Quarry Hill Nature Center

"We were visiting Mayo. Due to lack of time were looking for things to do in the vicinity. The nature center was a fun activity. Lots of hands on for the kids too. But as grown ups we loved it. Took a small walk around the area, too. Will visit the next time hopefully in the summer."

"We adore Quarry Hill! Whether you are adults going for a hike, or kids looking to visit the nature center; whether you come with a school group and a structured program, or a toddler and preschooler looking for things to do on a gray or cold day: This place has something for you! In the nature center, there are snakes that are native to Minnesota, fish, turtles, insects, frogs, and information and displays about birds - as well as a climbing structure/"treehouse", in a book room for even the youngest children. There are even fun donation bins available for help feeding the nature center animals and maintaining trails and outdoor buildings. Outside, there are miles and miles of paths, whether paved, wood chips, or naturally worn in the grass and dirt. There is a beautiful pond in the middle with a very small island you can walk out onto, and even the pond as wildlife such as ducks and geese who stay over or stop by, and even beavers. We were really lucky and saw the beavers diving down to the bottom of the mostly frozen pond, and bringing pond weeds back up to eat on the surface of the ice. The pond never freezes over completely because there is a pump. You cannot walk on the ice! But that's just fine because even a winter pond is home to many animals, and they deserve to have the pond to themselves, in that way. In the winter, there are groomed trails for cross country skiing, as well as skis available. This year was not good for that because we've had so little snow. But most Winters, outdoors at Quarry Hill is a cross country skiing Destination, in cooperation with local school cross country/Nordic teams."

"We love quarry hill nature center. I’ve been coming since elementary school field trips & now I get to bring my kids. Grandma enjoyed it as well. We look forward to many more visits in the future."

"Great place to explore, love the trails, and love learning the history of the area. The front desk staff was very friendly and helpful."

"Finally made a trip to aee the cave and it was cool. It's actually not a guided tour because the cave is small enough for you to go in on your own but it is helpful to bring your own large flashlight if you want to see a little better. We used our phone flashlight and that was all right too."