Olcott Park Fountain
Experience the magnificence of Olcott Park’s restored fountain in Virginia, Minnesota.
With surges of water that shoot 30 feet into the air and illuminated by vibrant LED colors, the Olcott Park fountain is a breathtaking sight that draws thousands of visitors from across the Iron Range and beyond. This magnificent centerpiece of the 40-acre Olcott Park represents one of Virginia’s most treasured landmarks, combining Depression-era craftsmanship with modern restoration excellence in Minnesota’s great park system.
A Testament to Community Spirit
The fountain’s story is one of remarkable community dedication. Built by over 100 Virginians, including 70 Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers during the Great Depression, the fountain first dazzled crowds when it debuted on August 16, 1937. Police assistance was needed to control the crowds thronging to see the fountain on opening day. In other words, it was a hit from day one!
After falling silent in 2013 due to deteriorated infrastructure, the Olcott Park community and City of Virginia rallied together for an extraordinary restoration effort. The Olcott Park Fountain Restoration Committee, formed in 2015, raised over $1.1 million from more than 1,400 donors across the region. The beautifully restored fountain reopened on June 13, 2019, earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places and once again drawing thousands of visitors to this great park.
The Engineering Marvel and Historic Rock Garden
The original fountain featured cutting-edge 1937 General Electric Seven-Projector Novalux technology, showcased earlier at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. Set within an elaborate rock garden designed by landscape architect Charles Hanford Jr., the system included:
- 65 water jets creating spectacular spray patterns
- Seven 1500-watt lamps with colored filters (red, amber, green, and blue)
- 60 different water and light combinations over a 360-second cycle
- Automatic controls that operated nightly from 8:30 to 10:00 PM
- Terraced rock garden with observation deck for optimal viewing
Today’s restored fountain surpasses the original with modern LED lighting that’s more intense and vibrant, plus a new spray system that puts 60% more water into the air than the 1937 version. The surrounding rock garden and landscape have been meticulously restored to match the original design.
Discover All That Olcott Park Offers
While the fountain serves as Olcott Park’s crown jewel, this 40-acre historic park offers a variety of activities and well-maintained amenities for visitors of all ages:
- Historical Olcott Park Greenhouse and Botanical Garden
- Disc golf course
- Modern playground equipment in a spacious playground area perfect for families
- Swing sets and climbing structures for children
- Well-maintained walking trails
- Multiple picnic areas with picnic tables
- Baseball fields and softball diamonds for organized sports
- Basketball courts and tennis courts for recreational play
- Open green spaces ideal for games and relaxation
- Direct access to the Mesabi Trail
Plan Your Visit to Olcott Park
Location: Central Virginia, Minnesota (approximately 40-acre park)
Admission: Free and open daily year round
Parking: Ample free parking throughout the park
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible ramp to fountain area
Amenities: Public restrooms, picnic tables, playground equipment, and pavilion rental available through city hall or the recreation office
