This spring and summer, a construction project is taking place on Carver County Road 11, which travels through Carver Park Reserve. The project is a partnership between Carver County and the City of Victoria and includes the addition of turn lanes, wider shoulders and other modifications designed to improve safety. The project is underway, with work on culverts and storm sewers taking place in April.

Beginning April 18, County Road 11 will be closed between the campground entrance and Wisteria Street. During this time, park guests should plan to access Lowry Nature Center and the Monarch Singletrack Trail from the north via Highway 7 and County Road 11. View a map of where County Road 11 is open and closed.

From June through August, County Road 11 will be closed at its intersection with Highway 5. During that time, people traveling to Carver Park Reserve from Highway 5 should use the posted detour on Rolling Acres Road, then travel west on Highway 7 to County Road 11.

Learn more about the project.

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–4 PM and Sundays 12–4 PM. 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.

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