Minnesota Destinations

A nature center is a specific type of public facility area that has some key distinguishing characteristics:

Educational Focus: The primary purpose of a nature center is to provide educational programming and interpretive experiences focused on the natural environment, ecology, and conservation.

Onsite Natural Areas: Nature centers are typically located within or adjacent to preserved natural areas, habitats, or parklands, which serve as outdoor classrooms and laboratories.

Interpretive Exhibits: Nature centers feature indoor educational exhibits, displays, and interactive learning stations that help visitors understand the local ecosystems, wildlife, and natural history.

Interpretive Trails: Marked hiking trails and outdoor learning stations are often incorporated into nature center properties to allow visitors to directly experience the natural surroundings.

Environmental Education: Nature centers employ naturalists, educators, and environmental specialists to lead programs, guided tours, and hands-on learning activities for students, families, and the general public.

Non-Profit or Public Management: Most nature centers in Minnesota are operated by non-profit organizations, land trusts, or government park/wildlife agencies, rather than privately-owned.

Several nature centers are located within and administered by parks. They are considered part of that park and are not listed here.

Audubon Center of the North Woods

Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center

Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center

Dodge Nature Center

Jay C. Hormel Nature Center

Maplewood Nature Center, Maplewood

National Eagle Center

Ney Nature Center

Ney Nature Center

Quarry Hill Nature Center

River Bend Nature Center

Springbrook Nature Center

Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center

Tamarack Nature Center

Westwood Hills Nature Center

A sanctuary is a specific type of protected natural area that has some key distinguishing characteristics:

Primary Purpose - The primary purpose of a nature sanctuary is to protect and preserve sensitive natural ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife. Recreation and public access are secondary considerations.

Ecological Significance - Nature sanctuaries are designated to safeguard areas of high ecological value, such as rare or endangered species, unique natural communities, or important wildlife corridors.

Restricted Access - Public access to nature sanctuaries is often limited or restricted to minimize human impacts on the sensitive natural features being protected. Visitor numbers and activities may be closely monitored and regulated.

Habitat Management - The land is actively managed to maintain or restore the natural habitats, often through means like controlled burns, invasive species removal, and wildlife monitoring.

Ownership/Designation - Nature sanctuaries are typically owned and managed by non-profit conservation organizations, land trusts, or government agencies specifically tasked with environmental protection.

Blaine Wetland Sanctuary, Blaine

Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, St, Paul

Roberts Bird Sanctuary

As the designation suggests, private preserves are privately owned.

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is available only through guided tours arranged in advance or during the annual Cedar Creek Science Field Day held each summer.

Kasota Prairie is owned and managed by Covia Corporation, formerly Unimin Corporation, in cooperation with Save the Kasota Prairie, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. It is open to the public and charges no fee.

McKnight Prairie is owned and managed by Carleton College. It is open to the public and charges no fee.

Susie Island is owned by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. It is closed to the public. The island is best viewed from a boat, or from an overlook in Grand Portage State Park. Permission to visit must be obtained from the Grand Portage Reservation.

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve

Kasota Prairie

McKnight Prairie

Susie Island