Most reviewed Nature & Wildlife Areas in Minnesota
4.5National Eagle Center(795 reviews) - Great trip to the center plus a fabulous interpretive bird cruise on Lake Pepin! Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
The National Eagle Center is a world-class museum located in Wabasha, MN. It is the world’s premier resource for impactful eagle education and experiences and offers live eagles, wild eagle viewing, up-close eagle experiences, daily programs, and the Preston Cook American Eagle Collection.See more..
4.5International Wolf Center(721 reviews) - Wolfs Are Fabulous Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
The International Wolf Center, located in Ely, Minnesota, gives visitors a chance to learn about wolves and see them in a beautiful north woods habitat. The main attraction are three live wolves that make up our Exhibit Pack. There are also interactive exhibits and live programs in the auditorium.See more..
5.0North American Bear Center(720 reviews) - Enjoyable Visit at the Bear Center Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas
The North American Bear Center is the only educational facility of its kind - it helps people learn from the bears themselves about bear behavior, ecology, and their relations with humans. There is a huge need for accurate information about bears worldwide and the mission of the non-profit North American Bear Center is to advance the long-term survival of bears worldwide by replacing misconceptions with scientific facts about bears.See more..
I try to get to this place every year. We drive over two hours to get there. I love getting to see the same bears returning every year. The cubs climbing the trees & vocalizing are so cute. The volunteers are well informed & teach the visitors many things about the bears.See more..
Plenty of trails and hiking area allows for long hikes and opportunities to let you dog run off leash. I went during the week so was able to avoid many other people/dogs. Well maintained walking trails and hiking paths along with plenty of parking. See more..
4.5French Regional Park(129 reviews) - Our kids love to play on the ropes. Monday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Our 7 year old loves this park! We get a coffee and sit while he climbs away. He could spend a couple hours here if we would let him.See more..
4.5Leech Lake(126 reviews) - Beautiful lake Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Located in the Chippewa National Forest, this is one of Minnesota's biggest lakes.See more..
Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is well known as an amazing place to witness the fall bird migration. It is one of the top hawkwatches in the country in terms of numbers of birds counted and banded, as well as the diversity of species. From September 1 - October 31, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory staff and volunteers provide public education outdoors about the bird migration and research to visitors of all ages. A merchandise trailer and portable toilets are available, but there is no building. Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is a non-profit organization and truly appreciates the support of members and donors. More information about Hawk Ridge and planning your visit can be found at hawkridge.org.See more..
4.5Douglas Trail(78 reviews) - Beautiful Trail Nature & Wildlife Areas
This is a very easy biking/running/walking trail. It is built on an old train bed, so it is flat, mostly straight, and lined with trees that provide shade and wind break. There is a separate trail that runs parallel that is unfinished. It is for snowmobilers and horseback riders. The trail is roughly 14 miles long with mile markers at every mile, so you can easily decide the length of your workout. The trail takes you through woods, farmland, prairie filled with wildflowers, dairy farms, and through the cities of Rochester, Douglas, and Pine Island.See more..
4.5Quarry Park and Nature Preserve(71 reviews) - Great place to go in the summer Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
I live in St. Cloud so I go here all the time with friends or just by myself with a book. The thing to keep in mind is that there are two quarries to swim in. Quarry 11 has a beach and is more for families while Quarry 2 just has rocks to lay on along the side and high cliffs to jump off of. Parking is $5 but you can get an annual pass for $20. See more..
4.5Willard Munger State Trail(70 reviews) - Fun and close to town Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas
This was a great short hike! Just challenging enough and worth it to reach the top. I took my dog and she did fine, but it is rocky and a bit of climbing is involved so know yourself and your dog. Took about an hour twenty to go up and back.See more..
4.5Jay C. Hormel Nature Center(65 reviews) - Thank you Kelly Monday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Home to over 10 miles of hiking trails that take visitors through over 500 acres of prairies, wetlands and forests. An observation tower provides a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding preserve. The Interpretative Center offers a variety of displays, hands on exhibits and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Live educational animals allow visitors to get up close to some exciting native species. The Childhood Room features a library, puzzles, games and a great view of the bird feeders. The Jay C Hormel Nature Center offers ski and snow shoe rental in the winter, kayak and canoe rental in the summer and many special events year-round.See more..
This place is awesome. The play areas are natural and fun. So many learning opportunities and space to explore. They also have drop in events through the year with animals. Very cool. See more..
