Dodge Nature Center

We had such a lovely time at the Dodge Nature Center. They hosted a winter festival event that was free for the community and we were so awed at how well run it was. They had activities for children and adults alike including crafts, animal demonstrations, snow mini golf, and ice bowling which included throwing a frozen bird into pins - too funny! We were so awed by how kind the volunteers and staff was and they had a huge property with some truly beautiful nature trails. This is a great place for families or a date doing something outside!

I attended a wedding at the Dodge Nature Center and wow what a gorgeous place to explore! I was really struck by how it captured the beauty of the Minnesota landscape and I wish I had more time to explore the trails in this area. As for the event space, it's really well maintained, clean restrooms, plenty of room to spread out, and it made for a really beautiful and intimate wedding and reception for my friends. I'd absolutely return if I was in the area and wanted to do something in the great outdoors.

5 out of 5! This is a wonderful, naturally impressive little park on the edge of West St Paul. It's probably one of the better parks just because I doubt too many people know about it. Highly highly recommended.

A great place in the urban area to bring the family. I've just stopped in on a whim a few times as there is no admission at least to look around. We can hear the rooster proudly crowing or is he warning? The chickens roam free in the restricted area and there are horses grazing. The nature path is elevated above the swamp and there is a study of wetlands for your kids science class. The meeting house is not always open but is often used for meetings and weddings and other such affairs. The road in is gravel and sand just to give it that rural feeling.

This is a beautiful nature reserve to take a walk. We visit often since there are new things to explore and witness during each season.

I was here for a private gathering. I hung out outside as long as I could take the heat. As I get older nature and gardens suddenly interest me. So far I have a plant on my front porch. The one Jessica A gave me. But I have high hopes for next year. This is the kind of place to get ideas from. They even have an in ground fire pit. A beautiful walking trail, if you're inclined to get off the bench. You even get to hang out with the resident rooster and hens. It's very kid oriented and they offer classes for the wee ones. The AC is very comfortable inside, another great place to hang out. A great example of the country in the city limits.

Halloween festival. My husband, 2 sons (2 and 5), and I went for the first time this last Friday based on good reviews other parents gave from previous years. We decided it would have been a lot more fun had it been lighter out, but hardly feasible since the event takes place on a Friday starting at 5:30 so getting home from work and the kids in their costumes, it was 6:15-6:30 when we got there. Parking was great! Admission was steep for a family; $10 each. We knew there would be a lot of walking, but this was excessive since lightning was so awful and you're walking through the woods and dirt paths including bridges over ponds. Had there been lanterns or more lit pumpkins along the paths, it would have been a lot more enjoyable, especially since the paths were so uneven and if you have young kids. They had a fun trick or treat path through the woods which was very kid friendly, but again needed a few more lanterns or rope lights throughout the path. A path this dark is great for older kids and adults, but not easy with little guys. Concessions were cheap. Music for kids was fun as well. The only other downside was how spaced out everything was. Since the lights were scarce, it would have been a lot better had everything been more clustered together. Would I go again? Nope Recommend to others? Not unless you bring a flashlight and kids are 5 and over.

Dodge Nature Center has a pretty extensive list of camps and programs. My kids have attended camp there and I have taken our Girl Scout troop to a couple of the Girl Scout programs. It is a really wonderful facility and a great place to get outdoors with your family.

Nice place. Went for a kids birthday party and had a very enjoyable afternoon.

Loved it! Felt like I was walking through someone's farm or national trust land in England!