Lowry Nature Center Summer | Lowry Nature Center Winter

Find printable maps of all areas of Carver on the Carver Park Reserve page.

NEW: Take a self-guided hike on the Maple Trail or take an audio driving tour of Carver!

Outside Lowry Nature Center, the 250-acre interpretive area features hiking trails that weave between diverse habitats such as lakes, tamarack bogs, cattail marshes and hardwood forests. Along the trails, you might spot some of the varied wildlife that live in the park, including beaver, deer, fox, coyote, muskrats, bats and turkeys. Some 250 species of birds can be observed in Carver Park Reserve seasonally. Opportunities to enhance your experience at the park are available through trail guides, exploration kits and interpretive signs.

The interpretive area also includes an exploration area. The Nature Exploration Area was created specifically to encourage free play in the outdoors. Children can explore, dig and build while adults play along or observe nearby.

Interested in nature and photography? Join the Lowry Photography Club! Share your latest photos, and learn and discuss photography techniques. All experience levels and kids with adults are welcome. Find the club on Facebook.

Explorer Backpacks

Check out an Explorer Backpack and embark on your own adventure at the Lowry Nature Center! Each backpack comes with tools to investigate a specific topic while on the trails. Topics include Trees, Birds, Frogs, Insects and Pond Exploration.

Explorer Backpacks are available on a first-come, first-served basis Monday–Saturday from 9 AM–4PM and Sundays 12–4 PM. Some topics may not be available as each backpack will only be rented once every 72 hours to allow for sanitizing. Call 763-694-7650 prior to your arrival or when you arrive for availability. Backpacks are free and appropriate for all ages. They must be returned at the end of your visit.

The professional naturalists at Lowry Nature Center can customize outdoor education programs for your school, scout troop, senior center, homeschool or other organized group.

Reserve the Fire Ring at Crosby Lake or one of the indoor spaces at Lowry Nature Center for your next meeting, retreat, family gathering or other event.

Three Rivers relies on the support of volunteers to maintain the high-quality programs and operations at the nature centers.