Baker Outdoor Learning Center
It’s like getting out of town without actually leaving. Just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis is the Baker Outdoor Learning Center. This rustic learning center is situated within beautiful Baker Park Reserve. Here, guests can reconnect with nature and explore the outdoors.
Highway 12 Construction
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is conducting construction on Highway 12 from County Road 6 in Orono to County Road 92 in Independence. Construction will begin in spring 2021 and continue into 2022. This may affect your normal route to Baker. See westbound and eastbound detour routes.
Interactive Map of Baker
Baker PDF Maps
Find all printable maps of Baker on the Baker Park Reserve page.
Upcoming Events
Beat Back Invasives
September & October | Multiple Locations
Help protect our forests by removing buckthorn.
All Programs & Events
View upcoming programs and events at Baker Outdoor Learning Center!
Nearly all of our program offerings can be adapted or modified. Please call 763-559-9000 (for relay services dial 711) or email access@ThreeRiversParks.org to request specific services or to discuss options.
Rental Spaces
Education and overnight groups can reserve the Outdoor Learning Center up to one year in advance. Returning education and overnight groups have up to one week after their visit to confirm the same dates for the following year. Lodge rental is only allowed from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. Reservations for the lodge are taken starting June 1 of each year. A deposit is required at the time of a reservation.
See the rental guidelines and learn about approved caterers. Call 763-694-7724 or email for more information and availability.
Cabins and Lodge
The Outdoor Learning Center features eight cabins, an expansive lodge, miles of trails, many natural habitats, a rock climbing wall, nature and outdoor recreation classes, and hands-on activities for all ages. Each cabin has eight bunk beds, a wood stove and a nearby cooking pad with a grill and seating area. The cabins do not have lights or restrooms, but there are composting latrines nearby.
The log lodge features a meeting and activity room that seats up to 120 people lecture-style and up to 80 for meals, a large stone fireplace, wrap-around porch, modern restrooms, and an institutional kitchen.
These facilities are available to rent. Call 763-694-7724 or email us to make a reservation.
The Outdoor Learning Center offers a variety of nature-oriented party themes such as: archery, canoeing, rock climbing, and more.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Outdoor Learning Center
Take a walk through the Outdoor Learning Center to experience its amenities inside and out and learn how it fosters joy in outdoors through hands-on educational experiences.
Dogs
Due to the nature of the programming at the Outdoor Learning Center, dogs are not allowed. View Three Rivers dog policy and FAQs.
Watch a video about the Outdoor Learning Center
Get The Newsletter
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Give to Baker Outdoor Learning Center
Love the Outdoor Learning Center? Make a donation today!
#threeriversparks
The Wandering Naturalist
Episodes 99-101: Trees
Learn all about what happens to trees from fall to spring, discover how we raise thousands of trees and shrubs at the Three Rivers Nursery each year, and hear how climate change is impacting our forests and how sugar maples may adapt.
The Three Rivers Blog
5 Ways to Cook Over a Campfire
By: Patty Riley
Fourth of July weekend is almost here! Whether you are going camping, staying in a cabin or planning an adventure at home in your own backyard, try one of these basic campfire cooking techniques and recipes for a tasty meal.
The Myths and Facts of Spiders
By: Monica Rauchwarter
Spiders are one of the most feared animals around, but they are important parts of their ecosystems. Learn all about these special creatures and find out the facts behind some of those myths that make them so scary.
Why We Love Grandparent Camp
By: Anne Jaeger
Why do grandparents Zona and Gregg love Grandparent Camp at Baker Outdoor Learning Center? Read on to find out.
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