Visit the World’s Largest Raspberry in Hopkins, Minnesota

Where is the World’s Largest Raspberry?

You’ll find the sculpture on the east side of 8th Avenue North, about half a block north of Mainstreet, beside the Hopkins Health & Wellness Center. It is an easy landmark to work into a downtown walk or a Minnesota sightseeing day.

Use the landmark’s name in your map app rather than searching for Raspberry Park, which is a different place in Hopkins.

Where should you park?

Look for public parking downtown and walk to the sculpture. The City of Hopkins lists free parking periods of one to three hours in downtown lots, depending on the location. Time limits can differ even within the same lot, so read the signs where you park.

Use the city’s downtown public parking map to plan your stop. Check the current parking rules for permits and winter restrictions. Leave private business spaces available for their customers.

Make room for the whole berry.

The raspberry itself measures 11 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Its green steel vine reaches 22 feet, so a close-up can miss a big part of the sculpture.

• Start with a vertical photo to include both the berry and its vine.
• Try one wider shot with a person in the frame to show the scale.
• Take a second, closer image of the berry’s red segments and green leaves.

Choose a safe place to stand, keep the sidewalk clear, and avoid stepping into the road to get the shot. These are our suggested photo ideas, not designated viewing spots.

Why does Hopkins have a giant raspberry?

The berry is a nod to the area’s farming roots. According to the City of Hopkins, Joe and John Empanger received raspberry plants in 1880. Other growers around Shady Oak Lake later helped make raspberry farming an important local industry.

The Hopkins Raspberry Festival carries that connection forward. The festival has celebrated the community since 1935, with a tradition of events, local business participation, and a parade.

The giant sculpture arrived much later. Unveiled on July 8, 2017, it was created by sculptor Ben Janssens and commissioned by Dr. Pete L’Allier. The 1,000-pound berry hangs from a stylized steel vine. It is a playful way to remember a serious part of Hopkins’ history.

Stay for a little more Hopkins.

Our suggestion: take your raspberry photos first, then head back to Mainstreet and give yourself time to wander. Browse the shops, look for a place to eat, or settle in for a coffee. Check individual businesses for current opening hours.

If you enjoy art, the Hopkins Center for the Arts at 1111 Mainstreet offers exhibitions and performances. Its gallery is free to visit; check its website for current hours and event tickets.

Planning a summer visit? Check the official Hopkins Raspberry Festival website for the next schedule. Festival activities and downtown parking arrangements can change your plans, so confirm details before heading out.

A few things visitors ask.