Northern - and especially northwestern - Minnesota is known for its peatland bogs. In fact the Land of 10,000 Lakes has more bog-covered land than any other state except Alaska. But one wouldn’t expect to find a Minnesota bog in the mixed deciduous forest biome - or “the Big Woods,” as its known - of southern Minnesota. In fact it would be downright unusual. Especially in the middle of a metropolitan area of more than 3.5 million people. But Quaking Bog, in Minneapolis’ Theodore Wirth Regional Park defies all expectations. And this magical place is practically in the backyard of a majority of Minnesotans.

Quaking Bog is located on the border of Minneapolis and Golden Valley, just blocks from I-394 and the West End development in St. Louis Park.

Take the trail from the parking lot just off Wirth Parkway. The parking is metered - so, be prepared to pay - and it’s never a bad idea to lock any valuables out of sight in your trunk.

Wirth Park is a major park - the largest in the city proper. But even with its location inside Wirth Park, Quaking Bog is a dreamy oasis that you just wouldn’t expect to find in the heart of a major metro area.

From the parking area, follow the signs along the worn dirt trails to the bog. Expect to share the path with cyclists careening along the single track through the trees.

Soon, you’ll come to a spot that looks and feels wilder - and more alive - than the worn forest floor you just crossed.

The vegetation changes and the trail seems uncertain beneath your feet. Almost as if, magically, you were levitating.

Well, your feet aren’t exactly on the ground, anymore.

You’re now on a floating bog walk suspended on top of the bog’s layers of built-up sphagnum.

Well, it’s hopefully floating - sometimes the bog encroaches - but that’s okay.

From where you’re standing it seems almost as if you’ve entered a dream.

You’re suspended above layers of life, surrounded by flora.

You’ll even find wild orchid species, like lady’s slippers, in this bog when the time is right.

Colorful fungi circle trees and fallen branches.

Helping to create new substrate for this rare, urban ecosystem.

The creatures here are smaller, and more delicate seeming.

Which only adds to the sense of magic this place exudes - a wonder you can enjoy until you finally must wander off of the boardwalk, back onto the hard-packed dirt trail, and then into the parking lot.

Quaking Bog is open to year-round exploration by hikers and snowshoers. If you visit between April and October, be sure to spend some time exploring the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, which is also located within Theodore Wirth Regional Park and happens to be right across the parkway from the Quaking Bog trailhead.

Have you visited Quaking Bog? Let us know about your experience in the comments. What are some other magical places in Minnesota that could seem almost like a dream?