When I was in elementary school we always went to Dodge Nature Center. Years later, I had totally forgotten about it until I happened to drive by it one day. It still took me another 8 years and a pandemic to finally go. I’m so glad I did!

The first thing you’ll notice when you visit the website is that there are 4 locations. We went to the Main Property in Mendota Heights and parked at the Main Office entrance 1. There you will find a dirt parking lot. You can follow the trails from here to connect to the Farm and Preschool area or simply park there and start your adventure on that side. Their website has a downloadable map and there are also signs posted with easy to read trail maps. It’s a beautiful hike and a great place to explore for kids of all ages.

The boardwalk leading to the farm buildings.

Seeing horses and listening to the crows of the roosters really makes you feel like you are far away from city life.

Makes me want to take families here for fall family photos!

Our kids found the giant snow/ice patch the most fun..LOL.

The new social-distance learning.

A lot of follow the leader.

If one kid goes in the water will all the kids follow…yup.