Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center451

Carpenter straddles the St. Croix River - with property in both Minnesota and Wisconsin - and includes over ten miles of hiking trails through tall pines, oak savanna, restored prairies, wooded ravines, and an apple orchard. There are also picnic tables and a non-swimming beach along the river - and, in season, pick-your-own organic raspberries!

A Visitor Center offers hands-on exhibits and displays of live animals, and there's plenty of wildlife to observe on the grounds, as well as in the air, since the St. Croix River valley is a popular flyway for migrating birds.

The educational offerings include summer and school year programs for families, students, and preschoolers - all very reasonably priced. Advance registration is usually required.

Summer camps: A variety of affordable programs are offered for K-5 students, from single half-day sessions to weeklong full-day programs. The camp for 3rd to 5th graders even includes a camping overnight.

Membership: $50-$99/family, includes store and program discounts, and invitations to members-only events.