Minneapolis Tours

I have confessed my love for tours in the past, so no surprise I went on a few this year...

* Who knew the southernmost bog resides in Minneapolis? I didn't! But once I heard about a "quaking bog" tour I had to go on it! Tucked inside of Theodore Wirth Park is this fascinating wetland (that is right - fascinating). Did you now that the pinecone from a tamarack, which can reach heights over 60 feet, is smaller than the size of a dime? So what other kind of plants grow in this low oxygen environment? Carnivorous ones of course! Pitcher plants and sundews are about the only thing that can survive. Oh and buckthorn. Sadly, buckthorn is taking over the bog now and the caretakers suffer an endless battle. And if you are interested in the definition of a Quaking bog, well it has a vegetation mat half a meter or so thick that floats over water or very wet peat. Walking on this surface causes it to move – larger movements may cause visible ripples of the surface, thereby creating a quaking surface.

Ok, this shot is not the bog, but just outside of it... poison ivy!


This is not in the bog, but just across the street is Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and there was a cardinal! It made my day.


* Lake Harriet Traditions (co-sponsored by the Linden Hills History Study Group) was a lovely walking tour starting at William Berry Park (Queen and 40th St) and brought us through Linden Hills and ended at Lake Harriet. It was a fun look at the neighborhood and homes.


* Tour: Red Cedar Lane and the Purcell and Elmslie Homes. Starting out near 54th and Upton Ave this tour was all about the architecture in the area and the people who built it. Interesting folly spotted along the way!
I highly recommend checking out the walking tours of Minneapolis: www.preserveminneapolis.org