Name: Carver Park Reserve - Lowry Nature Center
Rating: 4.0

“This is the largest loop you can take on the hiking and snowshoeing trail.”

— Mark Halvorson

GPX File

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Wildlife

Family Friendly Lots of intersections to take you back to the Nature Center if kids get tired.

Overview

Rolling hills through woods and fenlands. Boardwalks through the marsh get you up close and personal with cattails. Scenic overviews of Crosby Lake, Stone Lake, and Sunny Lake. Sliding hill, play areas, and other excellent amenities near the Nature Center. Equipment rental and programs year round.

Description

This is the largest loop you can take by following several different trails: Lake Trail, Tamarack Trail, Aspen Trail, Oak Trail, Maple Trail, and Cattail Trail. There are excellent views of the Crosby Lake and the surrounding woods and fens. A few rolling hills, but nothing so steep that inexperienced members wouldn’t be able to handle. The trail is excellent condition and well marked.

On this loop, there’s about 6 rest stops/observation decks. Trail too long? There are over four points to shorten this back to the Nature Center, with excellent amenities.

Flora & Fauna

Check the board at the Nature Center. Birders old and young list what they saw, and keep a record for sightings throughout the month.

History & Background

The land was originally purchased by the Hennepin County Park Reserve District in the 1950s. In 1967, efforts began to restore 80% of the Reserve to wetland, prairie, woodland, and wildlife habitat. The Lowry Nature Center is the first public nature center built in the Twin Cities. At 3,719 acres, Carver Park Reserve is the second largest park reserve in the Three Rivers Park District.