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Quarry Hill Park was originally a part of the former Rochester State Hospital farm and was purchased from the state by the City of Rochester in 1965. Quarry Hill Nature Center was built in 1972 with funds and labor donated by area residents and businesses. The Nature Center opened in 1973 as a cooperative effort between the Rochester Park Department and the Rochester Public School District. In September 1990, work was completed on a major addition to the existing nature center, effectively tripling the main floor area and enabling Quarry Hill to meet the increasing needs of both the general public and school groups. In September 1999, a second major addition was completed adding another classroom, multi-purpose room, and bird observation room. Since 1999, smaller building additions and renovations, new programs and exhibits, as well as outside trail work and habitat restoration has further solidified Quarry Hill's place as a premier environmental learning destination.
1870's- The State Hospital bought the property
1870's- 1880's?- The old quarry was used
1880's- Reservoir near "new" quarry built
1882- Caves excavated by Thomas Coyne and other workers
1886- 1965- Cemetery used
1890's- 1950- "New" quarry used
1920- 1950- Stone crusher used - at one point the largest in MN
1940's- Cave no longer used by state hospital
1965- 212 acres of land bought by the city of Rochester for park
1972- Ground broken for nature center building
1978- Pond excavated
1985- The Friends of Quarry Hill Nature Center Incorporated is officially organized
1990- New addition dedicated
1992- 58 acres added to the park
1996- The Oak Savanna restoration project begins with Minnesota DNR assistance
1998- 20 acres of land is purchased from Harold Payne for $214,000 by the City/State
1999- Second addition dedicated
1999- Jody Henning is recognized as Quarry Hill Nature Center’s one-millionth visitor
2001- 24 acres of land is purchased from Joe Postier for $480,000 by the City/State
2004- The School District makes $160,000 cut to Quarry Hill program, Friends of Quarry Hill Nature Center commit to major role
2006 - The new "Windows to the Woods" renovation in the Exploration Hall is unveiled
2006- A partnership between the Friends of Quarry Hill, City of Rochester, Rochester Public Utilities, and the University of MN-Rochester resulted in a small addition to the east side of the building.
This room was first used for research on alternative energy sources and is now used as a classroom
2006- The Rochester Active Sports Club group partners with the City of Rochester and Friends of Quarry Hill to improve and maintain the cross-country ski trails
2007- The City of Rochester implements a bio-engineered solution to storm water management in the north end of the park