General Mills Nature Preserve

Location

9201 Olson Memorial Hwy
Golden Valley, MN 55427

The General Mills Nature Preserve is a 27-acre park that feature three distinct habitats: shallow marsh, wet meadow and floodplain forest.

The Nature Preserve is home to over 50 different native plants. Interpretive signs lead the way along a ½ mile trail that connects with the City’s trail system. Located in the southeast corner of the Hwy 169 and Hwy 55 interchange, the Preserve is easily accessible to the community. The Nature Preserve was officially dedicated on July 11, 2007.

History of the Preserve

In the early 2000’s, the City of Golden Valley and General Mills were looking for ways to improve the intersection of Hwy 55, Boone Ave, and General Mills Blvd to accommodate increased traffic, protect it from flooding and restore the wetlands disturbed by the project. To make the project work, General Mills donated land it had purchased for future office development. The City then developed the area for floodplain storage and wetland mitigation. A permanent conservation easement through the Minnesota Land Trust ensures that it will remain a stunning nature area that will be enjoyed for generations to come.