If you have a few hours to fill with your toddler while another kiddo is at school, or you want to get out of your house and enjoy some fresh air with your family, Quarry Hill is just the place! A true gem in Rochester, Quarry Hill is the perfect place to burn some energy and take in all of the beauty that our four seasons have to offer.
We’ve rounded up 9 ways to spend a few hours at Quarry Hill!
1) Nature Center & Library: There is so much to love about the nature center. Enjoy looking at 35 species of live animals, birds, fish, a large collection of taxidermy, and hands-on exhibits. The aquarium is a family favorite, and we LOVE to crawl through and be one with the fish!
After exploring the animals, take some time to relax and unwind in the quiet room. This cozy space is filled with books all about nature and wildlife. Grab a book, climb up on the reading tree and cozy in.
2) Nature walk or bike ride on the trails: wear sneakers and get ready to explore all the beauty of Quarry Hill. While walking, listen to the birds, point out squirrels, collect leaves, nuts, flowers and other foliage. Quarry Hill has over 8 miles of paved and hiking trails, with plenty of paths to explore!
Our favorite hike is to find the fairy garden along the trails leading to Parkwood Hills Park!
3) Prairie experience: Take a stroll through the beautiful oak savanna prairie and hunt for butterflies, search for different types of flowers, and explore the paths.
4) Search for fish/frogs/turtles/ducks in the pond: Right outside of the Nature Center you can find the Harry L. Buck Children’s Pond. This 3-acre pond was designed for recreation and research. In the pond are ducks and geese, frogs, turtles, snakes, and fish. The pond is stocked with bass and sunfish and fishing can be a fun activity (with a MN fishing license). You can also cross the bridge to the island and find a bench to sit on and breathe in the fresh air and the willow trees that are around the pond.
5) Bird watching: Right behind the quiet room/library is the bird watching room. Explore the room and learn about different birds, and listen to the various bird calls. The windows overlook several bird feeders to encourage a variety of birds to visit. See how many varieties you can find! If your kiddo wants to learn more about birds, grab the Birding Basics Adventure Pack and take your little explorer outside!
6) Adventure Packs: Adventure Packs and Discovery Packs are filled with different tools, maps and games to help you and your kiddo to explore the park. You can find the Adventure Pack check-out cards in the quiet room/library. Take the check-out card to the front desk of the Nature Center and enjoy your adventure! They are free to check out for daily use in the park.
7) Sign up for one of their Good-Natured Kids Classes. These classes happen monthly and are $18 for non-members and $15 for members. These classes are offered to 3- & 4-year-old kids with an accompanying grown-up. It’s a great way to get outdoors to explore, learn, and connect with the natural world! They change their topics monthly. Click the links below to learn more about upcoming classes. Also, keep on eye on the Rochester Local Event Calendar for other fun events and classes happening at Quarry Hill.
November 2024
| 12 | Good Natured Kids: Talkin’ Turkey |
December 2024
| 10 | Good Natured Kids: Who’s in the Cave? (bats) |
8) Find one of the playgrounds and play! There is a playground on 9th Street NE (west park entrance) and Parkwood Hills Drive NE (Parkwood Hills Park), with parking lots located next to each. Looking for more adventure? Park at the nature center and walk/bike/scooter to the parks.
9) Fossil hunting! Fossil hunting is a treasured tradition at Quarry Hill. Millions of years ago the park was covered by ocean and the ocean-dwelling creature’s fossils remain in the limestone that is found in the old quarry. There are many trails that lead to the quarry, but parking on the west side of the park and hiking up from there is the quickest route.
However you decide to spend your time at Quarry Hill, we just know you’ll have a blast!
The Details
Address: 701 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester, MN 55906
Park Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Nature Center Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm, Sunday: 12 pm – 4 pm
