NEXT PLACE TO TAKE A PHOTO

NEXT PLACE TO TAKE A PHOTO 4 good photo spots in Savage

From natural to historical sites, There’s ample photo opportunities

BY TOM SCHARDIN

Elliott Erwitt, a renowned FrenchAmerican photographer once said:

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”

Interesting, as well as ordinary, places are all around the city of Savage — the historic Savage Depot, the Environmental Learning Center at McColl Pond, the natural settings at Hidden Valley Park, or smells and sites at Savage Farmers Market.

It just takes a creative eye and a little patience to capture moments in time, whether it’s for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or the more old-fashioned way, a portfolio.

Here are a few of our city’s picturesque sites. Do you have a suggestion? Contact editor@ savagepacer.com.

MCCOLL POND

There are about 10 acres of native prairie, rain and butterfly gardens and mature trees at the McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center. It’s also a popular spot for weddings, graduation and anniversary parties and holiday gatherings — perfect opportunities for photos.

The ELC was designed for sustainability. It’s powered by solar and geothermal energy. It has a vegetated rooftop that collects storm water. Walls are made from wheat products, countertops from recycled plastics and cabinets from sunflower seeds.

HIDDEN VALLEY PARK

Hidden Valley Park, located at 132 Street West, is a hidden gem. Tucked into surrounding nature, it has an ample play area, a spot to shoot archery, a baseball diamond and plenty of trails with the Credit River running through it.

In 2021, with the help of some middle school students and Ultra Lego Creators, an outdoor obstacle course was built, which was aimed at promoting balance, strength and problemsolving skills.

Park-goers will find a ridethe-plank seesaw, a dancing with logs balance course and a climbing net, among other things.

FARMERS MARKET

Vegetables, fruits, meats, honey and plenty of beautiful cut flowers can be found at the Savage Farmers Market. Located off Highway 13 near the Historic Train Depot, the market opens in June and runs through October.

It’s operated by the St. Paul Growers’ Association and allows only fresh, 100 percent locally grown produce to be sold directly from the grower to the consumer.

SAVAGE DEPOT

In 1923, famous aviator Charles Lindbergh made an emergency landing in a swampy area in Savage after experiencing engine failure. While waiting for repairs to be made to his aircraft, he stayed in town at the Savage Depot.

The historical landmark is located at 4800 West 123rd Street. It’s gone through some changes and is now leased to local restaurant that makes Mexican-Thai fusion food.

The McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center at Community Park in Savage often has thriving and blooming irises, among other fl owers and rain gardens, all summer long.

FILE PHOTOS

The historic Savage Depot, located at 4800 West 123rd Street. It’s now leased to local business that makes Mexican-Thai fusion food, including tacos, burritos and quesadillas.

A visitor and his dog walk over Credit River in Savage’s Hidden Valley Park following a snowfall.