The Harriet Alexander Nature Center and surrounding Central Park in Roseville is one of our metro area nature areas. Families can stroll through trails and boardwalks to explore 52 acres of prairie, marsh, and forest habitats and wildlife The indoor center offers kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits and a variety of programs, including the popular maple syrup, wild rice and Earth Day events. Central Park in Roseville is home to annual 4th of July Fireworks, the Wild Rice Festival and a summer entertainment series. The park is 225 acres of mostly green space that encompasses Lake Bennett, two playgrounds, the nature center, an arboretum and several picnic shelters and ballfields. The park is so big, that it is really kind of 6 separate parks that are connected by walking paths and biking trails. One 4th of July, we got lost trying to navigate the trails in the dark to find a bathroom. We never found the bathroom, but we did make a new friend – Meester Kikker (who turned out to be neither a “meester” nor a “kikker” – she was a friendly, female American toad). You can find more information about each section on Roseville’s website: When our oldest daughter was 6, she had a pink Barbie fishing pole and couldn’t wait to get out fishing. Not being a fan of fishing myself, I thought it would be great to bring the pole along to Central Park for Independence Day, let her give it a try, and assumed she would find it so boring we would never have to go again. Unfortunately for me, she dropped her hook into the water and pulled out a Sunny, and another and another and another. She pulled them out as fast as we could toss them back. I have no idea if this was a fluke, timing, or if Lake Bennett is an awesome fishing hole. However, our resident fishing expert, does not list it in his Top 10. Maybe the lake prefers amateurs? If you try it out, let us know how it goes! The nature center offers themed birthday party packages for both preschool and school-aged children. Bring your own party supplies and the provide a one-hour naturalist program in a seasonal theme and an additional hour of party space.
Harriet Alexander Nature Center
Central Park
Fishing at Central Park
Harriet Alexander Nature Center Birthday Parties
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