CALENDAR

GREAT THINGS HAPPENING EVERY DAY

2026
2027
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

January 2026

Winter Break Activities: Animal Encounters
Free and open to all.

January 2nd, 1:00 pm2:00 pm

Stop by and spend a few minutes meeting one of Quarry Hill's snake ambassadors during this open house event. A naturalist will be on hand to answer any snake questions during this special 'meet and greet' session. Also offered from 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Be sure to get your selfie with a snake before you head on your way.  

read more
Winter Break Activities: Animal Encounters
Free and open to all.

January 2nd, 2:00 pm3:00 pm

Stop by and spend a few minutes meeting one of Quarry Hill's snake ambassadors during this open house event. A naturalist will be on hand to answer any snake questions during this special 'meet and greet' session. Also offered from 10:00 - 11:00 PM

Be sure to get your selfie with a snake before you head on your way.  

read more
Bird Banding Program
Free
Call to Register
January 4th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up close when you learn how to trap, handle, and release wild birds safely! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. 

Enrollment is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Duck Days of Winter - Pop Up Event!
All ages welcome.
Free
January 10th, 9:00 am4:00 pm

 

The snow might be melting into puddles, but we aren't going to let this January thaw ruffle our feathers!

Waddle in to the Nature Center for the Duck Days of Winter, a spin-off of the upcoming National Rubber Duckie Day (who knew?). We are celebrating Quarry Hill style, THIS WEEKEND.

Do you know your Ducks? Quarry Hill has over 30 taxidermied waterfowl mounts collected over many years. Some of them will make their first public appearance in the Nature Center this weekend. Paddle in for a Duck Walk and dive into some Quack Facts to test your bird brain with 'two truths and a lie' trivia! It's gonna be a duckload of fun!

For the kiddos and anyone who loves a good eyespy, rubber duckies will be hidden all over the Exploration Hall. Stop in to see how many you can find!

read more
Duck Days of Winter - Pop Up Event!
All ages welcome.
Free
January 11th, 12:00 pm4:00 pm

 

The snow might be melting into puddles, but we aren't going to let this January thaw ruffle our feathers!

Waddle in to the Nature Center for the Duck Days of Winter, a spin-off of the upcoming National Rubber Duckie Day (who knew?). We are celebrating Quarry Hill style, THIS WEEKEND.

Do you know your Ducks? Quarry Hill has over 30 taxidermied waterfowl mounts collected over many years. Some of them will make their first public appearance in the Nature Center this weekend. Paddle in for a Duck Walk and dive into some Quack Facts to test your bird brain with 'two truths and a lie' trivia! It's gonna be a duckload of fun!

For the kiddos and anyone who loves a good eyespy, rubber duckies will be hidden all over the Exploration Hall. Stop in to see how many you can find!

read more
Cave Tour
Free
Call to register.
January 11th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds, and there remain some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations, and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Friday Night Lights - Cancelled Due to Icy Conditions
$8/person

Tickets here.
January 16th, 5:30 pm8:00 pm

Embrace Minnesota’s sparkling season and beautiful winter landscape with an evening of hiking by candlelight.

 

 

read more
Critter Spotlight - Owls
Free
Call to register.
January 18th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Owls have many adaptations for their life in the forest. Totally silent flight, sharp talons, and large eyes set forward make them stealthy hunters. Learn all about these impressive predatory adaptations and the owl species that live in Minnesota. 

read more
Cave Tour
Free
Call to register.
January 25th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds, and there remain some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations, and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Friday Night Lights
$8/person

Tickets here.
January 30th, 5:30 pm6:30 pm

Embrace Minnesota’s sparkling season and beautiful winter landscape with an evening of hiking by candlelight.

 

 

read more

February 2026

Critter Spotlight - Owls
Free
Call to register.
February 1st, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Owls have many adaptations for their life in the forest. Totally silent flight, sharp talons, and large eyes set forward make them stealthy hunters. Learn all about these impressive predatory adaptations and the owl species that live in Minnesota. 

read more
Bird Banding Program
Free
Call to Register
February 8th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up close when you learn how to trap, handle, and release wild birds safely! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. 

Enrollment is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Valentine's Hike by Candlelight
$15/person

Tickets Here
February 13th, 6:00 pm8:30 pm

Follow the glow of candlelight through the woods as you walk through the Valentine themed 'Who's Kisser is it?' trivia trail. Then, warm up by the fire inside the Nature Center. Enjoy an adult beverage from the gourmet hot cocoa bar, a sweet chocolate treat, and a nighttime view of Quarry Hill's animal ambassadors. 
 

