Where: Carpenter Nature Center- MN Campus
12805 St Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
https://carpenternaturecenter.org/
Was it worth it? Yes, I give it a 7/10
Highlight: The trail alongside the river
Suggested time here: 1-3 hours
When we visited: Nov & Dec 2020
Free Nature Center Fun
Both of my kids went to Carpenter Nature Center for past school field trips and to tell you the truth, I had forgotten about it until recently. We were looking for some new trails to explore one day in the fall and my kids suggested Carpenter!
It’s close to home for us, quiet and it’s free, which is a nice bonus! It does have limited opening hours though, 8-4:30, seven days a week (except for special events & holidays).
After visiting, we learned that there is a Wisconsin Carpenter campus as well (with different opening hours). Please let me know in the comments below if you have been there!
Check out the Visitor Center
Critters Galore!
Definitely pop into the visitor center if you’ve got kids with you! My boys love to have a peek at the creatures! There are a bunch of cool turtles, snakes, lizards & birds and it’s never busy so you’ll get a close up view!
Phoenix, the bald eagle was rescued from the roadside in 2008. He has an injured wing, making him unable to live in the wild. 
My son’s fave buddy here, the snapping turtle
Hit the Trails!
There are quite a few different trails to explore, you can check out the trail map HERE. You’ve got the option of paved or grass/woodchip trails through a variety of different areas; grassland, prairie, forest, etc..
The paved paths work great for strollers (obviously not in the winter as they don’t clear the snow off the paths) but we like the grass/woodchip trails the best because they are set in amongst the trees. FYI, no bikes are allowed.
If you are up for a little more “hiking” and want to get a close up of the river, keep on the lookout for the “Beach Trail” or the “South River Bluff Trail”. These both lead down to the “Railroad Bed Trail” which runs right alongside the river. This is definitely our fave trail here!
Peaceful place to hike!
I wouldn’t necessarily make the drive here from across town, but for a peaceful hike (with or without kids) with beautiful river views, it’s worth it if you live close by!
If you’re looking for something to pair this with I’d suggest:
– Washington County’s Point Douglas Park (swimming beach and picnic area) in the summer
–Vermillion Falls in Hastings to see a cool urban waterfall and old flour mill ruins
-Lunch in Prescott, WI at Muddy Waters Bar & Grill
Happy Exploring!
Need to know
- Dogs welcome but must be leashed
- Free entry
- Parking on site
- Restrooms in the visitor center
- Nature Center event calendar HERE
- Pavillion, deck, gazebo and conference center available for rent
- Snowshoe rental for $5 (as long as there’s at least 6 inches of snow) You can also BYO snowshoes
