The park was originally named Glenwood Park before being renamed in 1938 to honor Theodore Wirth, the longtime superintendent of the Minneapolis park system.
The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden features over 500 species of native plants and 130 bird species within its 15-acre fenced area.
It is the first site in the Minneapolis park system to offer snowmaking capabilities for its cross-country ski trails.
The park's topography was significantly shaped by the retreat of glaciers, resulting in its varied hills and kettle lakes.
The mountain bike trails are recognized as some of the most technical and challenging within an urban environment in the Midwest.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park is the largest park in the Minneapolis park system, encompassing 759 acres of diverse terrain. It serves as a major hub for year-round outdoor sports, featuring the Wirth Winter Recreation Area for skiing and snowboarding. Visitors have access to Wirth Lake, which includes a sandy swimming beach and dedicated fishing piers. The park contains the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, the oldest public wildflower garden in the United States. Extensive trail networks accommodate mountain biking, paved cycling, hiking, and groomed cross-country ski tracks. The park houses a regulation 18-hole golf course and a par-3 executive course. It is connected to the Minneapolis Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway system. The facility includes a Chalet that serves as a community gathering space and warming house. Natural features include marshes, woodlands, and prairie restorations that provide habitat for local wildlife.
The scenic overlook near the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden entrance provides expansive views of the wooded valley.
Check the official trail conditions website before heading out to ensure ski tracks or bike trails are currently groomed or open.
Visit the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden during the morning to increase your chances of seeing nesting birds.
The park is large and spread out, so plan to drive or bike between the golf course, the beach, and the wildflower garden.
Do not attempt to access the wildflower garden when it is closed for the winter season, as the gates will be locked.
The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is open seasonally from spring through autumn and closed during winter months.
Stay on marked trails to protect native flora and fauna; clean mountain bikes before and after use to prevent invasive species spread.