4.5The Raptor Center(62 reviews) - Wonderful Experience and In-Depth Exposure to Raptors Monday: Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center rehabilitates more than 700 sick and injured raptors each year, while helping to identify emerging environmental issues related to raptor health and populations. An internationally renowned education facility, The Raptor Center trains veterinary students and veterinarians from around the world to become future leaders in raptor medicine and conservation. In addition, The Raptor Center reaches more than 150,000 people annually through its unique public education programs and events. Come visit the education raptors with a TRC interpretive tour guide. Tours are offered every thirty minutes, on the half hour and hour. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Tour Admissions Ages 3-17 $3.00 Ages 18-62 $5.00 Ages 62 $3.00 U of M staff and students (with ID) are admitted free. Formal programs and other education options available.See more..
4.5Whitewater State Park(55 reviews) - Beautiful State Park Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
This was our first visit to Whitewater State Park and we enjoyed the hiking to Inspiration Point on a warm Saturday afternoon. Not too crowded and the swimming hole was pleasant to cool down. Be sure to take water bottles with you and the maps provided were easy to get acquainted with the trails. Because of COVID the public restrooms are closed. The outhouses are gross. We asked about restrooms and they don’t tell you about the nice ones at the campground. The park has new clean restrooms at the campground easily accessible right across from the park office (see picture). BTW- If you want breathtaking views, I recommend the state parks along the North Shore. More impressive views at these parks.See more..
Beautiful area - very much worth exploring, especially when weather is good. This area is "under siege" from the lake, which is gradually encroaching on the area. It is stunning and very much worth seeing - kids can enjoy walking here, tip toeing into lake that typically is quite cold.See more..
4.5Wood Lake Nature Center(41 reviews) - Urban retreat. A birder’s delight Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
Nestled amongst high rises and highways is this bucolic haven. On the day we visited we saw scarlet tanagers and wild turkeys. A hummingbird gathering tufts from dried cat-o-nine tails to feather their nest. Swallows and all sorts of other bird life. There are plenty of walking trails though on the day we visited many were under water what with our very wet spring. We will be back and often. See more..
4.5Glacial Lakes State Park(39 reviews) - fantastic peaceful park State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Scenic glacial hills and prairie land characterize this park.See more..
The birds love it - they should! It's designed for them! We saw 6 sandhill cranes, an eagle, trumpeter swans, egrets, herons, canada geese and a hawk. Lots of butterflies, dragonflies and grasshoppers. Did the Wildlife Drive. Need a longer lens to get good pics. Mostly prairie, a little warm to do the hikes. Only 2 official, lots of service roads that are marked "no entry" with cars parked at the heads. Buildings were closed and I doubt the facilities had been cleaned the whole season. Covid closures to blame? Probably more to do with Fed funding cuts. Nice drive, quick. Don't plan your day around it. See more..
5.0River Bend Nature Center(32 reviews) - A wonderful discovery close to the city........ Nature & Wildlife Areas
WE have visited when there are programs in the Nature Center building and they are always good. But the trails and walks are wonderful. For old and young alike, there is always something beautiful to discover any time of the year. The level trails, the gorges and stream, the deer you occasionally see, the swampy area, the children's area, the summer camps... This is so manageable. I love that there are no commercial playground equipment here that I have seen. This is a nature center. This is a place to look around, discover, appreciate, enjoy the quiet, hear the birds, and notice the changes of seasons. Thank you for offering such beauty to the community and surrounding areas.See more..
4.5Big Bog State Recreation Area(29 reviews) - The Big Bog Boardwalk is an excellent way to learn about an ecosystem. State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
We hiked for about 1 1/2 houaround the pond and to the end of the boardwalk & back. We were the only ones there on a Wednesday morning. Thinterpretive plaques are excellent. The plants are very interesting. We saw evidence of beaver's work by the parking lot and along the pond walk. Saw blujays, a crow and a young buck deer. We heard a sparrow. I loved this walk! See more..
4.5Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center(27 reviews) - A Must Visit along the North Shore Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations
This is an excellent place to stop and explore the North shore of Lake superior. There is a Nature Center that has materials that explain the area and also provide quality activities on a regular basis. Check their website for dates and times.See more..
4.5Dodge Nature Center(25 reviews) - A bit of nature right in the neighborhood Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center is an environmental education and habitat restoration organization located in West St. Paul. Over the past 40-plus years, Dodge has seen more than one million children and their families pass through our gates, each one leaving with a greater understanding and appreciation for the world around us.See more..
