A Brief History of Winter Sport at Theodore Wirth Park

The first ski jumps were built at Wirth Park in around 1917. These existed for years before they were torn down and replaced. The last jump existed until around 1980. Many national and regional events were held in Wirth Park over the years including the 1937 National Championships. On the regional level of competition, the Midwest Regional and Central and State High School Championships were held at Wirth Park for many years and the Minneapolis Ski Club held tournaments there for years. Many ski jumpers who started at Wirth went on to compete at the national level and even in the Olympics. Wirth Park has also provided downhill skiing through the years. At one time, three rope tows served five runs and the Minneapolis Park Board provided lessons on seven other runs.

Originally, cross-country skiing was confined to set courses. High school teams, coaches and volunteers would stomp in single file formation to get the snow ready and compacted. Once the track was set, they would have a race. Wind would sometimes wipe out the hard work and you would have to start over.

Suggestions were made to move the track to a more protected terrain. Skiers found an area south of Glenwood Avenue and west of Theodore Wirth Parkway (now the Quaking Bog or Advanced Trails) that was well-suited to their needs. This course developed quickly in the early 1960’s and was originally called the “Erickson Trails” (named after the family lived there – Brad Erickson is still a Park Board employee and has been invaluable in setting up the Loppet course).

The U.S. Central Division Championships, high school events and club races have all been held on the Erickson Trails over the years. Racing returned to the Wirth Golf Course area when the Minneapolis Park Board acquired grooming equipment in the early-1980s. The Minneapolis Ski Club held their Northwest Championships on the course in 1982. At that time, the Park Board also changed the alpine skiing area into a tubing hill.

In addition to skiing, the Minneapolis Park Board also has a history of providing speed skating opportunities for over fifty years at various sites. Minneapolis even had a Bandy rink at one time. Hockey, broomball and general skating rinks continue at many sites. Finally, Lake Calhoun has had winter festivals in the past that have included snow sculptures, tubing, hot air ballooning and other events.

Thanks to the Minneapolis Park Board, Mayor R.T. Rybak and the many ski enthusiasts of the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation who have helped to rekindle the winter sports ideal in Minneapolis.

Think Snow and Happy Trails!