 

read more
Cave Tour
Free
Call to register.
February 15th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds, and there remain some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations, and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Critter Spotlight - Animals in Winter
Free
Call to register
February 22nd, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Huddle together, slow down, stock up on food and use 'antifreeze' - animals use some amazing adaptations to survive the winter weather! Join a naturalist and discover how animals get through the long, cold, snowy months of winter. 

read more

March 2026

Cave Tour
Free
Call to register.
March 1st, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds, and there remain some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations, and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Bird Banding Program
Free
Call to Register
March 8th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up close when you learn how to trap, handle, and release wild birds safely! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. 

Enrollment is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Cave Tour
Free
Call to register.
March 15th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds, and there remain some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations, and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Mindfulness in Nature (18+ )
March 21st, 9:30 am11:30 am

Join certified guide and licensed educator, Laura Lenz, and other adults for a Mindfulness in Nature experience in Quarry Hill Park.

 

 

read more
Critter Spotlight - Creepy Crawlies
Free
Call to register.
March 22nd, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Love them or not, creepy crawlies are everywhere and play a vital role in our environment! This program highlights the world of invertebrates – with an up close look at a live tarantula, walking stick, & hissing cockroach.

read more
Cave Tour
Free
Call to register.
March 29th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds, and there remain some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations, and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Spring Break Nature Camp Gr. K-5, March 30 & 31
March 30th, 9:00 am11:30 am

No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.

read more
Spring Break Nature Camp Gr. K-5, March 30 & 31
$65
$55/members
Register online.
March 30th, 1:00 pm3:30 pm

No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.

read more

April 2026

Spring Break Nature Camp Gr. K-5, April 1 & 2
April 1st, 9:00 am11:30 am

No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.

read more
Bird Banding Program
Free
Call to Register
April 5th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up close when you learn how to trap, handle, and release wild birds safely! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. 

Enrollment is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Cave Tour
Free
Call to register.
April 12th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds, and there remain some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations, and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Good Natured Kids: Wonderful Worms
$18
$15/members
Register online.
April 15th, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

April Topic: Wonderful Worms

They’re sticky and they’re slimy, wiggly and tiny, they’re all together grimy - it’s the worm family! Get ready to dig into the wonderful world of worms as we explore one of nature’s most down-to-earth creatures. Learn about their amazing recycling powers and streamlined design that make them the best creature for the job!

read more
Mindfulness in Nature (18+ )
April 18th, 9:30 am11:30 am

Join certified guide and licensed educator, Laura Lenz, and other adults for a Mindfulness in Nature experience in Quarry Hill Park.

 

 

read more
Critter Spotlight - Frogs and Toads
Free
Call to register.
April 19th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Ribbit, croak, and sing. Our frogs have plenty to say about their lifestyle at Quarry Hill. We might even see some of their friends on a quick trip out to the pond.
Space is limited; reservations are recommended.

read more
Cave Tour
Free
Call to register.
April 26th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds, and there remain some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations, and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more

May 2026

Bird Banding Program
Free
Call to Register
May 3rd, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up close when you learn how to trap, handle, and release wild birds safely! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. 

Enrollment is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Cave Tour
Free
Call to register.
May 10th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds, and there remain some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations, and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Good Natured Kids: Peeps & Leaps, It's Time for Spring!
$18
$15/members
Register online.
May 12th, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

May Topic: Peeps & Leaps, It's Time for Spring!

Frogs and toads are starting their spring songs! Come meet some of our live frogs & toads as we learn all about their spring songs and lifecycle. Then we will grab nets and head out to the pond in search of these peeping leapers!

 

read more
Critter Spotlight: Prairie Life
Free
Call to register
May 17th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Walk with a natualist in the prairie to observe insects and butterflies that thrive on the plants and flowers native to prairie habitat. 

read more
Mindfulness in Nature (18+ )
May 23rd, 9:30 am11:30 am

Join certified guide and licensed educator, Laura Lenz, and other adults for a Mindfulness in Nature experience in Quarry Hill Park.

