THE DODGE NATURE CENTER

Located on 462 acres near West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Cottage Grove, the Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center was one of the first nature centers in the state of Minnesota.  Founded in 1967, it was a pioneer in environmental education, and over the past forty-seven years has provided programs for hundreds of thousands of school children and adults.

Through prairies, hardwood forests, lakes, wetlands, miles of hiking trails, orchards, a working farm, and a bee apiary, the Dodge Nature Center helps visitors experience the rich natural beauty of the Twin Cities area.  It offers fifty different curriculums, which take place in its many landscaped “classrooms”, and provide hands-on education opportunities for all ages, allowing visitors to experience everything that the center’s grounds have to offer. 

The Dodge Nature Center is truly a hidden gem in the Twin Cities, and a visit there always guarantees an enjoyable and educational experience that never disappoints.


*** Where is your favorite place to experience the beauty that 
      nature has to offer?