Quarry Hill Nature Center has a nice assortment of picnic tables, trails, and local animals. It even has a small nature center within. Tip: The signage here is sorely lacking, which is why I couldn't find the paved bike trail, and ended up totally on the wrong side of the park :-( Once I discovered that I was almost hopelessly lost, I wandered aimless in the woods for close to 40 minutes before I found a trail sign that set me back on the right path. Despite the major signage problems, this is a nice place - if you can figure out where to go.... read more

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A nice condensed forest experience. The nature center is adorable and educational. The forest itself is a fun place to wander. I even had two deer that ran by me. A bit more signage would have been helpful to figure out how to go up the hill versus around the hill. I just wandered on random treaded paths until I figured it out. I found a point where you could get a skyline view of Rochester downtown. read more

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We had a great short walk with the family. We entered via the west entrance away from the center. The first part is paved, then gravel, then cleared paths. Liked the green of the forest! Saw dragonflies and a black butterfly read more

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Wonderful escape into nature! We were in town visiting family and looking for something fun to do, and were so happy to have found Quarry Hill. We got out of the heat exploring the nature center - lots of fish and reptiles, and other educational exhibits to explore with lots of opportunities for kids (and adults) to learn. Then we ventured out on the trails and were surprised by the diversity in gardens, terrains, and environments that you could enjoy in such a small area. This place has something for all ages and fitness levels. Depending on the season, this would be a lovely spot to enjoy blooming wild flowers or fall foliage. Unfortunately, we were not able to explore the quarry/cave. If that is something you want to do, make sure to call ahead - I was told the tours only happen on certain days and get booked weeks ahead. read more

Quarry Hill Nature Center - Exhibit at the nature center - Hiking Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

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A gem of a find here in Rochester! The nature family trail we took was awesome! We saw a group of school aged kids doing science experiments at the pond (best way to learn-hands on). We heard a bunch of happy kid noises-only to find another bunch of school kids on the climbing rock area. We concluded our adventure in the Quarry Hill Nature Center-which entertained our almost-2 year old! She loved the frogs, fish and turtle viewing! It is really nicely set up for the little ones to explore! We can't wait to go back and hike further next time! read more

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This place is the real deal. I can't believe it was free. The main indoor area is fun, and young kids will like it. It's medium sized but interesting and varied. It felt like they took some care in designing it and putting it together. The main attraction - at least for us - was fossil-finding. We asked the helpful person at the front desk where we should go and she annotated a map for us. The fossil area is a perfect distance away: just far enough (and up a hill) to tire out kiddos but close enough to prevent boring them. The walk itself is very unique the whole way, making fun memories at every turn. There's some local history and ruins, crisscrossing trails to keep you checking the map, and even a neat bridge or two. Once you get to the quarry you're treated to yet another unique, memorable feature. If you've been to the Badlands or the Grand Canyon, the top of the quarry is a bit like that: large, flat, smooth tiered rocks dotted with trees. This is where we stopped to look for fossils but the view itself was a treat as well. We did in fact find several fossils! See the attached photo for an example. It's a ton of fun to look for fossils with kiddos, and a really good opportunity to teach them about what fossils are, how the trees push them up so you can find them, and of course talk about how the fossils are creatures from "dinosaur times." The pride and excitement when one of them finds a fossil can't be beat. Kids need experiences like that and this was a truly wonderful way to provide that. We walked a bit around the park after this, and it was lovely, but after all that fossil hunting we had to get some lunch! Highly recommended (and I also recommend the Canadian Honker for some take-out lunch). read more

Quarry Hill Nature Center - Hiking Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

We stopped by the nature center to check it out, see the animals up close and get some walking/hiking in. This place is near other parks and trails so it would be good for walkers or bikers. There were many thin unpaved trails that you can explore. We want to go back ilat a better time of the year. We stopped by near Thanksgiving which may be the least scenic of times. Nice park, trails and nature center. We will be back. read more

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This park is great. Lots of parking, great facilities and tons of trails and paths to explore. There is even a nice little pond that has fish and frogs. Quarry Hill is a wonderful place to visit all year round and I feel like every time I go there is something new to appreciate. I saw something online about a cave tour, but can't figure out where there caves are in the park! read more

