Walk to Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

Wildflowers in Eloise Butler Garden

Our goal yesterday was to walk (mostly) to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden from downtown Minneapolis.  By car on the freeway it is about 4.5 miles. We started on the free bus that got us through downtown to the Loring Park greenway.  Loring Park was beautiful and early morning dog walkers and joggers were out.  We crossed under highway 94 on Hennepin Avenue.  That underpass needs cleaning from stray cans and bottles and abandoned clothing and blankets that litter the area.

Cedar Lake Bike and Walking Path

It doesn't take long to get to the Cedar Lake bike path that parallels highway 394.  It is really a bike freeway that is used by bike commuters getting to work in downtown.  When you're traveling by bike you might not have a chance to notice just how much litter is down there.  The area behind Dunwoody College of Technology where 94 and 394 cross is particularly bad.  I wouldn't be caught walking through there after dark.

There's a lot of trash down there!

We crossed the pedestrian bridge over to Bryn Mawr Meadow Park and walked the trail that follows Bassett Creek.  

Past the railroad tracks and homes we came across the Fruen/ConAgra building.  An eyesore for most and a graffiti icon for others.  Site of accidents and death for adventurers trying to explore it.  There is talk of tearing it down and the possiblity of a micro brewery and restaurant replacing it. And finally we arrived at Theodore Wirth Park and a lovely walk through the woods to get to the Elosie Butler Wildflower Gardens.

               

                                          There are some interesting trees in the park.

               

               

 Some folks forgot to read the sign on the entrance to the garden.  So close to the trash can.  Couldn't be bothered?  This was the only trash I picked up today.

See you later, Eloise.  No, we didn't walk home.  We found a Car2Go and drove back!