 

 

read more
Cave Tour
Free
Call to register.
May 24th, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds, and there remain some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations, and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. 

read more
Fossil Hunting Hike
Free
Call to register.
May 31st, 1:30 pm2:30 pm

Dig into the past to discover what fossil fortunes are hiding in the rocks at Quarry Hill Park!

read more

June 2026

Good Natured Kids: Salamander Salute
$18/pair
$15/members
Register Online
June 9th, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

June Topic: Salute the salamander and learn all about this wet, wild and wonderful animal. Meet our live salamander and head into the woods in search of more “tigers”. A muddy craft and snack fit for a salamander will complete our adventure.

read more
Good Natured Kids: Salamander Salute
$18/pair
$15/members
Register Online
June 10th, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

June Topic: Salute the salamander and learn all about this wet, wild and wonderful animal. Meet our live salamander and head into the woods in search of more “tigers”. A muddy craft and snack fit for a salamander will complete our adventure.

read more
Good Natured Kids: Knock Knock Woodpecker
$18/pair
$15/members
Register Online
June 23rd, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

June Topic: Who is that knock knocking in the woods? Downy, Hairy, Pileated, what makes these birds so special? Use your eyes and ears as we search for woodpeckers in the park and their signature mark on trees. Then enjoy a snack suitable for “pecky” eaters. 

 

read more
Good Natured Kids: Knock Knock Woodpecker
$18/pair
$15/members
Register Online
June 24th, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

June Topic: Who is that knock knocking in the woods? Downy, Hairy, Pileated, what makes these birds so special? Use your eyes and ears as we search for woodpeckers in the park and their signature mark on trees. Then enjoy a snack suitable for “pecky” eaters. 

 

read more

July 2026

Good Natured Kids: Flying Dragons
$18/pair
$15/member
Register Online
July 7th, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

July Topic: Did you know that flying dragons exist? They do! We call them dragonflies and they hatch right out of the water. Gather around the pond to learn all about the lifecycle of the dragonfly.
Snack & craft fit for a dragon.

 

read more
Good Natured Kids: Flying Dragons
$18/pair
$15/member
Register Online
July 8th, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

July Topic: Did you know that flying dragons exist? They do! We call them dragonflies and they hatch right out of the water. Gather around the pond to learn all about the lifecycle of the dragonfly.
Snack & craft fit for a dragon.

 

read more
Good Natured Kids: Holey Moley
$18/pair
$15/members
Register Online
July 21st, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

July Topic: Moles, worms, groundhogs, spiders, foxes and even owls find life is good when you are underground. Get the dirt on why these animals like to live underfoot when we go searching for their lairs. Dig up some good grub and make your own underground detective funnel. 

 

read more
Good Natured Kids: Holey Moley
$18/pair
$15/members
Register Online
July 22nd, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

July Topic: Moles, worms, groundhogs, spiders, foxes and even owls find life is good when you are underground. Get the dirt on why these animals like to live underfoot when we go searching for their lairs. Dig up some good grub and make your own underground detective funnel. 

 

read more

August 2026

Good Natured Kids: Butterfly Flutterby
$18/pair
$15/members
Register Online
August 4th, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

August Topic: Summer is coming to an end and butterflies are abundant. Search high and low for fluttery butterflies that rise and glide on the breeze. Learn what makes each unique and beautiful. Spend time in the butterfly garden looking for young caterpillars, taste a butterfly snack and nature willing, take home your own caterpillar to raise and release.

read more
Good Natured Kids: Butterfly Flutterby
$18/pair
$15/members
Register Online
August 5th, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

August Topic: Summer is coming to an end and butterflies are abundant. Search high and low for fluttery butterflies that rise and glide on the breeze. Learn what makes each unique and beautiful. Spend time in the butterfly garden looking for young caterpillars, taste a butterfly snack and nature willing, take home your own caterpillar to raise and release.

read more
Good Natured Kids: Nature's Helicopter
$18/pair
$15/members
Register Online
August 18th, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

August Topic: Most birds can only fly forward, however hummingbirds can also fly backward, up, down, and sideways just like a helicopter! Join us as we learn more about the world’s smallest birds. Fuel up on a sweet snack and craft your own animated hummingbird toy.

read more
Good Natured Kids: Nature's Helicopter
$18/pair
$15/members
Register Online
August 19th, 9:30 am11:00 am

Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly. 

August Topic: Most birds can only fly forward, however hummingbirds can also fly backward, up, down, and sideways just like a helicopter! Join us as we learn more about the world’s smallest birds. Fuel up on a sweet snack and craft your own animated hummingbird toy. 

 

read more

September 2026

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