Coronavirus In Minnesota: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum To Reopen To Vehicles Friday
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is reopening in a limited capacity -- and its opening weekend is already sold out.
Beginning Friday, May 1, visitors will be able to see the arboretum from their cars, on a three-mile drive for vehicles only.
Organizers say arboretum grounds will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. All visitors, including members, must reserve a time slot to access the grounds online since on-site transactions are not allowed.
The reservations will be staggered to allow for a safe flow of vehicles, with the last reservation available at 3 p.m.
The visits are free for members, or $15 per car for non-members. All visitors will be expected to show a receipt of their online registration, or their membership card, to facility staff through their car's window.
Arboretum organizers say they've worked with leadership at the University of Minnesota to determine how to reopen while ensuring visitor and staff safety.
There won't be any access to the arboretum's main building and no parking is available. Vehicles will "be required to generally keep moving."
Click here to review available times and make reservations.
Arboretum Director Peter Moe released this statement Thursday:
Based on the success of this initial phase and our ability to continue to ensure everyone's safety, we hope to announce additional plans for expanded access at a later date. We are delighted that visitors will get to see the magnificent 39,000 tulips in bloom and be welcomed back to nature, which we all need during these challenging times. The reopening strategy will be a fluid one. We must be able to maintain the safety of everyone on-site while also following the guidance of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Minnesota Department of Health and the University's own public health experts. This will only be possible through shared participation in these new rules focused on safe operations.
