Stop by and spend a few minutes meeting one of Quarry Hill's snake ambassadors during this open house event. A naturalist will be on hand to answer any snake questions during this special 'meet and greet' session. Also offered from 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Be sure to get your selfie with a snake before you head on your way.
Stop by and spend a few minutes meeting one of Quarry Hill's snake ambassadors during this open house event. A naturalist will be on hand to answer any snake questions during this special 'meet and greet' session. Also offered from 10:00 - 11:00 PM
Be sure to get your selfie with a snake before you head on your way.
The snow might be melting into puddles, but we aren't going to let this January thaw ruffle our feathers!
Waddle in to the Nature Center for the Duck Days of Winter, a spin-off of the upcoming National Rubber Duckie Day (who knew?). We are celebrating Quarry Hill style, THIS WEEKEND.
Do you know your Ducks? Quarry Hill has over 30 taxidermied waterfowl mounts collected over many years. Some of them will make their first public appearance in the Nature Center this weekend. Paddle in for a Duck Walk and dive into some Quack Facts to test your bird brain with 'two truths and a lie' trivia! It's gonna be a duckload of fun!
For the kiddos and anyone who loves a good eyespy, rubber duckies will be hidden all over the Exploration Hall. Stop in to see how many you can find!
The snow might be melting into puddles, but we aren't going to let this January thaw ruffle our feathers!
Waddle in to the Nature Center for the Duck Days of Winter, a spin-off of the upcoming National Rubber Duckie Day (who knew?). We are celebrating Quarry Hill style, THIS WEEKEND.
Do you know your Ducks? Quarry Hill has over 30 taxidermied waterfowl mounts collected over many years. Some of them will make their first public appearance in the Nature Center this weekend. Paddle in for a Duck Walk and dive into some Quack Facts to test your bird brain with 'two truths and a lie' trivia! It's gonna be a duckload of fun!
For the kiddos and anyone who loves a good eyespy, rubber duckies will be hidden all over the Exploration Hall. Stop in to see how many you can find!
Follow the glow of candlelight through the woods as you walk through the Valentine themed 'Who's Kisser is it?' trivia trail. Then, warm up by the fire inside the Nature Center. Enjoy an adult beverage from the gourmet hot cocoa bar, a sweet chocolate treat, and a nighttime view of Quarry Hill's animal ambassadors.
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 and investigators - 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 and investigators - 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 and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
Join us for a fun and educational "Owl Out Adventure. This is a unique opportunity to sketch owls, learn tips from guest artist Chad Allen, and even meet a live screech owl. Enjoy an open house with simulated owl pellet dissections, creative drawing challenges, naturalist talks, and guided bird hikes. Plus, get your own Quarry Hill Owl coloring book while supplies last. Bring the whole family for a day of nature, art, and fun!
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
April Topic: Wonderful Worms
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!
Caring for the Earth starts with all of us! Roll up your sleeves and make a real impact, helping protect and restore our local environment. Participants will help with litter pick-up, wildlife garden preparation, and invasive garlic mustard removal—simple actions that make a big difference for the health of our ecosystems. This is more than volunteering; it is a chance to do your part in caring for the Earth alongside your community.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
May Topic: Peeps & Leaps, It's Time for Spring!
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!
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
June Topic: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.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
June Topic: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.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
June Topic: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.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
June Topic: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.
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 trap, handle, and release wild birds safely! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory.
Enrollment is limited. Reservations are recommended.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
July Topic: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.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
July Topic: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.
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 remain 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.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
July Topic: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.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
July Topic: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.
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 remain 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 trap, handle, and release wild birds safely! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory.
Enrollment is limited. Reservations are recommended.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
August Topic: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.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
August Topic: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 remain 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.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
August Topic: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 craft your own animated hummingbird toy.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
August Topic: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 craft your own animated hummingbird toy.
Help catch, tag, and release monarch butterflies as they migrate through our area on their journey south to Mexico. This free, open-house event celebrates the monarch butterfly's remarkable migration from Minnesota to Mexico. Citizens just like you are important contributors to monarch research and conservation. Join us in the field to learn why!
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 remain 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 trap, handle, and release wild birds safely! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory.
Enrollment is limited. Reservations are recommended.
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 remain 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.
This small but mighty raptor exhibits fascinating adaptations that make it a formidable hunter. With its sharp talons, keen eyesight, and swift aerial maneuvers, the kestrel is well-equipped for hunting in flight. Meet our American Kestrel, Aquila, and learn more about this raptor.
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 remain 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 trap, handle, and release wild birds safely! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory.
Enrollment is limited. Reservations are recommended.
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 remain 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.
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 remain 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 trap, handle, and release wild birds safely! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory.
Enrollment is limited. Reservations are recommended.
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 remain 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.
There are seven native Minnesota snake species at the nature center. From flexible jaws to smelling with their tongue, snakes are charming! Slither in and coil up while a naturalist introduces you to a variety of snakes and their scaly goodness.
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 remain 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.
Location: Quarry Hill Nature Center 701 Silver Creek RD NE in Rochester
Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm &
Sunday, December 6, 2025 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
You’ll see pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, glass, woodworking and more. Admission is free and ten percent of all sales are donated to the Friends of Quarry Hill in support of nature education programs.
Location: Quarry Hill Nature Center 701 Silver Creek RD NE in Rochester
Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm &
Sunday, December 6, 2025 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
You’ll see pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, glass, woodworking and more. Admission is free and ten percent of all sales are donated to the Friends of Quarry Hill in support of nature education programs.
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 trap, handle, and release wild birds safely! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory.
Enrollment is limited. Reservations are recommended.
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 remain 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 animal residents who live in Quarry Hill Park are amazing. Join us to bust the myths about an often misunderstood and feared mammal, Bats! Echolocation, keen sense of smell and the ability to eat 500 mosquitoes in an hour - bats are amazing and beneficial!
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 remain 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.
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