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Created in 1943, Dowling Community Garden in Minneapolis is believed to be one of the last two remaining Victory Gardens in use today. Today, it contains over 175 plots maintained by over 200 gardeners. Sharing space with Dowling School, the children and teachers keep four of those plots. Look for community activities during the growing season, including a kids club and a spring plant sale.

Dowling Garden Mission

The garden has a six-part mission to:

1. Provide community garden space;
2. Build a sense of community;
3. Promote sustainable gardening practices such as organic gardening and on-site composting;
4. Share produce with community organizations;
5. Provide a place of beauty for others to enjoy; and
6. Provide environmental education and outreach to Dowling gardeners.

Dowling Community Garden – 70 Years And Still Growing

If you are interested in the history of the community garden or victory gardens in general, pick up a copy of the book, Dowling Community Garden – 70 Years And Still Growing. While you can purchase it through our Amazon link (and we’ll receive a small commission on sales), you can get it from the Dowling Garden Committee for less than half of the Amazon price ($5.00), and it is also available to borrow through Hennepin County Library.

Nearby Attractions to Make a Day of It:

1. Riverview Theater – Historic Theater with Cheap Kids Flicks
2. Riverview Cafe – Kid Friendly Coffee Shop
3. Hiawatha School Park

Related Articles:

• Family Fun Idea: Gardening with Kids
• 65+ Fun Nature Play Ideas for Kids

Thank you to the book, Dad’s Eye View: 52 Family Adventures in the Twin Cities for letting us know about this community garden.

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