Looking for places to get outside this winter? Many Twin Cities communities have nature centers where you can get out and enjoy nature in your own neighborhood. One of my favorites not too far from us is Westwood Hills Nature Center in Saint Louis Park, a 160-acre nature preserve. It isn’t too big… an easy hike and perfect for families young and old. We even took my mother there when she was about 90 years old!
We met our son and grandson there for an outdoor meetup and walk shortly before the snow came and stayed right before Christmas. We found deer quietly grazing while beautifully blending into the landscape… the lake with clear ice starting to form… and we also enjoyed examining a carved-out tree which was a geo-caching destination. It is great for outdoor mini adventures!
We stopped again last week and spent some time in the beautiful snowy landscape. The walking trails are well groomed… perfect for a short nature escape. There were a number of families with school age children there, likely taking an outdoor break from their Zoom classrooms.
The striking interpretive center has been closed due to COVID-19, but I understand it will be opening again January 11, 2021. I was excited to learn that it earned a 2020 AIA Honor Award for its new zero-energy interpretive center with many sustainability features. Designed by HGA Architects and Engineers, it was not only lauded for its design, but the building was also recognized as being a teaching tool itself and was recognized as a great model for nature centers in the future.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
