January 2022
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 safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
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 remains 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.
read moreIn the snow and on the ice get ready to frolic as we explore winter's frosty grip! We will investigate ice on the pond and the life underneath it, play a traditional game of snow snakes and use inspiration from nature to make icy sun catchers.
read moreIn the snow and on the ice get ready to frolic as we explore winter's frosty grip! We will investigate ice on the pond and the life underneath it, play a traditional game of snow snakes and use inspiration from nature to make icy sun catchers.
read moreStar light, star bright, hike along by candlelight! Embrace Minnesota’s sparkling season and beautiful winter landscape with an evening of hiking by candlelight. Follow luminaries along a groomed trail to the Prairie House to warm by a bonfire and enjoy the outdoor hot cocoa bar. Luminaries will also light your return path through the prairie as you conclude your adventure.
read moreOwls 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 remains 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.
read moreStar light, star bright, hike along by candlelight! Embrace Minnesota’s sparkling season and beautiful winter landscape with an evening of hiking by candlelight. Follow luminaries along a groomed trail to the Prairie House to warm by a bonfire and enjoy the outdoor hot cocoa bar. Luminaries will also light your return path through the prairie as you conclude your adventure.
read moreFebruary 2022
Our Beyond the Book adventures continue with the children's classic Owl Moon.
Come to the Prairie House for a fireside reading of Owl Moon followed by a live owl encounter and a 30 minute hike with a Quarry Hill naturalist.
read moreOur Beyond the Book adventures continue with the children's classic Owl Moon.
Come to the Prairie House for a fireside reading of Owl Moon followed by a live owl encounter and a 30 minute hike with a Quarry Hill naturalist.
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 safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
read moreFeathered socks, a hooked beak and gigantic eyes – oh my! Get up close with one of Quarry Hill’s little owls to learn all about their special features. Then head outdoors to look for owl nests and try your skills at owl calling. Back indoors, we will dissect owl pellets. It’s sure to be a HOOT!
read moreFeathered socks, a hooked beak and gigantic eyes – oh my! Get up close with one of Quarry Hill’s little owls to learn all about their special features. Then head outdoors to look for owl nests and try your skills at owl calling. Back indoors, we will dissect owl pellets. It’s sure to be a HOOT!
read moreStar light, star bright, hike along by candlelight! Embrace Minnesota’s sparkling season and beautiful winter landscape with an evening of hiking by candlelight. Follow luminaries along a groomed trail to the Prairie House to warm by a bonfire and enjoy the outdoor hot cocoa bar. Luminaries will also light your return path through the prairie as you conclude your adventure.
read moreBring your sweetheart or come with friends for a candlelit evening in nature.
Follow the romantic glow of a candlelit trail to the Prairie House. There you can warm up by a bonfire and enjoy your selection from the hot cocoa bar, with or without spirits. Luminaries will light your return path. Don't forget to stop at the photo tree adorned with candles for a selfie with your special someone.
read moreBring your family and friends for an afternoon of snow games and experience snow like you never have before!
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 remains 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.
read moreMarch 2022
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 safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
read moreTracks, trails and scat – we’re headed out in search of deer in the Quarry Hill woods and field. Get ready for hide and seek and finders keepers as we join in antler games! Oh deer, mister buck dropped his antler, can we find it? Hightail it to Quarry Hill to discover all about this treasured and secretive mammal.
read moreTracks, trails and scat – we’re headed out in search of deer in the Quarry Hill woods and field. Get ready for hide and seek and finders keepers as we join in antler games! Oh deer, mister buck dropped his antler, can we find it? Hightail it to Quarry Hill to discover all about this treasured and secretive mammal.
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 remains 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.
read moreCelebrate the return of spring and all things green while Painting in the Prairie!
We welcome painters of all skill levels to enjoy a glass of hard cider in the beautiful
setting of the Prairie House while unlocking your creative side!
Follow and paint along with Brooke Hilger, naturalist and artist, as she guides you with step by step
instruction on a spring themed canvas painting.
Come to Quarry Hill Nature Center for some quality time rock painting together!
Choose your rocks, then paint along step by step with artist and Quarry Hill naturalist, Brooke Hilger. Each participant will paint their own rock. We welcome painters of all skill levels. All materials are provided.
You are sure to leave this class with a spring themed work of art that truly rocks!
read moreSome crawl, some fly, hairy legs, googly eyes…what Creepy Crawlies are lurking about the Nature Center?
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 remains 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.
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, investigators, photographers - 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, investigators, photographers - 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, investigators, photographers - 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, investigators, photographers - 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, investigators, photographers - 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, investigators, photographers - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
read moreApril 2022
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 safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
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 remains 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.
read moreThey’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 moreThey’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 moreRibbit, 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.
read moreJoin us for an Earth Day celebration and meet one of nature’s most incredible birds – the Peregrine Falcon.
read moreCelebrate Earth Day with an environmental success story - the Peregrine Falcon.
read morePre-sale only, pick up on April 22 & 23.
