Mission

Founded in 1967, Dodge Nature Center is one of the oldest-running nature centers in Minnesota and a pioneer in environmental education. With a mission to provide exceptional experiences in nature through environmental education, Dodge serves thousands of people every year through school and public programs, camps, community events, and a nature-based preschool (Dodge Nature Preschool). Dodge Nature Center operates on 460+ acres of greenspace across four properties: the Main Property and Marie Property in West St. Paul, the Lilly Property in Mendota Heights, and Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove. Properties are home to 8+ miles of hiking trails, restored prairies, hardwood forests, wetlands, abundant local wildlife, and flourishing native habitat. Unique features include working farms, raptor mews, community gardens, bee apiary, blacksmithing forge, sugar shack for maple syruping, and a state-of-the-art Education Center with a large teaching kitchen. Trails are open to everyone at no cost from sunrise to sunset, every day of the year. Free or low-cost public programs are offered monthly for a naturalist-guided experience in nature.