Wood Lake Nature Center

6710 Lake Shore Dr S, Minneapolis, MN 55423, USA

Address:	6710 Lake Shore Dr S, Minneapolis, MN 55423, USA
Phone:	+1 612-861-9365
Site:	woodlakenaturecenter.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	8:30AM–5PM 8:30AM–5PM 8:30AM–5PM 8:30AM–5PM 8:30AM–5PM 8:30AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 31

Marilynn Miller

Wood Lake is one of my favorite urban parks to visit. The landscape changes over the seasons and one can just sit on a bench and enjoy the sunset or walk/run the many paths around the lake - easily choosing the length of the walk as suits you in the moment. Depending on the time of year and day, one can see an amazing and impressive amount of birds and wildlife including eagles, osprey, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, warblers, egrets, herons, deer, muskrats, and turtles. As a woman, I never feel apprehensive walking alone in the park. I dont actually use the park building or the programs much (recently) so I cant speak to that but, in the past, I was very impressed by their family and children programs. The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because of urban noise. This is situated very close to major freeways and the traffic noise is very present. I find its a fair trade off for my living in the city and wanting to get to nature quickly while in the city. Others might be less accepting.

Aaron Furuseth

You cannot ask for a better space in the middle of the city! The center itself is very well maintained and has tons of interesting informational displays as well as local animals both live and stuffed. The grounds are beautiful any time of year and for a wide variety of activities, both solo and guided. You can take a walk or learn how to make maple syrup. Its a great resource and refuge for Richfield!

Daniel Stephens

A great place to learn about wildlife right here in the big city. Memberships are available and are well worth the money, with free/reduced price classes on syrup collecting, apple cidering and other things. No dogs or bicycles allowed. Stay quiet on the trails and you are likely to see deer, turtles, eagles, and muskrats. A floating boardwalk crosses the middle of the lake as well.

A Private User

Great place to bring your family!!! Went here when I was a kid, now my kids enjoy it! Beautiful wetlands, and when your here,, its really hard to believe your in the cities, and have houses & businesses, and highways right next to it!! Breathtakin!! Staff & the volunteers are awesome, knowlegable, friendly people!! Will definately keep comin back!!!

Nigel Naughton

Right in the heart of Minneapolis/Richfield. On the west side it borders Hwy 35W and on the east Lyndale Ave but while you are in the park its almost like you are not in the city. It has a wetland pond in the center and a learning center as you first come in the park. There is plenty of parking available.

Debra Mcguire

Wonderful place to walk sometimes theres beavers, deer ,foxes. In the city but it feels like youre in the woods. They have a lot of activities for kids which is wonderful. I love walking here and meeting wonderful people is lots of beautiful birds and great place to take beautiful pictures.

Steve Rawlins

Great place for kids and adults alike. Excellent naturalist. Bees, maple syrup, birds, turtles, snakes, frogs, stuffed and living - all there.. Good paths for walking and cross country skiing. Pontoon path across wetland. Slice of nature in the city

Neil Franzen

Beautiful scenery and informative nature center in the big city. Walk several hundred yards out and around the water on the trail and youll swear you have been transported to the wild (if you can ignore the occasional airplane overhead).

Eric Aderhold

Wood Lake is a great facility. At the center of it is a marsh with lots of birds to watch. There are walking paths around and even over it, and a visitor center to explain some of the unique natural habitats that occur there.

Tim Hereid

The nature center is excellent. The informed staff help answer questions and give you suggestions as to how to best use the park. It is one more example of the excellent integration of urban life and wildlife in Minneapolis.

Amanda Nelson

This place is so awesome for any age. The kids can run off their energy and adventure! Its free, which is always a plus! Today we saw a snake, ducks and swans! I definetly recommend for kids of any ages mine are 2,4 &6.

Sri M

Excellent place for walkers. Can get a very good exercise by enjoying beautiful nature. By looking at the nature and the beauty of the place, we actually doesnt know how far we walked. Even kids can have fun here.

Danger Derek

Its really cool to see so many animals in the middle of the city. Walking there can be a nice, relaxing break from the normal city setting. There are fish, birds, squirrels, frogs, and deer you can see sometimes.

Christin Cram

Beautiful place to walk/run or just enjoy the outdoors. I havent been there in the winter but it looks like it would be great for snow showing and cross country skiing. Safe area and family friendly!

Mike Oliver

A nice bit of preserved nature surrounded by city, this place is a excellent for a relaxing walk to enjoy the changing of the seasons and offers a wide range of programs for both children and adults.

Alexander Blanton

Wonderful park! Lots of wandering trails, longest is a 1.8 mile loop. Too many animals to count. Saw a beaver, lots of ducks and geese, mice, squirrels, birds, and other small critters.

Jon Shern

The boardwalk through the swamp is an a great place to escape the busyness of the metro There is nothing like sitting back and watching the birds from the comfort of the nature center.

Elana Renata

A spot of nature right smack dab in Minneapolis. Long trails for jogging and walking through varied habitats. Excellent for birdwatching. Ive been coming here since I was a child.

Absalon Prieto

Great Place, the Education center inside has tons of great things for kids of all Ages, my kids 2-4 love going there and taking a while outside when the weather is nice.

Ian Buck

It is pretty cool to be able to walk around a wetland in the middle of the city. However, there didnt seem to be much wildlife other than squirrels and ducks.

Ryan Kielty

Good walking trail. I always take the longer trail. Very open atmosphere and not bogged down by trees, clear trails. Bald Eagle is out and about this year.

jennifer sippel

this nature center is great! numerous curated educational spaces, lovely and well maintained pathways, and programming focused on children and family.

Joseph Haake

Always run into some amazing wildlife every time Im here. If you havent been here, much larger than youd expect for a park in the middle of the city.

Annabel Boedeker

Great walk trail with a center for learning. Very kid friendly. Halloween trick or treat, snowshoeing, birthday parties, and classes are hosted here.

Qweens Town

Large area with talks for walking around, most nest or over the water. The nature center is fun for kids with turtles, snakes and activities.

Karen E

A great place to go for a run or a walk. The trails are always well kept. The only downside is that bicycles arent allowed on the trails.

Nicole Steil

You can go to Wood Lake everyday and you will see something new. What a great spot so close to the city to see so much nature.

Sara Magnus

Love walking here trails are dirt so be sure where good shoes ypu can get dirty if it rains. Lots of wildlife usually.