The Opening of Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary Will Be Delayed

Posted on 30 March, 2020

Originally scheduled to open on Wednesday, April 1, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary will remain closed through at least April 10, due to the impacts of COVID-19.

While disappointing, this delay prioritizes the health and safety of garden visitors and employees, and is part of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) response to to COVID-19. That response includes adhering to social distance guidelines for people to keep at least six feet apart from individuals from other households.

Social distancing among visitors and staff would be difficult on the garden’s narrow paths and boardwalks, which were designed to help protect its delicate environment. In addition, garden access is constrained by fencing and a single main entrance.

The good news is that MPRB parks, trails and other outdoor destinations – including most other gardens – remain open even under Minnesota’s “stay-at-home” order, in effect through April 10. Everyone is welcome to use the Minneapolis park system for walking, hiking, running, biking or other activities that maintain a social distance of at least six feet between themselves and people from other households.

MPRB leadership and staff continue to monitor COVID-19’s impacts on the public and employees, in partnership with the Minneapolis Health Department, Minneapolis Office of Emergency Management, and Minnesota Department of Health. As part of this ongoing process, MPRB will determine and announce an opening date for the garden’s 2020 season.

More information and updates

Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for updates and other MPRB FAQs, including facility closings and activity cancellations.
Sign up for email updates at minneapolisparks.org/subscribe; select “COVID-19” in the “News Updates.”

About the garden

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is the oldest public wildflower garden in the nation. Located within Theodore Wirth Regional Park, its legacy dates back to 1907, when Minneapolis botanist Eloise Butler and botany teachers successfully petitioned the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to create a natural botanic garden to preserve native flora as the city grew. Three acres of bog, meadow and hillside were properly fenced and the Wild Botanic Garden opened April 27, 1907.