4.5Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve(25 reviews) - Great woodsy place for a hike Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Hiking Trails
Great place for a hike. Hikes for about an hour around a pretty little lake, with sunset views. Some paths paved. Some dirt. But plenty wide and clear. Small hills. Good get away exercise place. Early December with no snow, yet they had made snow and had x-c skiers doing some of the loops. Impressive!See more..
This place is a true joy to visit. Lots of trails giving a person the opportunity to walk and be surrounded by nature. Many of the trails close at 4:30 so get there early. We plan on coming back and swinging over to Prescott, WI for lunch soon.See more..
5.0Congdon Park(21 reviews) - Worth it! And right in the middle of town! Spent < 1 hour National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Excellent trail. Either park at the bottom and access via actual trail (not ADA/ paved trail) OR park at the top, take the paved trail down and hike up. To get the full nature experience, as there is off-trail access from paved trail so one can access either at any time. Very kid friendly When we mapped it we were directed to the paved trail a block off the road, so we missed the actual entrance, we doubled back though and started from the beginning once we noticed the bridges and such along the water. I did take photos of the entrances and exits. Trail halfway point is another bridge, depending on the water level you would have to come up, cross the road and go back down into the trail. Paved trails are marked with yellow plastic pillar/ bollard. 100% recommend!See more..
This is a hiding gem close of the twin cities. A short easy hike full of wildlife and fall colors. It is open all year and I’m sure each season will show their magic.See more..
4.0Savanna Portage State Park(20 reviews) - Winter hiking excellent Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Thank you Savanna Portage State Park for grooming your winter hiking trails! We enjoyed the walk around the lake without need for snow shoes. In February 2020 our winter boot hiking is closing soon as the spring melt has started under very deep snow-pack. I noticed this park also has many miles of traditional ski trails & snowmobile trails.See more..
5.0Houston Nature Center(19 reviews) - Educatonal and fun Monday: Nature & Wildlife Areas
Lots of educational material and sometimes workers to ask questions. Clean restrooms for campers, wood for campfires and lots for kids to do.See more..
4.5Westwood Hills Nature Reserve(18 reviews) - new nature center building now open Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
If you haven't been here for a few years, there have been some significant changes. The old nature center building on the hill is now gone--replaced with a new trail. A huge new building right off the parking lot has replaced it with some new exhibits. This eliminates the challenge of climbing the hill and makes for a shorter walk . There are several rooms available for school groups or private events.See more..
4.5Prairie Wetlands Learning Center(17 reviews) - Great walking trails Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
This is a great place right off the freeway to get and stretch your legs and maybe see some wildlife. The amazing prairie pot hole region is on glorious display here and this outdoor school for Fergus Falls elementary students is open to the general public. I believe there are four miles of trails that take you through prairie and pot hole environments. The staff at the Center are knowledgeable and helpful and there's small gift shop.See more..
5.0Bluestem Prairie Preserve(14 reviews) - The Blue Stem Prairie Preserve is NOT the venue in Fargo Moorhead Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Blue Stem Prairie Preserve OR The Blue Stem Prairie OR the Blue Stem Scientific and Natural Area is NOT a concert venue. It is an area of native prairie grasses in MN that is co-managed by the Nature Conservancy and the MN DNR. People are some how confusing it with the Blue Stem Center for the Arts. So please do not come to out to the prairie expecting to find an amphitheater or concerts!See more..
4.0La Salle Lake State Recreation Area(13 reviews) - Beautiful lake with trails and facilities Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Hiking Trails
What a beautiful lake. We stopped here during our seven day 330 mile bike tour of central Minnesota. I was so grateful to have a restroom with pavilion. The walk up to the overlook of the lake was gorgeous. If you are a bird watcher, this is a great place to see and hear warblers.See more..
The interpretation center is one of the nicest I've ever seen and it's been redone to be Eco-friendly. The gift shop has a great selection of books about flora and fauna of the area as well as other titles. All proceeds go to suppor the refuge. We went mid-day which is one of the worst times to visit wildlife centers. Despite our timing we saw trumpet swans, an incredible array of dragonflies and deer. We will return!See more..
4.5Birch Coulee Battlefield(12 reviews) - Excellent history place! Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Battlefields • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Site of the Battle of Birch Coulee, one of the hardest fought battles of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Visitors can tour the self-guided trails where markers explain the battle from Dakota and U.S. soldiers' perspectives. Birch Coulee Battlefield is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic site is open daily dawn to dusk year round. Trails are not maintained in the winter.See more..
