‘Mount Eden Prairie’ melting into history

The snowbank that achieved online fame as “Mount Eden Prairie” in the parking lot of Eden Prairie Center is nearing the end of its unlikely journey.

As temperatures rise, the once imposing snow mound that dominated the landscape in March has transformed into a modest knoll, caked in a layer of dirt and debris, as of Wednesday, May 17. The difference in size is apparent, as a crow hops from the ground to conquer the snowbank’s low summit, no longer needing to take to the skies to do so.

Mount Eden Prairie’s notoriety extended beyond its towering stature. It drew widespread attention for an intriguing addition — a Target shopping cart strategically positioned at its summit. This image quickly spread across social media platforms, symbolizing the Twin Cities’ long, snowy winter.

Golden Valley resident and amateur artist Becky Allen discovered inspiration in the snowbank, creating a watercolor picture titled “King of the Mountain Shopping Cart — Eden Prairie Target March 2023,” that, too, circulated online. 

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The snowbank served as one of the designated areas for storing snow that had been cleared from the mall’s parking lots.

Allen’s prediction in March that Mount Eden Prairie would still be there in May has come true. Not for much longer, though.