Warner Nature Center050

The Lee & Rose Warner Nature Center (WNC), associated with the Science Museum of Minnesota and located in northern Washington County, is Minnesota's first year-round outdoor educational facility. Its 600 acres of undeveloped woodland, marsh, lake, bog, and grasslands are crisscrossed by six miles of trails. The facility is not open for walk-in visitors, but the public is welcome to attend the many community programs and events it offers throughout the year. School groups can schedule free visits exploring a variety of topics.

The lovely Trailside Museum, a spacious two-level building constructed in 1967, houses classrooms for family programs, interactive exhibits, live animals, a library, "mega" bird feeders, and an elevated deck. The Hidden Wonders of Warner, an all-ages state-of-the-art exhibit, is on the lower level. The center also boasts an outdoor amphitheater, the Arend Forum.

Summer classes are available for kids ages two to 15. Kids ages 14 to 18 can participate in an outdoor leadership program to learn how to work with younger children at WNC camps.

Membership provides opportunities to participate in special "Friends" events, such as Full Moon Snowshoeing and Owling; the Friends' Lecture Series; and Spring Bird-Banding Programs. Members also receive the The Trailside Journal newsletter, and discounts on program fees.

The center is closed on evenings and weekends, unless there's a special event scheduled.