Enchanting wonder around every corner at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary
Address: 1 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, 55405
About Eloise Butler Garden and Bird Sanctuary
It’s tough to summarize everything Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is in a few short sentences, but the word that keeps coming to mind is magnificent. It feels like it is straight out of a storybook. Located within Theodore Wirth Park, Eloise Butler is the oldest public wildflower garden in the entire country, and it is an absolute treasure. In the early 1900s, retired botany teacher Eloise Butler created the “wild garden- collecting, protecting, preserving and cataloging wild plants and offering free botany classes.” The park was named in her honor. From the beautiful flowers to the 13 acres of untouched nature to the charming visitor center and front gate, there is magic around every corner here and so much to explore.
Garden Storytime
From May through October, Eloise Butler hosts Garden Storytime near its Visitor Center, led by a naturalist. The events always have a theme centered around nature, such as animal habitats, and include a book and an activity for children. There is a large tarp for kids to sit on, and several benches surround the area. The Garden storytimes are also offered in Spanish!
It is a short hike to the Visitor Center, which begins with a wide staircase. It is possible to get a stroller from the parking lot down a side trail, but from personal experience, it is not recommended because it is pretty steep. The trail is also covered in mulch, which is great for toddlers to walk on but not as ideal for stroller wheels. If you are bringing along an infant, this would be a great time to pull out your favorite baby-wearing mechanism.
Be sure to take a few minutes to stop in the Visitor Center, where you can find lots of nature books, as well as some cool artifacts. You can also chat with a knowledgeable volunteer.
Chasing Wildflowers
The wildflower prairie is one of the signatures of Eloise Butler, and it is simply stunning. It is hard to believe you are just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of city life in this incredible space. The pathway through the garden is hilly and also covered in mulch. There are signs noting what wildflowers are growing, and your kids can delight in locating each one along their hike. If you are planning a visit, make sure your children are wearing closed-toe shoes and pack some bug spray and water bottles.
Quaking Bog
The Quaking Bog isn’t technically a part of Eloise Butler, but it is just too cool not to mention. It is about a 1-minute drive or 5-minute walk from the Garden and also has a small parking lot. This bog is rare —the only one within the Twin Cities metro area —and is wet and spongy, so be sure to pack some waterproof clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Visitors can take a short walk to a floating boardwalk where you can walk on the wetland. It is a great place to spot frogs and dragonflies. The bog can become quite wet and muddy after it rains, so be sure to consider the weather when planning your trip.
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary Highlights
- Beloved wildflower garden and bird sanctuary located within Theodore Wirth Park featuring acres of wildflowers, woodlands, and prairie
- Garden Storytimes hosted by naturalist
- A variety of events are held throughout the season. Find detailed information and updates on their social media sites.
Related Article: Adventure Day: Discover the Magic of Minnehaha Falls Park in Minneapolis
Know Before You Go
- Website
- Free admission
- Garden season runs from April 15th through October 15th
- Open weekends only October 18th – 19th, and October 25th – 26th
- Hours: Closed Mondays, Open Tuesdays through Sundays 7:30 a.m. through 6 p.m., Open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays from April 15th through August 31st
- Small parking lot and street parking available
- On-site restrooms
Mary McGuire is a mother of two young girls and freelance journalist based in the Twin Cities. Her current interests include searching for lost pacifiers, cleaning up crushed Cheerios, and sharing everything our great state has to offer with other families. Born and raised in Edina, Mary has worked in broadcast television for more than a decade at TV stations across the country.
