Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Minneapolis's largest park, offering 740+ acres of diverse nature, year-round recreation, and urban escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Minneapolis's largest park, offering 740+ acres of diverse nature, year-round recreation, and urban escape.
"You can feel like you're in the wilderness despite being in the middle of Minneapolis."
🗺️ Explore Diverse Trails
Mix of paved and unpaved trails for hiking, biking, and strolling. Great for all fitness levels! :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature. Mill Valley Market offers great options too! :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
Southwest corner of the park
Discover native Minnesota flora and fauna in this serene, protected sanctuary. A peaceful escape.

The Quaking Bog
Near the Trailhead building
Experience a unique natural habitat with boardwalks through a rare quaking bog. Educational and fascinating.

Wirth Lake Beach
West side of the park
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking by the lake. A perfect spot for summer fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace All Seasons
Navigate the Vastness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Explore Diverse Trails
Mix of paved and unpaved trails for hiking, biking, and strolling. Great for all fitness levels! :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature. Mill Valley Market offers great options too! :sandwich:
📸 Capture the Scenery
Beautiful landscapes year-round, especially during sunset. :camerawithflash:
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding are popular. Trails are groomed! :snowboard:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Explore Diverse Trails
Mix of paved and unpaved trails for hiking, biking, and strolling. Great for all fitness levels! :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature. Mill Valley Market offers great options too! :sandwich:
📸 Capture the Scenery
Beautiful landscapes year-round, especially during sunset. :camerawithflash:
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding are popular. Trails are groomed! :snowboard:
📍 Event Parking
Be aware of potential parking issues during special events like ski races. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Theodore Wirth Regional Park's vastness and year-round appeal, highlighting its ability to feel like a wilderness escape within the city. The well-maintained trails and diverse natural areas like the Quaking Bog and Eloise Butler Garden are frequently praised. Some minor drawbacks include potential parking challenges during events and occasional trail conditions after heavy rain or snow.
"A great series of parks and trails. There really is something for everyone, from volleyball and swimming at Wirth Lake to wildlife and native flora viewing at Eloise Butler. You can feel like you're in the wilderness despite being in the middle of Minneapolis, viewing rare habitat types like the quaking bog. Hiking, biking, or just strolling, there's something to do and plenty of helpful park staff to ask for more ideas."
Chaosrunepownage
"Not sure how I haven't reviewed Theodore Wirth yet, but it is a fantastic park. Numerous trails both paved on unpaved, hiking only and multipurpose. Extremely well maintained and so many different areas to explore from the Trailhead to Wirth Beach area, to Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden to the Quaking Bog and more! I am very fortunate to live so close to one of my favorite parks! Pics from all over the park over the last 2 months."
Antoinette Szymanski
"Theodore wirth park has a surprising amount of unsaved, as well as paved trails. Country in the city."
Teri Crelly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located west of downtown Minneapolis. You can access it by car via various entrances. Public transportation options are also available, with several bus routes serving the park's perimeter. Consider using a navigation app for the best route to your desired area within the park.
Yes, there are multiple parking lots throughout the park, including near the Trailhead building, Wirth Beach, and the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. However, parking can become limited during large events or on busy weekends.
Absolutely! The park is well-connected by bike paths, making it an accessible destination for cyclists. Many paved and unpaved trails within the park are also great for biking.
Given its size, a park map is helpful. You can often find them at park entrances or online. Many visitors use their phones with GPS to explore different sections like the Quaking Bog or the wildflower garden.
The main entrances are along Glenwood Avenue and Theodore Wirth Parkway. If you're heading to the Eloise Butler Garden, use the entrance on The Paseo. For the Quaking Bog, the Trailhead building area is a good starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Theodore Wirth Regional Park is a public park and generally free to enter. Some specific activities or facilities, like the golf course or special events, may have associated fees.
The park grounds are typically open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily. However, specific facilities like the beach or restrooms may have different hours. It's always a good idea to check the official Minneapolis Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
No, access to the hiking and walking trails within Theodore Wirth Regional Park is free. You can explore the diverse landscapes without any admission cost.
Generally, no permits are needed for casual use like hiking, picnicking, or disc golf. However, if you plan on organizing a large event or specific activity, it's best to contact the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Department.
The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is typically open from spring through fall, when the flowers are in bloom. Winter access might be limited or restricted to protect the delicate ecosystem.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, from paved multi-use paths around Wirth Lake to unpaved, more natural trails through the woods and near the Quaking Bog. The ~4-mile loop around the park is popular for a good walk or run.
Yes, Wirth Lake Beach offers a swimming area during the summer months. There's also a fishing pier on Wirth Lake for those looking to cast a line.
Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and sledding. The Loppet Foundation often grooms trails for skiing.
Absolutely! The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is a prime spot for birdwatching, with a variety of native species attracted to the diverse plant life.
Yes, the park has several picnic areas with tables and grills, as well as playgrounds for children. It's a great spot for family outings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Mill Valley Market is located in the Trailhead building and offers sandwiches, soups, and salads, often using local ingredients. It's a convenient spot for a bite after exploring.
Definitely! There are numerous picnic areas throughout the park, making it an ideal location for a packed lunch or a barbecue. Bring your own food and enjoy the natural setting.
Beyond Mill Valley Market, the surrounding Minneapolis area offers a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. You can easily find something to suit your taste before or after your park visit.
While specific offerings can vary seasonally, there may be concessions available at Wirth Lake Beach during the summer. It's best to check for current availability closer to your visit.
Park rules regarding alcohol can vary. It's advisable to check the official Minneapolis Parks and Recreation guidelines for Theodore Wirth Park to ensure compliance.
📸 📸 Photography
The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden offers stunning floral shots, especially in spring and summer. The Quaking Bog provides unique natural textures. The lake views and sunset colors are also highly photogenic.
Yes, Theodore Wirth Park is excellent for nature photography. You'll find diverse habitats, from wetlands to forests, attracting various wildlife and showcasing seasonal changes.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the shade in wooded areas can be beneficial.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. The Eloise Butler Garden is particularly good for observing and photographing birds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
❄️ Winter Sports Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit