Twin Cities Nature

From natural beauty to human-forged landscape, you'll always find a spectacular view from just about any Twin Cities vantage point.

Marvel at some of the nature centers and natural wonders in and around Minneapolis - Saint Paul:

  • Mississippi River Visitor Center - The Mississippi River Visitor Center is operated by the National Park Service and is free to the public. It is located in downtown Saint Paul, just off the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota.  Learn all about the history of the Mississippi River, how it is used today for recreational and commercial uses, and be amazed at the beautiful views that change with each season.
  • Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - You'll be amazed by the 8,000 sq ft expanse of exhibits in the Wildlife Interpretation and Education Center in Bloomington.  The Minnesota Valley Refuge begins at the education center and runs along the Minnesota River for 34 miles.  It is a long greenbelt of large marsh areas covering approximately 14,000 acres of land.  These lands provide a refuge to many plants, animals, and waterfowl.  Visitors can also enjoy many outdoor activities such as canoeing, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and observing wildlife.
  • Dodge Nature Center - The Dodge exists to educate adults and children about the ecological impacts of human development and how communities can act to preserve the area's natural heritage. They also operate a preschool where children can discover the wonder in prairies, ponds, and along woodland trails. Barnyard animals provide stimulating opportunities for learning and growth at the Center's forty-acre Model Farm.
  • Caponi Art Park and Learning Center - A place where the park is art.  This park blends a mixture of manicured landscape, art sculptures, and art in landscape such as artfully designed rock walls above walking paths.  The Park offers learning programs, family events, and hosts performances at its Theatre in the Woods.
  • Chain of Lakes - This area encompasses 13.3 miles of trails that follow around Lake Calhoun, Harriet Lake, Lake of the Isles, and the surrounding neighborhoods.  It is tremendously scenic place to get active or just sit back and relax.  Activities include running, walking, biking, skating, boating, fishing, and sailing.
  • Minnehaha Regional Park - Attractions at this large city park include a 50-mile outdoor recreation loop with paved trails to walk or bike, the John H Stevens House Museum, an off-leash dog park, the historic railroad Princess Depot, and of course... the breathtaking 53-foot Minnehaha Falls.
  • Wabasha Street Caves -These fun, themed tours through history offers a unique experience in a fascinating and mysterious setting. View the sandstone caves in Saint Paul which served as former speakeasies and hideouts of some the city's notorious gangsters in the past.
  • Minnesota Landscape Arboretum - Located in Chanhassen, you can enjoy a pleasant escape from urban life without driving too far.  The arboretum has a visitor center and contains over 1,000 acres of gardens, prairies, woodlands, rolling hills, and marshes.  Hike along the trails in this varying landscape and marvel at the colors of all the annual and perennial plants.  There is also an on-site tearoom, gift shop, and library containing books on gardening and wildlife.