Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
Discover the oldest public wildflower garden in the U.S., a serene 18-acre sanctuary with 500+ plant species and abundant birdlife.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak wildflower blooms
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
Best Time
Peak wildflower blooms

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the oldest public wildflower garden in the U.S., a serene 18-acre sanctuary with 500+ plant species and abundant birdlife.
"A gem in the city, this sanctuary is perfect for walking, drawing, or just listening to the birdsong."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited; aim for an 8:00 AM arrival on weekends to secure a spot. :car:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Trails are wood-chipped and boardwalks can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Showy Lady Slippers
Various locations
Witness the stunning bloom of Minnesota's state flower, a true spectacle of nature.

Boardwalk Trails
Throughout the garden
Enjoy accessible and scenic walks on charming wooden boardwalks, ideal for all visitors.

Birdsong Serenity
Throughout the garden
Immerse yourself in the peaceful symphony of over 130 bird species in this urban sanctuary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Garden
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited; aim for an 8:00 AM arrival on weekends to secure a spot. :car:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Trails are wood-chipped and boardwalks can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Grab a Garden Map
Don't get lost! Maps are available to help you navigate and find specific blooms. :world_map:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water to enjoy your exploration comfortably. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited; aim for an 8:00 AM arrival on weekends to secure a spot. :car:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Trails are wood-chipped and boardwalks can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Grab a Garden Map
Don't get lost! Maps are available to help you navigate and find specific blooms. :world_map:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water to enjoy your exploration comfortably. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The garden is a photographer's dream, especially during bloom seasons. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden as a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary offering a delightful escape into nature. Many appreciate the free admission and the well-maintained boardwalks, making it accessible for all. While parking can be a challenge, the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
"I went last week and it was such a joy. I loved wandering the garden quietly listening to the falling acorns and birds. Lots of flowers still to see and I'm sure the fall colors will start to pop soon. Don't forget to look for polly the pollinator and head inside the visitor center to collect some milkweed seeds! I already spread mine around my garden hoping to have more milk weed next year. The volunteers are so helpful and kind."
Rachel Pietruszewski (TheRachelPie)
"This is a beautiful sanctuary! I love visiting here to walk, draw, or even just sit and listen to the birdsong. Their firefly event in July was so magical. This is a gem in the city & I absolutely recommend to anyone wanting to be surrounded by nature."
Alanna Khubieh
"My first visit there and it was very impressive. The parking lot is very tiny but I was there on a Saturday morning by 8:00 and I did get a spot. I thought there were wildflowers but I was confused by the layout and I didn't have a map so I think I went the wrong way. It was still very Lush and green and there were lots of birds. My favorite part was in the middle I was on a boardwalk and that is very nice to walk on as I have a back injury I'm recovering from. There were a few places I took pics of sunflowers but I think I missed most of them or they're just not open yet. I love the location and I definitely will be going back again"
Jean Marie Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is located in Minneapolis, MN. It's accessible by car, with parking available, though it can be limited on busy days.
Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving Theodore Wirth Park.Yes, there is a parking lot, but it's described as 'very tiny' by visitors. Arriving early, especially on weekend mornings, is highly recommended to secure a spot.
The garden is situated within Theodore Wirth Park, which often has bike paths. Biking is a great way to access the garden and explore the surrounding park areas.
The garden features a network of trails, including wood-chipped paths and wooden boardwalks. Maps are available to help visitors find their way and identify different plant species.
The boardwalks provide a smoother surface, which can be helpful for strollers and those with mobility challenges. However, some areas may be uneven, so check conditions if accessibility is a primary concern.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is free to enter, making it an accessible natural escape within the city.
The garden is generally open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Minneapolis Parks Foundation website or local listings for the most current hours.
While the garden is most vibrant during spring and summer bloom seasons, its beauty can be appreciated year-round. Fall colors offer a different kind of spectacle, and winter can bring a quiet, serene landscape.
Since admission is free, no advance booking is required. You can visit spontaneously during operating hours.
