Early in the 20th century, Eloise Butler appealed to the Minneapolis Parks Board to create a protected space to preserve the region's native plant life. The original 3-acre sanctuary has now grown to over 15 acres. The sanctuary offers wooded walkways and gardens representative of Minnesota's major habitats. A display of discreetly labeled wildflowers like columbine, trillium, lavender, white violets, ferns, and myrtle line the walkway of a "secret garden."

BLOOMINGTON. This federally managed nature preserve offers sanctuary for a range of migrating birds and waterfowl. The refuge features an excellent interpretive center offering programs and exhibits dedicated to the natural history of the Minnesota River area. As part of the Minnesota Valley Recreation Area, which is itself part of the Minnesota State Parks system, the refuge features cross-country skiing, hiking, and biking on trails that feature bird-watching sites and picnic grounds.