Chickadees, juncos, nuthatches, and more, Quarry Hill's backyard is full of songbirds. This class is all about birds, spend time with a naturalist observing the birds, meet and release a live bird, build a felt bird and make a pine cone feeder to take home. Storytime and feeding the fish are also included in this class especially for 2-3 year old and their favorite grown-up.

Experience the beauty of birds up close as you try your hand at trapping, netting, banding and releasing birds.

Chickadees, juncos, nuthatches, and more, Quarry Hill's backyard is full of songbirds. This class is all about birds, spend time with a naturalist observing the birds, meet and release a live bird, build a felt bird and make a pine cone feeder to take home. Storytime and feeding the fish are also included in this class especially for 2-3 year old and their favorite grown-up.

Quarry Hill Park was formerly the grounds of the Rochester State Hospital. Learn about some of the Park's historic structures before a short hike to tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882

Color and sounds abound as songbirds flutter by. Practice observation, meet a live bird, and make a feeder to take home for your backyard birds. 

Rescued and unable to live in the wild, our Saw-whet owl will tell you all about herself and why she 'gives a hoot' about living at Quarry Hill. She may even share a bit about other owls in her owl community.

Outdoor projects, gardening, button making and more: this opportunity is open to families, groups or individuals (children under 13 must be accompanied by and adult). Volunteer one time or monthly. Sign up at uwolmsted.org or by calling the nature center. (328-3950)

Quarry Hill Park was formerly the grounds of the Rochester State Hospital. Learn about some of the Park's historic structures before a short hike to tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882

Celebrate Minnesota’s sparkling season and beautiful winter landscape. Enjoy an evening skiing by candlelight and the glow of the moon.

Can you spot a white tail against the white winter landscape? Learn all about deer and their special winter adaptations and then go on a short walk to look for signs of deer in the woods. 

Experience the beauty of birds up close as you try your hand at trapping, netting, banding and releasing birds.

Can you spot a white tail against the white winter landscape? Learn all about deer and their special winter adaptations and then go on a short walk to look for signs of deer in the woods. 

The “Soil Chef” will help students understand the difference between soil & dirt and give the recipe for soil. Students will hike to the QH sandstone cave and also sift & sort soil samples into their components. Offered for students ages 5-7.  

Students will learn microscope basics and have time to practice with prepared slides before moving on to the amazing world of microorganisms within a drop of water.  Preparing a wet mount slide, observation, sorting, & classifying skills will be emphasized. Offered for students ages 8-10.

Students will learn animal survival strategies, learn about core and extremity body temperatures as it relates to hypothermia, take the ice bucket challenge, and experiment with insulators.  Meet at Quarry Hill and dress to be outside for a portion of the class. Offered for students ages 11-14.

Enjoy the sparkling winter landscape on a candlelit trail. Bring your sweetheart or come with friends for an enjoyable evening in nature. Champagne and sweets will be served by a crackling fire. Equipment is provided by Quarry Hill. Alternate activities will be provided in the case of poor snow/trail conditions.

Get ready to experience snow like you never have before! Bring your mittens, for a game of snow bowling. Then we are making snow candy, because we all love to eat snow. Just think how good it will be turned into candy. Finally it is time to snow create! You can color it, shape it, or adorn it for the birds - whatever you are in the mood for.

How fast? Which way? How big? Tracks can tell us many things about animals. Adventure outdoors to practice your tracking skills after a fun matching animals to tracks game. 

Join licensed falconer Kirk Payne and Harry, a Red tailed Hawk, to learn about the ancient sport of falconry.  After some indoor pictures, a discussion, and if the weather and Harry are willing, we’ll walk to some nearby public hunting lands for a falconry demonstration in the field.

Outdoor projects, gardening, button making and more: this opportunity is open to families, groups or individuals (children under 13 must be accompanied by and adult). Volunteer one time or monthly. Sign up at uwolmsted.org or by calling the nature center. (328-3950)

Quarry Hill Park was formerly the grounds of the Rochester State Hospital. Learn about some of the Park's historic structures before a short hike to tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Students will learn how syrup is made from beginning to end. They will learn which trees produce edible syrup and then practice tapping. Participants will even get to sample some finished box elder syrup. Offered for students ages 8-10.

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Cheerilee, cheeriloo! Spring rains have washed away the winter snow and the Robins are back in search of their favorite food. Worms! Class time includes story, art, and a hike. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

Quarry Hill Nature Center main building will be closed from February 26 - April 15 to install new exhibits, animal enclosures, and an aquarium with crawl through tunnels! 

Quarry Hill Park and Trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. 

This class focuses on animal’s lifecycles; how they are born, and change as they become adults.  Through active learning situations, (puppet skits and 2 outside activities) students learn about various animal families and babies.

