Sherlock Park is one of East Grand Forks' signature community parks and is considered one of the city's main family destinations. Located at 919 5th Avenue NW, the approximately 11-acre park combines recreation, community gathering spaces, and one of the region's most recognizable playgrounds into a single destination. Sherlock Park sits in northwest East Grand Forks, adjacent to the Red River State Recreation Area and just minutes from downtown. It is also connected to the community's Greenway system, making it easy to reach by bicycle or on foot.
The Park at a Glance
Sherlock Park is designed as a family-oriented destination where visitors can easily spend an entire afternoon. Within the park you'll find:
- A large destination playground (Sherlock Forest Playground)
- Sherlock Park Swimming Pool
- Two reservable picnic shelters
- Open green space
- Picnic tables and charcoal grills
- Heated restroom facilities (seasonally)
- Walking paths
- Swings and traditional playground equipment
- Mature trees providing shade throughout the park
Because of so many amenities in one location, the park is a popular venue for birthday parties, family reunions, community celebrations, and summer outings.
Sherlock Forest Playground
("Castle Park")
The park's most iconic feature is Sherlock Forest Playground, often affectionately called "Castle Park" by locals.
Originally constructed in 2003, the playground was unique because local elementary students helped design it, and hundreds of community volunteers came together to build it, giving the playground a special sense of community ownership from the very beginning.
The 2011 Fire
On May 27, 2011, a devastating fire destroyed much of the wooden playground. Rather than replacing it with a standard play structure, the community rallied once again. Under the leadership of co-chairs Penny Pape and Katie Nelson, volunteers rebuilt Sherlock Forest through another major community effort. Today, the rebuilt playground continues to serve thousands of children each year and remains one of East Grand Forks' most beloved recreational spaces.
The playground features:
- Castle-themed towers
- Bridges
- Climbers
- Slides
- Imaginative play spaces
- Areas designed for a wide range of ages
Picnic Shelters
Sherlock Park provides two reservable shelters.
The shelters are generally available from May through September and are among the most requested park rental locations in the city.
About Shelter #1 at Sherlock Park
Large round; located at top of the hill, closest to restrooms and parking lot
Shelter includes:
- Power
- Charcoal grills
- 8 Tables (seats 48)
- Trash cans
- Bathrooms near shelter (open daily)
- Access to Greenway Trail
About Shelter #2 at Sherlock Park
Medium rectangle; located at bottom of hill nearest to secondary playground
Includes:
- Charcoal grill
- 6 tables (seats 36)
- Trash cans
- Bathrooms near shelter (open daily)
- ADA accessible
- Access to Greenway Trail
- More private, secluded feeling location
Reserve a Shelter at Sherlock Park
East Grand Forks Park shelters are reserved on a first come, first served basis. All shelters and alcohol permits are free of charge in East Grand Forks.
Rental Availability
- Daily from May 1st through September 30th
- Parks open daily: 10 a.m. to Dusk
- No advanced reservations made until February 1st of the current year.
To Reserve a Park Shelter
- Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 218-773-8000 or visit the East Grand Forks Parks and Recreation office at City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to check for availability.
- Fill out a Park Shelter Application Form to set your date and time in stone as well as an Alcohol Permit Application form if applicable.
- Pick up your shelter permit at the Parks and Recreation office in East Grand Forks City Hall. This must be hung up at the shelter during your event.
Call Us
(218) 399-3272
(218) 773-8000
Email Us
Please indicate the following in your email inquiry:
- Name of park
- Shelter number requested
- Requested date of event
- Requested times of event (beginning and end)
Meet Us at Our Office
600 Demers Ave
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
Main Floor, East Wing, Suite E102
