Last Saturday was a beautiful fall day, so we decided to explore a new spot in the Twin Cities – the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. Founded in 1907, the Wildflower Garden is the oldest public native plant garden in the United States!
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There is no charge to explore and hike, but there is a minimal parking fee.
Most days the park is staffed by naturalists and volunteers who are happy to tell you what’s blooming, where to explore, and to answer other questions you may have about birds or flowers.
There were ‘scavenger hunt’ sheets available for kids at the entryway, and my boys loved being on a ‘hunt!’
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Once inside, there’s a marked out “trail” for you to walk. I was grateful for this because I have a tendency to get lost if I’m allowed to wander aimlessly. The marked trail is less than a mile and even our youngest son walked all the way through without complaint. (There is also a longer trail for you to explore, but we took the short cut.)
There were so many things to enjoy – different trees, small animals, lots of birds and so many plants. The signs throughout the gardens teach you about the various wildlife.
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Eloise Butler Garden and Bird Sanctuary is beautiful and I look forward to exploring it in the spring when the flowers are blooming!
It’s open April though October – but click here for more information on this spot!
The Walker Sculpture Garden is close by, so I recommend you visit that place next.
If you want to read about another beautiful place to explore, read this post about the Minnesota Arboretum.
Click here for my Minnesota Bucket list.
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