The garden often has volunteer guides and special events. Check their schedule for any guided tours or educational programs that might be offered during your visit.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The garden boasts over 500 species of native plants, including a wide variety of wildflowers, trees, and bushes. It's known for its diverse collection of Minnesota's native flora.
Wildflower blooms vary throughout the season. Spring is typically peak season for many species, with different flowers emerging from early spring through late summer. The garden often provides information on expected bloom times.
Yes, the sanctuary is home to over 130 species of resident and migratory birds, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching.
Visitors can enjoy walking the trails, birdwatching, photography, drawing, or simply relaxing on the benches. Special events like firefly viewings and seed giveaways are also sometimes offered.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, there is mention of a visitor center where milkweed seeds can be collected.
Benches are also available throughout the garden for resting.📸 📸 Photography
The garden offers numerous picturesque spots, especially during bloom seasons. The boardwalks provide unique vantage points, and the diverse flora and fauna create endless photographic opportunities.
Early mornings often provide softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the garden's beauty. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also yield stunning results.
Typically, drone usage is restricted in public parks and gardens to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check park regulations before flying a drone.
Yes, the garden is a bird sanctuary and home to various wildlife. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a macro lens for close-ups of flowers, would be beneficial. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant birds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for special events that might be geared towards families, such as educational programs or seasonal activities. The garden's relatively compact size makes it manageable for a shorter outing, ensuring that even younger children can enjoy their visit without becoming too tired. It's a wonderful opportunity to foster an early appreciation for nature and conservation.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers
It's also a prime spot for photography enthusiasts and botany buffs. The diverse collection of plants provides endless subjects for close-up shots, while the natural landscapes offer opportunities for broader scenic photography. The garden's historical significance as the oldest public wildflower garden in the U.S. adds another layer of interest for those who appreciate natural history.
📸 Photographers
Early mornings are often best for soft, diffused light and fewer crowds, making it easier to compose your shots. Keep an eye out for the Showy Lady Slippers, Minnesota's state flower, which are a particular highlight. Remember to be patient and respectful of the wildlife and plant life while you capture the garden's beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Wildflowers: The History of Eloise Butler
Butler's vision was to create a space where people could connect with and learn about native plants. She meticulously curated the garden, ensuring a diverse collection that reflects the natural ecosystems of Minnesota. Her efforts laid the groundwork for the garden's ongoing mission to educate and inspire visitors about the importance of native plant conservation. The garden's unique boardwalk system, designed for minimal environmental impact, is a testament to the thoughtful planning that has characterized its history.
Today, the garden remains a beloved urban oasis, offering a peaceful retreat and a living laboratory for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The legacy of Eloise Butler lives on through the continued care and appreciation of this remarkable botanical treasure.
Navigating the Trails and Boardwalks
These boardwalks are not just functional; they are designed to enhance the visitor experience, often curving gently through the landscape and offering intimate views of the surrounding flora and fauna. Some sections even include benches, perfect for pausing to listen to the birdsong or simply soak in the natural beauty. For those who might find traditional hiking trails challenging, the boardwalks offer a comfortable and safe way to enjoy the garden's wonders.
While the trails are generally easy to follow, some visitors have mentioned getting a bit lost, especially if they don't consult a map. It's always a good idea to grab a map at the entrance or use your phone's GPS to ensure you don't miss any of the garden's hidden gems. The variety of paths ensures that every visit can offer a new perspective and a fresh discovery.
A Haven for Birdwatchers
From the cheerful chirping of small songbirds to the calls of larger species, the air is alive with the sounds of nature. Birdwatchers can often spot a variety of species flitting through the trees, foraging on the ground, or perched on branches. The presence of native plants and wildflowers not only provides food and shelter for these birds but also creates a beautiful backdrop for observation.
Many visitors find the experience of listening to the birdsong to be a highlight of their visit, describing it as peaceful and rejuvenating. Whether you're an avid birder with binoculars or simply someone who enjoys the natural world, the sanctuary offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with avian life in an urban setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit