Theodore Wirth Loop Hiking Guide
Theodore Wirth Park is Minneapolis's backyard wilderness: 740 acres of forest, lakes, bog and hills straddling the city's western edge with Golden Valley. It holds a wildflower garden, a tamarack bog, a ski centre and some of the region's best mountain-bike singletrack, all within a short bus ride of downtown. The Theodore Wirth Loop strings a lot of it together in an easy three miles past Twin Lake and Ski Jump Pond.
The Loop
The loop is about 3.2 miles with roughly 140 feet of gain on mapping apps, rated easy. It passes Twin Lake and Ski Jump Pond on a mix of paths that are shared with cyclists. Some sections cross or run near the park's off-road bike trails, so stay alert at intersections and keep to the walking routes where they are signed.
Garden and Bog
The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden inside the park is one of the oldest public wildflower gardens in the country and a worthwhile detour in spring and summer. The Quaking Bog, a floating tamarack and sphagnum bog, is reached by a boardwalk that the park board was replacing; check its status before planning a visit, as construction timelines have shifted.
Park Projects
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has several projects in Theodore Wirth, including shoreline restoration on Twin Lake, new wayfinding and work at the wildflower garden entrance. Short detours are possible. The Trailhead, the park's year-round activity centre run by the Loppet Foundation, is the hub for skiing in winter and a good landmark for orientation.
Seasons
Spring wildflowers and autumn colour are the highlights. In winter much of the park is given over to cross-country skiing, with groomed trails centred on The Trailhead; hikers should use designated winter walking routes rather than ski tracks. Summer can be buggy near the water and the bog.
Practicalities
There is no entry fee; the park has a paid parking lot among its amenities. Leashed dogs are generally allowed in Minneapolis parks, but check posted signs, especially near the wildflower garden. Parts of the park lie outside Minneapolis city limits in Golden Valley. It is one of the easiest places in the city to get a real woods walk without a long drive.
Hiking tips for Theodore Wirth Loop
- Stay alert at trail crossings — many paths here are shared with mountain bikers.
- Detour to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in spring and early summer.
- Check the Quaking Bog boardwalk status before going; it has been under reconstruction.
- Use designated winter walking routes and stay off groomed ski trails.
- Bring bug spray for the lake and bog sections in summer.
Nearby trails to explore
- Minnehaha Falls Loop
- Hyland and Bush Lakes Loop
- Pike Island Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Theodore Wirth is the easiest woods walk inside Minneapolis, perfect for an after-work hike. Use TrailMates to find Minneapolis hikers nearby. Download the TrailMates app to connect.