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 moreStop 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 moreFlock 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
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
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 moreStep 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 moreEmbrace Minnesota’s sparkling season and beautiful winter landscape with an evening of hiking by candlelight.
read more
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 moreStep 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 moreEmbrace Minnesota’s sparkling season and beautiful winter landscape with an evening of hiking by candlelight.
read more
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 moreFlock 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
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
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 moreHuddle 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 moreStep 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 moreFlock 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 moreStep 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 moreJoin certified guide and licensed educator, Laura Lenz, and other adults for a Mindfulness in Nature experience in Quarry Hill Park.
read more
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 moreStep 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 moreNo 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 moreNo 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 moreNo 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 moreFlock 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 moreStep 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 moreOffered 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 moreJoin certified guide and licensed educator, Laura Lenz, and other adults for a Mindfulness in Nature experience in Quarry Hill Park.
read more
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.
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 moreFlock 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 moreStep 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 moreOffered 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
Walk with a natualist in the prairie to observe insects and butterflies that thrive on the plants and flowers native to prairie habitat.
read moreJoin certified guide and licensed educator, Laura Lenz, and other adults for a Mindfulness in Nature experience in Quarry Hill Park.
read more
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 moreDig into the past to discover what fossil fortunes are hiding in the rocks at Quarry Hill Park!
read moreOffered 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 moreOffered 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 moreOffered 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 moreOffered 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 moreOffered 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 moreOffered 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