We visited today after the fresh snowfall. I thought we were going to rent cross-country skis or snowshoes but they said no rentals today, gotta have the trail expert verify the trail conditions and that won't happen until tomorrow. Bummer, minus 1 star. The parking lot was half full and the people that brought their own skis were having the times of their lives. We ended up walking the trails, which was still great. Lots of childhood memories. Growing up in Rochester, we would have school field trips to Quarry Hill for the education programs. They use the pond, forest, prairie, stream, limestone quarry, and miles of trails to teach about the wonders of nature and outdoor fun. My favorites were going inside the dark scary historic sandstone caves, climbing the limestone wall, and the science classes in the nature center. read more

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Quarry Hill Nature Center is a nice place to check out nature in an indoors setting amid the phenomenal park around it. Staffed with some pleasant people and located west of East Circle Drive. read more

Quarry Hill is a wonderful place to meet up with a friend and get a little walk going or to take your kids and walk around the trail. There is a pond too and a little education center. The kids typically will do a field trip here sometime during the year....and if you are in need of leaves or milkweed for school projects--go on. They do several events thru the year also that are very interesting and have some summer programs for the kids too.... read more

Awesome place to be. We have enjoyed our times there as a family many times. We love to walk and explore the grounds. I know that cross country skiing is available in the winter, but we have not been able to take advantage of that yet. Is particular visit was to 'Creatures of the Night' in October. So much fun for the kids and adults. We have done that many times. This is one place that we donate to be members of every year. read more

Such an awesome park that's well taken care of. Their "Nature Center" is small but nice. I like that they do offer bird watching on weekends. There's a small artifical Lake with ducks and geese. A tiny island in the middle of it too. They're trying to create a well rounded natural habitat for many creatures just like they did for Silver Lake decades ago. **Applaud!** I particularly love their trails for running and biking. It does go for a long way. I'd say for about 2-3 miles. It is connected to the trail system which is connecting Silver Lake Park trails and others so it's hard to tell how long it it exactly. It's also good for a walk with the family and the kids. Beautiful year round. Watch out for mosquitos though! Great spot to go to, any time, with anyone. They do have a lot of activities scheduled annually there too esp for the kids. read more

Awesome place for being in Rochester. The only reason it gets 4/5 stars is because they have no outside water sources. This place has trails and people come to ride bike here. ADD A WATER SOURCE OUTSIDE OF NATURE CENTER! read more

I love bringing my kids here. Wish people were more independently responsible for their dog droppings, but none the less, the butterfly garden is always beautiful. read more

Always fun activities happening here! We had our maternity photos here. Also hiked a few times on the trail of course. The lake is nice. You can fish. Low key fun times for the whole family. read more

This is a great place to visit with kids, grandparents and everyone that is interested in animals and nature. My toddler loved it but there were kids of all ages. The trails and pond were great when it was time to go outside. read more

Awesome little nature center and outdoor space. Volunteers and staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Paths are well maintained and used. Accessible by bike and walking trails or car (two lots, one on either side of Quarry). Year round activities, summer camp, weekend events, etc. Great place to enjoy nature without leaving the city. read more

We just moved here this Summer and my son and I have been here 5 times. The trails are great, the education center is clean, friendly staff, great displays and animals. Don't miss the caves. read more

The nature center is pretty outdated, but overall it's a fun place to take the kids. And Fallfest is always a great time. Beautiful woods and trails for hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing. read more

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I have benefitted from Quarry Hill for 30 years! I remember going there as an elementary student and now as a teacher, I take my elementary class there. A lot has changed in 30 years! Thank you Quarry Hill for providing great opportunities for kids of all ages. I have many fond memories and am making more each year. My students love the classes. Top Notch stuff! read more

Awesome place in Rochester for biking walking or taking the dog out for a walk! A lot of nature here. read more

Quarry Hill Nature Center - Still a little snow - Hiking Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

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a friend and I took our kids for a day trip with our young broods. We thought of going up to the twin cities, but soon opted for something closer to home. Myself, being one of those moms that expects my children to learn history, appreciate nature, and other subjects children hate, decided to go here for the first time. I asked the cashier how much for admission. she said it was FREE!!!!! FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is winter, so we didn't go exploring outside, but there was plenty of things to look at here. Our toddlers went about running and screaming their approval. The live animal displays were wonderful. The huge fish tank with native stock was neat and educational. Even the bee exhibit was neat (to a bee-phobic mom). There is also a children's library with books to check out or to sit back and read. The toddler-sized chairs were a hit. The bathrooms were spacious enough to get all of kids a potty break at the same time. We will definately come back this summer. I hope more people discover this fun (don't tell the kids also educational) gem. read more