The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center 5.0 (reviews)

West Saint Paul, MN Zoos & Wildlife Unclaimed
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About The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center

The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center is an environmental education and habitat restoration organization located in West St. Paul, spanning over 460 acres of prairies, hardwood forest, wetland, lakes, and miles and miles of open hiking trails for those active families!

Over the past 40-plus years, Dodge Nature Center has seen more than one million children and their families pass through their gates, each one leaving with a greater understanding and appreciation for the world around us. Now it's YOUR turn!

Their programs for kids of all ages introduce the wonders of our environment and open eyes to the majesty of nature. With activities for kids and adults, it’s the perfect place to spend a day, learning, laughing, and enjoying everything Dodge Nature Centre has to offer.

In addition to the vast natural wildlife at Dodge Nature Center, Dodge plays home to many animals who are selected for their educational value. In keeping with their dedication to preserve the natural world, many of their captive animals are endangered, recovering from low population numbers, or are farm animals that provide valuable educational opportunities about sustainable agriculture. 

Their farm animals are available for viewing from outside of the pasture fences in the summer. Their outdoor raptor mew near the main office provides an exceptional opportunity to see the birds of prey, plus orchard and the fascinating bee apiary.

There are over 59,000 nature experiences offered annually, including day visits, programs, and events, so why don't you join them for a day of learning, nature, and wildlife! Mother Nature is calling!

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Adults Donations accepted, & some activities pay and play

Children Same as adult

Last Update 2022

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The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center FAQ’s

Doing our bit

They are ALL about nature, supporting the ecology and wildlife, and teaching visitors about the importance of it all!

Any top tips when visiting?

If you want to help them even more, they LOVE donations. In fact, they run off them, so help keep their amazing nature center alive!

Teachers corner

Dodge Nature Center provides outstanding educational programs and experiences to school groups, scout troops, families and individuals. Their professional and enthusiastic staffs of naturalists engage students in natural history and agricultural programs. You can go to them or they can go to you!

Is The Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center fully accessible?

Just speak to staff about the accessibility, they will be happy to help!

Any additonal information?

Birthday parties at Dodge Nature Center are a terrific experience for kids of all ages. The two-hour long party schedule starts with a Dodge naturalist in a fun, hands-on nature program that is age and seasonally appropriate. Then it's on to the schoolhouse room for cake, presents, games, etc. It's birthday fun with a difference!