Imagine stepping back in time to the very beginnings of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Here, standing before us, is Berens Cabin, a quaint historical treasure tucked away in the Big Woods, just past the entrance to Three-Mile Drive. This humble cabin, the only remaining structure from the Arboretum’s original 160-acre property, holds stories of a simpler time, whispers of a vision just taking root.
Once a beloved family retreat, known as “The Ranch,” the cabin witnessed the transition from private land to a flourishing arboretum. It served as the Arboretum’s temporary headquarters, a bustling reception center, and a place of shelter for staff and visiting scholars alike.
In the late 1960s, Berens Cabin became the Arboretum’s Reception Center. It acted as a gatehouse, a place to purchase souvenirs and refreshments, all operated by dedicated volunteers.
After the Snyder Building opened in 1974, serving as the new visitor center, Berens Cabin continued to play a role in the Arboretum’s story, housing staff members and even a visiting professor from China. Time took its toll, leaving the cabin uninhabitable and used for storage.
Thanks to a generous gift from twin sisters Mary and Lola Berens, the cabin was revitalized in 2000 and transformed into what it is today – the Arboretum history center. Now, visitors can step inside and learn about the humble beginnings of the Arboretum, tracing its roots back to this charming and enduring cabin in the woods, a testament to the legacy of the Berens family and the Arboretum’s enduring vision.