Springbrook Nature Center

I am amazed at these nature centers that are hidden away just minutes from large shopping malls and freeways. Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley is steps away from Northdale Mall, but you'd never know it.

ABOUT THE PARK
http://springbrooknaturecenter.org/

Springbrook's original 124 acres were purchased by the City of Fridley in 1970 and 71, using Land and Water Conservation Funds from federal grants.  Nature Center designation for this large park by the Fridley City Council occurred after public debate and a public referendum in 1974.  In earlier years, Springbrook’s land had been used for dairy cattle pasture, as horse riding trails, and as a roofing contractor’s materials dump site. At the time it became a nature center, Springbrook was surrounded by undeveloped land and had a small 10-car dirt parking lot for the center's estimated 5,000 annual visitations.

Three acres in the southwest corner were added in 1981 when the Northern States Power Company compensated for park area placed in an easement for its new high tension power line alongside its existing line on Springbrook’s west boundary. This brought the Nature Center to its current size of 127 acres.

Since 1974, Springbrook Nature Center has received more than 3.8 million dollars in grants and donations.  These funds, along with Springbrook’s small staff and more than 250,000 volunteer hours, have helped develop an interpretive building and exhibits, 3 miles of hiking trails, ½ mile of boardwalk over wetlands, a paved handicap accessible trail, a 90 car parking lot, picnic shelter, amphitheater, bridges, wildlife overlooks, and much more.

NATURE CENTER
My two-year-old touched his first snake inside the nature center at Spring Brook. And then we all got to see a HUGE snapping turtle (which was tough for the 2-year-old to stay away from!). They checked out all the reptiles, book corner, wood table, and dress-up outfits.

Then we headed outside to hike and picnic.

TO GET THERE
100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432

(763) 572-3588

Nature center and arboretum in Roseville

Roseville's Central Park stretches out over many acres and several busy streets. There's a great playground and trail around one lake off Lexington. And if you go farther east over to Dale you'll find an arboretum on one side of the road and a nature center on the other. Take a day and check the place out.

The Harriet Alexander Nature Center is a 52-acre nature preserve. Floating boardwalks wind through a marsh, packed full of local birds. Many of the boardwalks are closed right now as they are being redone, but it's still a nice walk.

And there's tons to learn inside. The kiddos were fascinated by the bees, and watched them for some time.

There was a box full of sand and stamps in the room where they had some reptiles in aquariums.

Central Park Dale West (on the west side of Lexington) features the Muriel Sahlin Arboretum. The grounds include 8 acres of landscaped themed gardens, stone walkways and paved plazas, as well as tree and shrub collections. There is a gorgeous fountain at the center. Within the Arboretum is the Shirlie Klaus Pavilion. It was a great place to picnic.

 In the parking lot of the nature center, the first building you see is a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Sadly, they don't give tours. You have to head back in the woods to find the nature center.

Raptor Center good for short visit

There are some amazing birds at the Gabbort Raptor Center in St. Paul. But your visit will only take about a half hour, unless you plan it for a day when they're holding a special event.

We brought the preschoolers there on a spring day in April 2014. They hold tours every half hour, and each lasts no more than a half hour. As we waited for our tour, we checked out the few displays in the lobby and the gift shop, and looked over some books in one corner.

The majority of the tour takes place right here in this short hallway, which offers a close view of 4 birds of prey that have been rescued and rehabilitated.

The tour introduces you to four birds of prey that have been rescued and now live in a permanent displays on the main level. Then they brought us through the cages in the back, but there weren't many birds there. The Raptor Center will have that part of their building closed later this year for remodeling.

Despite the short tour, the place was fascinating to see.

This is the second section of the tour, the part that brings you through the cages where more animals live in the fresh air. This part is schedule to be remodeled this year.

http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/
(612) 624-4745
1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108

Learn about herons and more at North Mississippi Regional Park

Hidden between I94 and the river, this is a gem of a nature center: The Kroening Interpretive Center at the North Mississippi Regional Park. We headed there in mid-April, and just missed the Great Blue Herons nesting. However, there was plenty inside to teach us more about the Great Blue Herons.

The park, which is part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board system, offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding woods and prairie.

The park is just on the doorstep of Minneapolis, but offers abundant wildlife in action: deer foraging, a beaver felling trees, hawks and eagles soaring overhead. In summer, the prairie flowers provide ever-changing color. 

There's a big Nature Room with tons of turtles, frogs, toads, snakes and lizards. The kids spent a lot of time getting up close and personal with the aquariums.

The display inside gives a great history lesson of the life the river had just a century ago when there were brick mills lining its sides and logs being transported along its waters. (That laid the foundation for more about logs when we visited Log Park a month later.) I was also fascinated by the tale told about how the interstate was created, what it cut through and removed, and how residents felt about it.

Foam blocks for building

Dress-up clothes

We checked out a backpack geared towards bird watching while we were there.

Walking trails meander through the prairie and along the shores of the river. Bike trails traverse the park and connect with Webber parkway and commuter routes into downtown Minneapolis. There is a fishing pier in the extreme northern segment of the park.

You can get a cup (or two or three or more!) or bird seed at the front desk. The kiddos loved spreading out seed for the birds.

The mighty Mississippi

Further south, there is a play area featuring a wading pool, a state-of-the-art playground, and picnic tables, grills and shelters. A fishing pier and boat launch area are located in the southern part of the park. 

Of course, the most fun the kids had was simply climbing on a huge brush pile! And the rocks. And under the picnic table!

Hours: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Phone: 763.694.7693
Address: 4900 Mississippi Court (Kroening Interpretive Center)
Minneapolis, MN 55430