Lowry Nature Center is a beautiful 10,000 square-foot, prairie style building nestled in the middle ofthe 3,700-acre Carver Park Reserve. The interpretive area encompasses 250 acres with about eight miles of hiking trails that weave between many diverse natural communities and "Habitats," an Outdoor Education Exhibit and Play Area. Our slogan is "Wetlands and Woods."

The Nature Center is staffed by professional naturalists, acquainted with the rhythms of nature and dedicated to revealing some of nature's mysteries. You'll want to return for more and share in the magic of the outdoors.

What Can You Do at Lowry Nature Center?

• A variety of public programs are offered year round for adults and children.
• Group programs with naturalists for homeschoolers, school and youth groups, seniors and community groups.
• Play in "Habitats," an educational play area complete with a giant woodpecker tree slide, climbing flowers, mole tunnel, and beaver lodge.
• Hike 6.5 miles of trails through woods and prairies.
• Bike on our trails connecting with the LRT trail.
• See live animals interpretive exhibits or browse the nature center's library.
• Tour Grimm Farm, the 1875 home of immigrant farmers Julianne and Wendelin Grimm.
• Rent snowshoes and kicksleds, or slide on the sledding hill.
• Fish in one of our many lakes.
• Attend a Summer Adventure Camp.
• Have a Wild Birthday Party.
  

Wildlife at Lowry Nature Center

Native plants and wildlife abound in the park's lakes, prairie, woodlands and marsh areas. The park is home to many animals including over 150 species of birds, beaver, deer, fox, coyote, muskrats, bats, and turkeys.

Experience our wildlife by:

• Walking the boardwalk winding through our tamarack bog.
• Observing butterflies in our butterfly garden.
• Watching trumpeter swans.
• Listening to frog "choruses" and watching fireflies at dusk.
• Look for osprey chicks in platform nests. Learn more about the Twin Cities Osprey Project.
  

Lowry Nature Center History

The Lowry Nature Center was the first truly public nature center in the Metro area. It wa built in 1968-69 through the efforts of the Metropolitan Nature Center Corporation (started by Goodrich and Louisa Lowry) and Hennepin Parks. The nature center is named after Goodrich Lowry for his hard work and dedication. He believed strongly in environmental stewardship and the need for everyone in the community to be involved, especially children.

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