If you’re looking for a great place to explore in the winter, Lowry Nature Center in the Carver Park Reserve is a great spot. This is a location that was close to us growing up, so we took quite a few visits here. Since having kids, we have enjoyed the programs, the nature center, and the beautiful nature at Lowry. Most recently, we attended the Last S’mores of the year on New Year’s Eve. We had just had a small dusting of snow the night before, so the scenery was breath-taking. After enjoying a s’more for each kid, we headed out on a small hike. Lowry is one of those parks that’s beautiful in every season and provides a unique hike each time you visit.
One thing that I love about Lowry is trails can really be as short or as long as you need them. This is so ideal for hiking with young kids. There is nothing worse than hiking for a little bit and having a kid completely melt down with no shortcut back to where you started. One small loop that we love to do has a look out point, a natural play area, a bridge, and some animals at the very end. So engaging for all ages!
The natural play area at Lowry sparks creativity and allows kids of all abilities to explore nature. There is an assortment of sticks for building, logs for climbing, make-believe play, balancing, and a sand box area for digging. Whenever we visit, we always spend a chunk of time here. It’s also, well-shaded, which is such a blessing in the hot months, as well as in the rain. Another great part of Lowry is the sledding hill. It’s the perfect size for all and much safer than many other sledding hills close by.
After spending some time playing, hiking, and exploring outside, we headed inside. This is a wonderful nature center with lots to do! Since we had visited last, they had added many things. Besides a wide variety of nature items to explore through touch and a microscope, there were an assortment of animals to see. Puzzles, tracing, a puppet show, animal costumes, trains to play with, books, and games were also available. We stayed here for over an hour, but definitely could have stayed longer. Everything was clean and staff at the nature center were very kind and knowledgeable. Lowry Nature Center offers a plethora of activities from maple syrup education to kick-sledding to instruction on nature. While some activities do have a cost, many events they offer are free!
The park does also, have a brand-new mountain bike trail that is supposed to be enjoyable and unique. We have not yet had a chance to try this aspect of the park. They also, have a king waterbird sanctuary and the Grimm Farm Historic Site. Both of these sites are spots we haven’t gotten to visit yet, but would like to on a future visit to Carver Park Reserve.
Overall, if you are looking for a place to experience the beauty of winter, this is a great option! It’s free, very educational, and fun for all ages. We will definitely be back in the near future and look forward to exploring more regularly through every season there. Another great nature center in the Three Rivers Park District is Eastman Nature Center. Read about it here. I’d recommend a visit there as well!
More details about Lowry Nature Center in Carver Park Reserve:
Address: 7025 Nature Center Dr, Victoria, MN 55386
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM, Sunday: 12–5 PM
Until my next adventure,
Allie
Adventures with Sota Mama 
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