A great way to bring a natural touch into your backyard! Native plants are best adapted to the local climate and once established seldom need watering, mulching, or protection from frost. Native plants attract beautiful butterflies, beneficial insects & birds.
read morePre-sale only, pick up on April 22 & 23.
A great way to bring a natural touch into your backyard! Native plants are best adapted to the local climate and once established seldom need watering, mulching, or protection from frost. Native plants attract beautiful butterflies, beneficial insects & birds.
read moreHave you ever peeked under a rock? A whole community of creatures live there! Join a naturalist at the Nature Center for a reading of the children’s book Under One Rock. Then head out to the woods with your guide where we will look for worms, bug, slugs and other ugs and learn the secret art of worm mustarding!
read moreJoin members of the GLOW STEM committee for fun, educational recycling crafts, activities, and games! Just in time for earth day, learn how a pop bottle or a cardboard box can become a work of art or a functional tool after its initial during the GLOW STEM committee’s inaugural “Sustainability and Me” Sustainability Fair!
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 remains 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.
read moreMay 2022
The game is afoot! All ages will enjoy this family friendly survival game adventure. Animals have special adaptations that help them survive, but competition in the wild can be fierce!
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 safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
read moreFrogs 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 moreFrogs 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 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 remains 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.
read moreThe lands of Quarry Hill Park were once part of Rochester’s historic State Hospital grounds. Join other adults on a guided walking tour of the park to visit some of the interesting historic features that remain from a century of State Hospital use. For example did you know that the hospital farmed over 1,000 acres and provided all the food required for all of their patients? From cave, to cemetery, to quarry operations – the history is rich and intriguing!
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 remains 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.
read moreJune 2022
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 safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
read moreSalute 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 moreSalute 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 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 remains 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.
read moreWho 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 moreWho 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 moreJoin a naturalist at the Nature Center for a reading of the children’s book Growing Frogs. Then head around the pond and to the quarry looking for tadpoles and listening to frogs, as we enjoy a summer night with peepers and leapers.
read more
Join a naturalist at the Nature Center for an evening with family, friends, and frogs! The evening begins with a reading of the children’s book Growing Frogs. Then head around the pond and to the quarry looking for tadpoles and listening to frogs, as we enjoy a summer night with peepers and leapers.
read more
Flap, fly, and soar your way up to the Oak Savanna with a Quarry Hill naturalist! We’re calling all adventurers, ages 4 -7, and their adult sidekick to flock together for this flying wild birding experience. On this 90 minute adventure, naturalists will teach you birding basics like how to use binoculars (that you get to keep!), introduce you to a live raptor and lead you in discovering the wonderful world of birds.
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 remains 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.
read moreDid 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.
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.
July 2022
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 safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
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 remains 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.
read moreMoles, 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 moreMoles, 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 moreJoin us on the trails for a mid-summer's morning trail run or hike!
Proceeds benefit the Quarry Hill Scholarship Fund.
Flap, fly, and soar your way up to the Oak Savanna with a Quarry Hill naturalist! We’re calling all adventurers, ages 4 -7, and their adult sidekick to flock together for this flying wild birding experience. On this 90 minute adventure, naturalists will teach you birding basics like how to use binoculars (that you get to keep!), introduce you to a live raptor and lead you in discovering the wonderful world of birds.
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 remains 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.
read morePut on your detective hat and i-spy eyes to track down who is out an about in Quarry Hill Park. Who chewed on this tree, spit on this leaf, left their tracks and scat or dug this hole? Get ready to wonder as we try to piece together the clues nature leaves us!
read morePut on your detective hat and i-spy eyes to track down who is out an about in Quarry Hill Park. Who chewed on this tree, spit on this leaf, left their tracks and scat or dug this hole? Get ready to wonder as we try to piece together the clues nature leaves us!
read moreAugust 2022
Flap, fly, and soar your way up to the Oak Savanna with a Quarry Hill naturalist! We’re calling all adventurers, ages 4 -7, and their adult sidekick to flock together for this flying wild birding experience. On this 90 minute adventure, naturalists will teach you birding basics like how to use binoculars (that you get to keep!), introduce you to a live raptor and lead you in discovering the wonderful world of birds.
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 safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
read moreSummer 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 moreSummer 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 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 remains 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.
read moreMost 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 create your own hummingbird café for home.
read moreMost 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 create your own hummingbird café for home.
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 remains 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.
read moreSeptember 2022
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Every Day at Quarry Hill
