Opal's Walk for Freedom - St. Paul

Harriet Island. The Mississippi River. 2.5 miles for freedom. Opal's Walk for Freedom comes to St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, June 19, 2026, starting at Harriet Island — just across the river from downtown St. Paul. A 2.5‑mile walk celebrating Juneteenth and honoring Ms. Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth." Free for youth 18 and under.

The Walk — History & Symbolism:

• 2.5 miles represents the 2.5 years between the Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863) and June 19, 1865 — the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce freedom for enslaved people
• Ms. Opal Lee, a former teacher and activist from Fort Worth, Texas, walked from her home to Washington, D.C. at age 89 to advocate for Juneteenth as a national holiday
• Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021
• This walk continues her legacy of unity, freedom, and community action

Location — Harriet Island, St. Paul:

• Harriet Island Regional Park is a 32‑acre park on the Mississippi River, directly across from downtown St. Paul
• Start/finish near the Harriet Island Pavilion
• Paved walking paths along the river with views of the Mississippi River, the Wabasha Street Bridge, and the St. Paul skyline
• Plenty of open space for post‑walk gatherings, picnics, and community activities

What's Included (Adult Registration):

• In‑person walk entry
• Event t‑shirt

Youth Registration (18 & under):

• FREE entry (includes walk participation)
• T‑shirt available for purchase separately

Schedule:

• Friday, June 19, 2026
• 9:00 AM — Walk begins at Harriet Island
• Post‑walk community gathering at the park (specific times on event website)

Logistics:

• Parking available at Harriet Island parking lots (arrive early — limited spaces)
• Additional parking near the Science Museum of Minnesota and RiverCentre (paid lots)
• Public transport: Metro Transit bus routes serve the Harriet Island area (check schedules)
• Bib pickup: race morning at Harriet Island (check event website for exact times)
• No refunds unless Refund Protection Program was purchased. Race management may cancel or modify the event due to unfavorable conditions — no refunds for "Acts of God."

Nearby Attractions (post‑walk):

• Mississippi River riverfront trail system — extend your walk or bike ride
• Science Museum of Minnesota (across the river)
• Minnesota Children's Museum
• Historic Schmidt Brewery complex
• West Side neighborhood — taquerias, Latin American markets, and community murals

Charity Partner:

• Unity Unlimited, Inc. — fundraising goal $25,003. Currently raised $27 (0% of goal).
• Proceeds support Juneteenth awareness programs and community unity initiatives