Great Trails at the River Bend Nature Center
It won’t be long now until the temperature starts to warm up and the last piles of snow begin to melt away. It’s this time of the year when people start to make plans about what they’re going to do for the summer. It’s also the perfect time to try new things, to get out of the house and explore.
The River Bend Nature Center in Faribault, Minnesota is here for all the future explorers out there. Located on the east edge of Faribault just off of state highway 60, the Nature Center is home to trails, wildlife, and learning. Visitors can also take part in many different programs and educational classes to help make every adventure a fun one.
Upcoming Events at the River Bend Nature Center
The trails have been used for events like the Fat Tire Bike Race during the winter, and will be the spot for more events this summer. One of these special events is the Maple Syrup Fun Run & Pancake Brunch on May 6th.
The event itself consists of multiple different trail races including a 50K, 25K, 10K, and a 5K. People can also participate in an un-timed 1-mile walk. All of these runs take place on natural trail surfaces such as grass or dirt, and meander through big woods, wetland, and prairie habitats.
For even more information about the Maple Syrup Fun Run & Pancake Brunch, go to rbnc.org for the full event details.
River Bend’s Most Popular Trails
The outdoor classroom of the Nature Center encompasses 743 acres of woodlands, prairie, and wetlands. All of these areas are accessible on many of the center’s trails. Each of which provide a fun and relaxing experience for anyone to enjoy the scenery of Faribault.
Trout Lily Trail is the most popular trail for Nature Center visitors. The trail is named after a federally endangered species of plant named the “Dwarf Trout Lily” that is found in the area. This trail is just under one mile and runs through a floodplain forest alongside the Straight River.
In the spring, this trail is a great spot for wildflower viewing, deer grazing, and bird watching. The Nature Center does ask that folks stay on the designated trails in order to protect the wildflowers. Some of the other visitor favorite trails include the Cardinal, Meadowlark, and Bluebird trails.
Start Exploring
The River Bend Nature Center is a great place for people of all ages. Whether you come with a group of people or by yourself, the outdoor opportunities offer a unique experience for anyone who visits. If you’re interested in taking food with you on your next hike, the Nature Center also has several picnic areas.
If you’ve decided that you’re ready to head out the door and start your next adventure at the River Bend Nature Center, make sure to visit their website for more information about scheduling, times, and other park details.