a neighborhood where history and modern living come together harmoniously. For decades, this peaceful area has drawn families with its shady streets, green spaces, and deep sense of community. Gently rolling hills, friendly faces, and a palpable pride in local heritage make Dewey Hill special not just for its homes, but for the stories those homes contain. Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are new to the area, the rich legacy of Dewey Hill is unmistakable.
The Origins: How Dewey Hill Got Its Name
Every place has a story, and Dewey Hill’s starts in the early decades of Edina’s growth. The neighborhood takes its name from Dewey Hill, a natural rise that served as a distinct landmark for early travelers and settlers. The hill itself is believed to honor either Admiral George Dewey, the celebrated hero of the Spanish-American War, or a local family who played a formative role in the area’s development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While historical records offer hints of both origins, neighborhood folklore tends to favor the story of the charismatic Dewey family who homesteaded this lush, elevated land and gave it the character still evident today.
Early Settlement: Farms, Fields, and Pioneering Families
In its infancy, Dewey Hill was open farmland, with the occasional cluster of dairy cows dotting the landscape. The main thoroughfares—now Dewey Hill Road and Valley View Road—were nothing more than dusty wagon trails running past family farms. At the turn of the century, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants began building homesteads in the area, carving out orchards along what would become Killebrew Drive, and raising their children with the hope of fresh opportunity.
Key milestones during this era included:
- The construction of the first schoolhouse near today’s Valley View Middle School
- The rise of small truck farms along Dewey Hill Road, supplying markets in Minneapolis
- Community gatherings and church socials held in homes that still stand on Oaklawn Avenue and Interlachen Boulevard
Growth and Transformation: The Post-War Boom
In the years following World War II, Edina—and Dewey Hill with it—underwent a period of dramatic transformation. Like much of suburban America, the farmland was gradually subdivided and replaced with quiet residential streets, designed with families and community in mind. Split-level homes and ramblers began popping up in the 1950s and ’60s, each with tidy lawns and towering mature trees.
Milestones from this era:
- The paving of Dewey Hill Road and Interlachen Boulevard, which made the neighborhood accessible year-round
- The establishment of Creek Valley Elementary School in the 1960s, anchoring Dewey Hill’s family-friendly identity
- The creation of Walnut Ridge Park, providing residents with beloved playgrounds, wide fields for picnics, and a lush walking trail that loops through the heart of the community
Landmarks and Legacy: What Makes Dewey Hill Unique
Today, Dewey Hill is celebrated not just for its well-kept homes, but for the places and traditions that connect neighbors across generations. A walk down Brookview Avenue offers glimpses of mid-century architecture, set against manicured gardens and the changing tapestry of the seasons.
Notable landmarks and features include:
- Walnut Ridge Park: The social and recreational hub, hosting everything from summer movie nights to the annual neighborhood kickball tournament.
- St. Patrick’s Catholic Church: Just beyond the neighborhood’s southern edge, it has long been a spiritual and cultural anchor for local families.
- Historic Farmhouses: On streets like Interlachen Boulevard, a handful of original farmhouses remain, lovingly maintained and occasionally featured on local home tours.
A Place To Call Home: Dewey Hill Over The Decades
Each generation has added its own layer to Dewey Hill’s story. In the 1980s and ’90s, larger custom homes joined the landscape, appealing to a new wave of residents attracted by Edina’s acclaimed schools and quiet charm. As the city’s boundaries blurred into Eden Prairie and Bloomington, Dewey Hill retained its distinct, wooded feel—thanks to thoughtful planning and an engaged neighborhood association.
Today’s Dewey Hill is a tapestry of:
- Young families playing in the parks and walking to school
- Longtime residents tending perennial gardens outside the same homes where their children grew up
- Annual block parties and seasonal festivities that keep neighborhood spirit alive
You’ll hear stories of kids sledding down Dewey Hill itself when fresh snow falls, or about porch gatherings on warm spring nights as neighbors check in and swap news.
Looking Forward: Preserving Heritage and Building Community
Dewey Hill’s heritage is cherished not just in landmarks or street names, but in the memories passed down among residents—memories of the days when farms gave way to homes, of the first swings installed at Walnut Ridge Park, and of long friendships forged over decades. As Edina grows and changes, Dewey Hill remains a testament to the enduring appeal of community, tradition, and natural beauty.
It’s more than just a neighborhood. It’s a living story, and all who call Dewey Hill home are part of its next chapter.