Collection on the Minnehikers

The Minnehikers, or the Minneapolis Municipal Hiking Club, was founded in December of 1919, by Park Superintendent Theodore Wirth. The club was an informal walking club whose main purpose was to acquaint people with the parks and trails in Minneapolis. The hiking area soon extended to the surrounding towns and counties.

The first president of the club was Ross Gordon. The first official officers of the club included Donald M. Patterson, Henry Sagmoen, Edna Eckstrom, George Shekels, Carl M. Johnson, Ella Knapp, Peggy Farver, Madelyn Woehing, Aimee Meldahl, Al Mangney, Dorothea Nelson and Ray Crawford.

In 1925, the Minnehikers began to publish a monthly newsletter. Their mailing list soon surpassed their budget, and they were forced to charge fifty cents per year for the publication. However, free copies of the newsletter were still available at the hikes and at their office. In 1926, the club decided to charge a yearly fee of two dollars per member. In 2010, the club charged a membership fee of fifteen dollars per year. The club supplemented its income by holding banquets and other entertainment events.

In later years, the Minnehikers sponsored two or three hikes per week within Minneapolis. Destination hikes were also an important part of the club--hiking trips were planned at various scenic locations throughout the United States and Canada. With an aging and dwindling membership, the club disbanded in 2010.