During this class, students will work with interactive learning stations related to energy conservation, alternative energy sources, and potential environmental problems related to energy use. Students will also play our energy game trail to test and add to their knowledge of energy usage. Offered for students ages 11-14.

Spring into the Nature Center for a first look at our newly renovated Exploration Hall. All ages will enjoy looking deep into nature through the lenses of our high tech microscopes at the Investigation Station, seeing the Freshwater Aquarium with a fish eye's view in the crawl through tunnels, or rock-out in the all new Geology Hall highlighting the unique underground landscape of SE MN. 

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.

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 or continuous mowing. Native plants attract beautiful butterflies, beneficial insects & birds.  Starter plants in 2"x 2" pots are $4.00 each. 
Plant varieties will be dependent on growers availability, but may include:
Common Milkweed, Butterfly Weed, Meadow Blazing Star, Cardinal Flower, New England Aster, Little Bluestem, Wild Ginger, Lady Fern 

Outdoor projects, gardening, button making and more: this opportunity is open to families, groups or individuals (children under 13 must be accompanied by and adult). Volunteer one time or monthly. Sign up at uwolmsted.org or by calling the nature center. (328-3950)

Join us for a Weed Warrior introduction session and the fight to take back our parks and our woodlands. Invasive species like garlic mustard and buckthorn are threatening to choke out native plants and wildflowers and the animal diversity will soon follow. We need your help!

Quarry Hill Park was formerly the grounds of the Rochester State Hospital. Learn about some of the Park's historic structures before a short hike to tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Meet at Quarry Hill for a morning of foraging fun. Learn how to confidently identify and prepare a variety of common springtime edible plants and mushrooms. The class will begin with a light breakfast featuring foraged ingredients, followed by a lecture, and guided foray through the park.

Observe, listen, feel....toddlers are natural explorers. Join in monthly nature -themed classes that include story, art and outdoor adventures. Register for one class or the whole series.

Experience the beauty of birds up close as you try your hand at trapping, netting, banding and releasing birds.

Observe, listen, feel....toddlers are natural explorers. Join in monthly nature -themed classes that include story, art and outdoor adventures. Register for one class or the whole series.

Quarry Hill Park was formerly the grounds of the Rochester State Hospital. Learn about some of the Park's historic structures before a short hike to 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!  

Springtime brings a symphony of sounds from out amphibian friends. This seasonal call of the wild is a delight for the ears as the male frogs and toads begin to serenade the females. Come join us as we learn all about Minnesota’s resident frogs and toads, their life cycle, distinct calls and features. Class will begin with a short presentation inside and then will head outside for a listening hike in search of the call of the wild! Participants should expect to hike up to a mile over some uneven terrain. Not suitable for strollers

Children are born naturalists, constantly exploring the environment around them with all their senses. Accompany your little naturalist on a nature adventure, exploring a different topic each month. 

Meet our wildest neighbors! The animal residents who live in Quarry Hill Park are amazing.

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!  

Outdoor projects, gardening, button making and more: this opportunity is open to families, groups or individuals (children under 13 must be accompanied by and adult). Volunteer one time or monthly. Sign up at uwolmsted.org or by calling the nature center. (328-3950)

Quarry Hill Park was formerly the grounds of the Rochester State Hospital. Learn about some of the Park's historic structures before a short hike to tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Experience the beauty of birds up close as you try your hand at trapping, netting, banding and releasing birds.

Quarry Hill Park was formerly the grounds of the Rochester State Hospital. Learn about some of the Park's historic structures before a short hike to tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

How is a salamander like a frog? They are both amphibians! Let’s salute the salamander and learn all about this wet, wild and wonderful animal. Meet our live salamander then head out in to the woods in search of more “tigers”. A muddy craft and snack fit for a salamander will complete our morning. (Raindate: June 14)

Quarry Hill Park was formerly the grounds of the Rochester State Hospital. Learn about some of the Park's historic structures before a short hike to 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? We’ll use our 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. (Raindate: June 28)

The Nature Center Exploration Hall is closed. The park is open dawn to dusk. Restroom and water are available in the Pond Pavilion near the Nature Center.

Experience the beauty of birds up close as you try your hand at trapping, netting, banding and releasing birds.

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 as we learn all about the lifecycle of the dragonfly. Snack & craft fit for a dragon. (Raindate: July 12)

Quarry Hill Park was formerly the grounds of the Rochester State Hospital. Learn about some of the Park's historic structures before a short hike to 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 leave class with your own underground detective funnel. (Raindate: July 26)

Quarry Hill Park was formerly the grounds of the Rochester State Hospital. Learn about some of the Park's historic structures before a short hike to tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.

Experience the beauty of birds up close as you try your hand at trapping, netting, banding and releasing birds.

Most birds can only fly forward. But 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.  (Raindate: August 9)

Quarry Hill Park was formerly the grounds of the Rochester State Hospital. Learn about some of the Park's historic structures before a short hike to tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.