June 18, 2009: Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden (Minneapolis)

Join the group for a hike among the butterflies and wildflowers of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. Theodore Wirth championed an expanded park system during his tenure as Superintendent of Minneapolis Parks from 1906 to 1935. He had a reputation of being a dynamic, progressive, energetic leader who loved flowers, but frequently clashed with Eloise Butler. Wirth Park includes the "Eloise Butler Wild Flower Garden," developed by the school teacher and amateur botanist in 1907, after the Park Board initially turned down her request and she successfully led a citizens’ campaign for the preservation of wild flower areas. After the garden outgrew its original three acre fenced site, and plants were vandalized or stolen, Butler begged for fencing, but Theodore Wirth was busy developing golf links, ski facilities, and a bathhouse in the Park and he brushed her pleas aside. Finally, in 1923, Butler became so determined not to see her life's work so badly treated, she spent $700 dollars of her own money to have the fence constructed. Butler was dumbfounded when Wirth offered to reimburse her for the cost of the fence.

If coming by car: Take I-394 West and exit at Penn Avenue, then go south to the Frontage Road. Proceed west and turn north (right) on Theodore Wirth Parkway. Proceed north, following the signs, to the Garden, which will be on the right hand side of the road. There are two parking lots for the garden, one on the bottom of the hill and one on top of the hill by the entrance gate. There is a $1 Minneapolis Park Board parking fee at either lot.

If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 9C, 9D, and 9E . The closest bus service point appears to be at Glenwood Avenue and Theodore Wirth Parkway, then a short two-block walk from the bus stop to the garden gate (follow the signs).Applicable Metro Transit Map

Interested hikers will reassemble for dessert or dinner after the hike at a nearby restaurant (Broadway Pizza, 2025 West River Road, Minneapolis.)

View Larger Map

Map of Theodore Wirth Park.

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden map

History of the Minneapolis Park System and Butler Garden

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This webpage was last updated on May 28, 2009.