Carl W. Kroening Nature Center
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Carl W. Kroening Nature Center offers a balanced experience for families, combining engaging indoor activities like exhibits and building blocks with extensive outdoor opportunities. Families can enjoy an outdoor obstacle course, a path leading to a playground, and numerous clear walking trails with beautiful river views, all complemented by dedicated kids' programs and camps.
Key Highlights
- ✓Engaging indoor area with building blocks that kids enjoy.
- ✓Outdoor obstacle course is a hit with children.
- ✓Neat exhibits inside the nature center.
- ✓Dedicated kids' programs and camps are available.
- ✓Plenty of clear walking trails suitable for families.
- ✓Beautiful views of the river from the trails.
Standout Features
- ⭐Interactive indoor space with building blocks.
- ⭐Outdoor obstacle course for active play.
- ⭐Access to a separate playground via a connecting path.
- ⭐Well-maintained, clear walking trails.
- ⭐Educational exhibits inside the center.
- ⭐Organized kids' programs and camps.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Arrive early or during off-peak hours to secure a parking spot near the building due to limited availability.
- →Be vigilant and cautious on outdoor paths, as some are designated for bikers.
- →Plan to visit during normal business hours to avoid issues, especially with parking.
- →Consider the kids' programs and camps for more structured and extended engagement.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Limited parking availability, especially close to the building.
- ⚠One outdoor path is specifically meant for bikers, requiring caution from pedestrians.
Price & Value
No specific pricing information mentioned in the reviews. The value proposition is based on the variety of free indoor and outdoor activities, and potentially paid programs/camps.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Trails are described as 'clear,' which may suggest stroller-friendliness, but no specific accommodations for wheelchairs or other special needs are explicitly mentioned.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information mentioned regarding outside food, snacks, or on-site food options.
🚗Parking Info
- •Limited parking spots available, especially close to the main building.
- •Parking after hours is discouraged and can lead to issues with park police.
👥Crowd Levels
- •No direct information on crowd levels during operating hours, but limited parking might suggest it can get busy.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Park Police are responsive and courteous, providing a sense of security (based on an after-hours incident).
- •Awareness of designated biker paths is crucial for pedestrian safety.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Parking after hours, as it may lead to interactions with park police.
- • Walking on paths designated for bikers if you are on foot, for safety reasons.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Group Programming
Call for detailsOutdoor education in the park with interactive naturalist-guided experiences and curricula.
Large Group Programming / Field Trip
Inquiry form availableOutdoor education in the park with interactive, naturalist-guided experiences and curricula.
Events & Schedule
🛡️Safety Policy
- • The Camden boat launch at North Mississippi Regional Park is closed until 2026 for the Olson Island Mussel Habitat Protection project.
📅Booking Policy
- • Group Programming/Field Trips: Call 612-370-4838 or complete the Field Trip Inquiry Form.
- • Room rentals: Complete the Rental Inquiry Form. All room rentals require an ActiveNet account.
- • Youth Sports (general MPRB, may apply to programs at Kroening): Registration involves choosing a sport, age division, and three preferred sites. Teams are created based on preferred sites.
- • Youth Sports Friend Requests: Guaranteed if reciprocal and made within one month of registration opening.
- • Youth Sports Post-Deadline Registration: No waitlist; contact individual parks directly starting July 31 at 3 pm to inquire about space.
🚗Parking Information
- • No-charge Parking Lot
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Ashley Jensen
a year agoWe mostly visited the indoor area, and my son loved it! There wasn't a lot of parking, which is unfortunate, but we did find a spot near the building. The outdoor play area was next to the building and I could tell there were plenty of paths and walking trails around!
Amanda Drews
2 years agoCute little nature center by the river. My kids enjoyed the obstacle course outside and the building blocks inside. There is also a path leading to a playground. Just be cautious as one path is meant for bikers.
Briana Sanchez
a month agoA great little nature center. Has neat exhibits, nice clear trails and a beautiful view of the river!
Lo D. Thompson
5 months agoI had an experience with the MPLS Park Police because we were parked in this lovely nature center after hours with issues w/ my car battery. The Park Police were courteous, respectful, & did their job to protect and serve the community. I am very impressed with the MPLS Park Police, and I thank them for how they treated me and my boyfriend. I definitely will visit the naturenl center during normal business hours!
Em Pete
9 months agoLove the kids programs + camps here! Pretty building with great indoor space and outdoor walking paths