4.5Chester Woods Park(10 reviews) - Outstanding Chester Woods longtime return camper. Monday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Chester Woods Park is located on the headwaters of Bear Creek in the rugged bluff country of Southeastern Minnesota. There are approximately 15 miles of primitive trails winding through a variety of inviting natural habitats in the undeveloped areas of the park, including fields full of native grasses and flowers, oak woods, bluff prairie, and savanna where you may see grasshopper sparrows, bobolinks, fox snakes, painted turtles, white-tail deer, wild turkeys, broad-winged hawks, wood ducks, mergansers, red-eye vireos, and veeries. A mile-long hard-surfaced trail links the campground, boat launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas. Motor vehicles and bicycles are restricted to improved roads and designated trails only. There is no entrance fee to the park. 1330-acre park 110-acre lake 50-unit campground and restrooms with showers 41 campsites with electrical hookup 9 non-electric campsites 2 camper cabins: the Oak cabin sleeps 5, the Maple cabin sleeps 6, both are handicap accessibleSee more..
5.0Kordiak County Park(10 reviews) - SUPERB ! ! Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Stopped by for a wonderful evening walk around the lake. Perfect walkway with great natural views and lots of picnic areas.See more..
What fun to tour the site with a volunteer guide. Learned so much and even located a relative on the CCC roster! Highly recommend this free experience.See more..
This 18,000-acre preserve is home to an impressive array of wildlife.See more..
5.0Memorial Park(9 reviews) - Amazing view Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Geologic Formations
Well kept park. A bit confusing to find entry. Great views from many vantage points. Disk golf evidently popular there.See more..
4.5Rydell National Wildlife Refuge(8 reviews) - A Nice Peaceful Place For A Long Walk! Monday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
My wife, great-grandson and I visted this month and had a great experience. We had been here many times before and have enjoyed the refuge on every occasion. Rydell NWR is located in NW Minnesota near the town of Erskine. It was established for the protection of waterfowl habitat. This refuge offers a wide variety of things to do year round - cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, fishing, and photographic opportunities. The refuge also offers great hiking trails and a wonderful visitor center. Bring your family, children, binoculars, camera, fishing rod and enjoy what this part of Minnesota has to offer..See more..
Deep Portage Learning Center is great experience! What a great place to relax, learn, and thoroughly immerse yourself in nature. A great place for kids and adults!!See more..
4.5Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center(8 reviews) - Wonderful walks on the greenways Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas I stayed in a hotel next to the area. I walked from there to the greenway that goes around Cascade Lake. I took about an hour at a quick walking pace. The lake is lovely. You'll notice signs saying there are mining operations. I asked a local and was told that they mine for gravel, a huge export for Minnesota. See more..
4.5Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge(7 reviews) - Birder's delight; great place to get the kids out of the car Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Self-guided auto tour through a chunk of 44,000 acre wildlife refuge. Get the binocs out, because the birding is magical.See more..
4.5Brownsville Overlook(7 reviews) - Thousands of swans Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Lookouts We stopped by with my aunt and uncle who are avid outdoors people who live nearby. We were not disappointed. There were literally over 5000 birds on the water! Apparently they like to stop here on their way east before they turn south for the winter. It was a sight unlike any I've seen before. They have some free looking glasses available (like the one's you see on top of large buildings). Most people (us included) brought binoculars too. It was a fun stop on our day out with the kids.See more..
Covering over 60,000 acres, this area is a great place to view birds and other wildlifeSee more..
4.0Pomme De Terre Park(7 reviews) - Ice Fishing Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Ice Fishing at Pomme De Terre Park is pretty awesome. Community of it's own. 30+ ice houses. A social place as well to gather and exchange notes. Highly recommended to experience. And entrance at Lake side is plowed to get in! Give it a trySee more..
5.0The Belwin Conservancy(7 reviews) - Handicap accessiblr Monday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
There are two viewing towers, the tall one has stairs but the lower one has a ramp so someone in a wheelchair could participate. When you are done, take a drive on Stagecoach road into Afton, it is a beautiful short scenic drive.See more..
4.5Pine Point Regional Park(7 reviews) - Horse Trails Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas
A little hidden gem! I love hitting the horse trails with my horse, you can also access the Gateway Horse Trails from the parking lot. See more..
