Lowry Nature Center
Lowry Nature Center, the first public nature center built in the Twin Cities, is a beautiful, prairie-style building nestled in the middle of Carver Park Reserve. View seasonal interpretive displays, visit with our resident animals, observe birds in the wildlife viewing area or relax near the fireplace or on the deck.
Main Number:
763-694-7650Monday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
Sunday: 12–5 PM
Highway 5/County Road 11 construction
UPDATE: JULY 3, 2026
Highway 5 has reopened in both directions at Carver County Road 11 and the new roundabout at County Road 11 is open. Access to Carver Park Reserve features via County Road 11 is available both from Highway 7 to the north of the park and Highway 5 to the south of it.
The construction that took place is a partnership among the City of Victoria, Carver County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Learn more about the project.
Interactive Map of Carver
Legend
Trails and Roads
Amenities
Recreation Areas
Natural Areas
Boundaries
Interactive Map of Carver
Students can meet curriculum requirements while developing an understanding of science, the natural world, history, agriculture, art and more!
All Programs & Events
Take a guided walk under the full moon, learn about birding or find something else that interests you in one of Lowry's many outdoor learning programs and events.
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 free modifications and learn about available options. Learn more about accessibility at Three Rivers.
More About Lowry Nature Center
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.
Virtual Tour
Lowry Photography Club
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.
Equipment Rental
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.
Groups
The professional naturalists at Lowry Nature Center can customize outdoor education programs for your school, scout troop, senior center, homeschool or other organized group.
Rental Spaces
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.
Indoor room reservations must be made at least seven days in advance and no more than 120 days ahead of time.
Wild Birthday Parties are offered year-round and are appropriate for children age four and older. Nature-based topics range from pond insects to birds, and snowshoeing to live animals.
Love Lowry Nature Center? Help us keep the wild magic alive! Your donation supports unforgettable outdoor education programs, top-notch care for our resident animals and exciting updates to our nature displays.
Want to help support our raptors? You can also give directly to support our raptor care—helping feed and house our majestic birds of prey.
Join other teens in helping out Lowry or other nature centers by volunteering at summer camp, watching over the resident animals, monitoring wildlife and more.
Volunteering
Three Rivers relies on the support of volunteers to maintain the high-quality programs and operations at the nature centers.
Carver PDF Maps & Self-Guided Tour
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!
#threeriversparks
The Wandering Naturalist
Episodes 282–284: Rivers Inspiring Art
Throughout human history, rivers have been a source of connection and inspiration for art. Join Brandon and Ellen as they sit down with various artists this month. Discover how rivers have inspired the poetry behind Minneapolis’ first Poet Laureate, learn how ancestry and culture influence art, and hear about AWE, a group that connects artists, scientists and teachers with waterways through art.
Similar Areas
Eastman Nature Center
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Gateway Center
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Richardson Nature Center
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Bloomington, MN 55438
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