Mission
Providing exceptional experiences in nature
through environmental education.
About Dodge
Providing exceptional experiences in nature
Nature experiences in the Twin Cities
Experience the beauty of nature and engage in environmental education at Dodge. Hike trails and explore prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. See farm animals, raptors, and local wildlife. Miles of trails are open to everyone at no cost from sunrise to sunset, every day of the year.
460+
acres of land
8
miles of trails
40
curriculum topics in outdoor classrooms
60000+
nature-based experiences offered yearly
History
Founded in 1967 by Olivia Irvine Dodge, the Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center was one of the first nature centers in the state of Minnesota and a pioneer in environmental education. Dodge is a nonprofit organization operating on 460+ acres of nature preserve within the cities of West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Cottage Grove. The nature center provides environmental and agricultural experiences for thousands of people every year through school and public programs, community events, and a nature preschool that is recognized nationally.
