Name: Quaking Bog Loop
Rating: 4.6

“This hike will take you through the unique ecosystem that exists within the Quaking Bog in Theodore Wirth Park.”

— Kristen Arendt

GPX File

Features Fall Colors · Wildflowers

Family Friendly An easy loop through a varied ecosystem with lots to explore!

Overview

This short, family-friendly, hill-filled hike will get your blood flowing and introduce you to variety of plant and animal species that thrive in this wetland area including unique mosses, wildflowers, and ferns. The Quaking Bog Loop is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors so close to the city.

Description

Heading south on Theodore Wirth Parkway from HWY-55, you'll see a sign for the Quaking Bog and a parking lot on the west side of the road. This is where your hike will begin. This loop is made up of natural trails as well as boardwalks. These boardwalks allow you to cross the bog in its wettest area so you can immerse yourself in the ecosystem.

Sounds of frogs and the occasional songbird will take you out of the city and give you the sense that this place is far away from a metropolitan area. You'll see beautiful wetland flowers including the Minnesota state flower: the Showy Lady Slipper. Close by the Quaking Bog is the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. Here, you can see a range of flowers that can only be found at this park. This highly accessible and secluded hike should be a destination for any day-hiker.