Chester and Clara Congdon were among the first Duluthians who insisted on having a professionally designed landscape for their estate. In 1905, they hired the firm of Charles Leavitt Jr. of New York City. He sent two of his landscape architects, Anthony U. Morell and Arthur R. Nichols, to survey and design much of the grounds.
The Congdons wanted a landscape that reflected their love of nature, East Coast sophistication and interest in horticulture. Morell and Nichols had spent time studying the Frederick Law Olmsted design of New York's Central Park.
Morell and Nichols designed the extensive trail system leading from Glensheen's grounds to the shores of Tischer Creek and upstream about a half-mile. The Congdons wanted a walking trail that meandered through deep crevasses, a wildflower glen, a fruit orchard and many unusual tree species that were new to the area.
The Congdon family deeded it to the city of Duluth in 1910 to be used as a public park.
In 1909, Morell and Nichols formed a partnership and took advantage of the contacts they had made while working in Duluth, according to the National Park Service's "Pioneers of the American Landscape II." Realizing a market for their work, they relocated to Minneapolis and became one of the first and most productive landscape architecture firms in the state.
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Nichols is credited with creating plans for two other prominent Duluthians, A.M. Chisholm and H.B. Fryberger. He also worked on Morgan Park, Duluth's civic center, Nopeming Sanatorium and local parks.
