Sunday’s Site – Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, Minneapolis

NOTE: see the bottom of Sunday's Site posts for homes for sale in the area

I always find it amazing how big an impact your surroundings can have on you and how you feel. Regardless of the sense of place that most speaks to you, most people recognize the value of green space and Minneapolis has over 160 parks to prove it. Its park system has been recognized as one of the best nationally, and compared to other park systems has even been described as "closest to park nirvana".

The largest park in Minneapolis is named after Theordore Wirth, the man who was a driving force in transforming Minneapolis into a city known for its parks. The 759 acres of Theordore Wirth Park include a lake,  golf course and a sampling of many year-round activities. But today I am going to talk about the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, the oldest public wildflower garden in the nation. 

The inscription above the entrance gate, "Let nature be your teacher," reflects its beginnings back in 1907, when Eloise Butler and three other botany teachers in Minneapolis successfully petitioned the Minneapolis Park Board to create a natural botanic garden to help protect our native species.

When you enter the 13 acre site, you quickly forget you are in the middle of the city. As I strolled through the garden and bird sanctuary last week I was welcomed by a cacaphony of bird chatter. It was obvious I am not a 'birder', however…although the sound made me feel surrounded by birds I didn't see a single one! I will have to work on my bird sighting skills.

I met a woman on the trail who pointed out horsetail, the plant in the photo on the right above…a plant with medicinal qualities that dates back to prehistoric times! The 2/3 mile trail features 49 interpretive stations explaining some of the more than 500 species of plants in woodland, wetland and prairie habitats with different colorful displays varying with the season. Also nestled within the garden is a visitor center with displays and reference materials. The Garden is open daily April 1 – October 15.

Click here to see homes currently for sale in the area around Theorodre Wirth Park and Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary in Golden Valley and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Please be patient while the link searches for the most current listings…click on the map to zoom in until you see icons on the dots, then pass your cursor over them for property information, click for property details. 

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email – Minneapolis Realtor