Ramblings from the Trail

As a newcomer to our community in the 1980's, Vicki became involved in many city commissions and local activities. Upon learning about Ellet's early visit to our area, Vicki envisioned a literary garden based upon Ellet's writings. Upon proposing this idea to the City Council, planning for an interpretive trail began. It took four years of research, gathering information on flora and fauna, and digging through historical image collections before the trail came to fruition in 2007.

This book allows the reader to explore as Ellet did, fully immersed in a sense of place, its habitat and its history. Ellet's notes chronicle her exploration of the area, the settlers creating a new life on the prairie, and the native Indians adapting to change. The writings she left behind are a treasure for the generations that follow her. Thanks, Vicki, for discovering this treasure.

-Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Eden Prairie Mayor, 2002-2006; 2011-2018

The Elizabeth Fries Ellet Interpretive Trail, located in the City of Eden Prairie, is one of the busiest nature and interpretive trails in the twin cities area. Significant amenities along the trail are interpretive signs that bring to life the many types of surrounding landcover, along with highlighting historical events throughout the region. The writings of Elizabeth Fries Ellet featuring her impressions of the area help link current visitors to experiences of the past. The Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation Department staff are proud stewards of the trail and the surrounding area of parkland and are thankful for the work of Vicki Peller Price for her efforts in making the signs possible and continuing to promote this unique amenity in our community.

-Jay Lotthammer, Eden Prairie Parks & Recreation Director (current)

Through her lengthy research and attention to detail, Vicki Pellar Price has become the premier authority on the connection of Elizabeth Fries Ellet's life and work related to the exploration, naming, and early impressions of the Minnesota town today known as Eden Prairie. It is with deep gratitude that I acknowledge Prices' devotion and prominence in adding color, flavor, and perspective to the story of our community's earliest beginnings.

-Kathie Case, President, Eden Prairie Historical Society (current)