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.

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 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. 

In 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.       

In 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.       

Star 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.

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. 

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 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. 

Star 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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Feathered 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!

Feathered 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!

Star 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.

Bring 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.

Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of snow games and experience snow like you never have before!

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.

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 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. 

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.

Tracks, 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.

Tracks, 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.

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 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. 

Celebrate 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! 

Some crawl, some fly, hairy legs, googly eyes…what Creepy Crawlies are lurking about the Nature Center?

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 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. 

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, investigators, photographers - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.

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, investigators, photographers - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.

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, investigators, photographers - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.

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, investigators, photographers - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.

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, investigators, photographers - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.

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, investigators, photographers - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.

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.

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 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. 

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!

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!

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.

Join us for an Earth Day celebration and meet one of nature’s most incredible birds – the Peregrine Falcon.

Celebrate Earth Day with an environmental success story - the Peregrine Falcon. 

Pre-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.  

Pre-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.  

Have 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!

Join 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!

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 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. 

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!

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.

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!

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!

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 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. 

The 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!  

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 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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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 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.

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.

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.

Join 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Join us on the trails for a mid-summer's morning trail run or hike! 
Proceeds benefit the Quarry Hill Scholarship Fund.

Register Here.

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.

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 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.

Put 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!

Put 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 create your own hummingbird café for home.  

Free and all ages welcome.  Help us catch, tag and release monarch butterflies as they migrate through our area on their journey south to Mexico. Citizens just like you are

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 create your own hummingbird café for home.  

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 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.

Hike with a naturalist to learn how to identify and use local plants in a variety of health boosting teas you can make at home. Participants will learn the basics of plant identification and harvest a variety of herbs as they learn about the health benefits and ecology of each.

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.

Postponed due to weather forecast. All tickets purchased are good for Sept 11. 
Additional tickets available here:  Purchase tickets here. 

Calling all junior paleontologists!  Come with us as we hunt for fossils in the rock quarry.  We'll learn all about what animals used to live in our ancient shallow seas.  Its finders keepers on this adventure, so be ready to take home a treasure and a snack that rocks!   (Good shoes and water will be important for this class as we hike a mile on uneven terrain.)

Calling all junior paleontologists!  Come with us as we hunt for fossils in the rock quarry.  We'll learn all about what animals used to live in our ancient shallow seas.  Its finders keepers on this adventure, so be ready to take home a treasure and a snack that rocks!   (Good shoes and water will be important for this class as we hike a mile on uneven terrain.)

North America’s littlest falcon, the American Kestrel packs a predator’s fierce intensity into its small body. It's one of the most colorful of all raptors: Kestrels are declining in our area and conservationists are leading an effort to provide nesting boxes to attract mating pairs. Join a naturalist to learn about this effort and meet our captive American Kestrel up close. 

National Public Lands Day is the single largest day of service for the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program. There are 16 sites across Minnesota providing volunteer service for conservation efforts. The days project will consist of habitat restoration. Learn to identify and remove invasive buckthorn. Participants use loppers to snip sapling size buckthorn, chemically treat the stumps with hand held daubers, and stack removed wood.

Mushroom hunting is a wonderful way to get outdoors, exercise, and learn. This class is intended as a general introduction for beginning mushroom hunters and is not a comprehensive training. We will spend a portion of the class learning the basics of mushrooms using real-life examples of common and safe edible fall mushrooms.