River Bend Nature Center

Summer Camp: Outdoor Games & Puzzles
2025-07-24 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Outdoor Games & Puzzles – Entering Grades K-5th, Fall of 2025
July 23-24, Wed/Thu, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
$60 ($35 for members) Register Here
How do you make games and puzzles even more fun? By adding nature of course! Campers will spend time in the wild trying new games and working together to finish outdoor-themed challenges.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email with information regarding what is needed for camp.
If you completed the liability & health form questions online during registration, you do not need to submit any other forms. You only need to fill out the questions online One Time. Paper forms are available. These forms can be found here. You only need to fill these out one time for the whole summer, one per child if registering more than one child. You will receive a reminder email a week prior to your registered summer camp.
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org

Family Painting: Pollinators
2025-07-26 12:30 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Family Painting: Pollinators
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Join artist Kate Langlais for a fun, free family painting program. Pollinators are important to sustaining life. In this class we’ll appreciate what they do as we paint them! Pre-registration is required to ensure enough supplies are available for participants. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Register Here

Nature Hike @ Keepsake Cidery
2025-07-26 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-23 15:00 - 16:00 | Keepsake Cidery, 4609 135th St E, Dundas, MN, 55019, United States
Nature Hike @ Keepsake Cidery
Cost: $10/person, $20/family ($5/member, $15/member family)
Saturday, June 28, July 26 & August 23
3pm-4pm
Come for a nature hike at Keepsake Cidery with a River Bend Naturalist! This class will be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
If you are coming as a family, register as 1 attendee then select the family price.

AIOT Outdoor Sports
2025-07-28 08:30 - 16:00, 2025-07-29 08:30 - 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
AIOT Outdoor Sports – Entering Grades 6th-9th, Fall of 2025
July 28-29, Mon/Tue, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
$85 ($60 for members) Register Here
Join us as we enjoy outdoor sports together! Maybe it is your first time or outdoor sports are your favorite. Either way we’ll have fun! Activities may include archery, disk golf, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and high ropes courses.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email with information regarding what is needed for camp.
You only need to fill out the questions online One Time. Paper forms are available. These forms can be found here. You only need to fill these out one time for the whole summer, one per child if registering more than one child. You will receive a reminder email a week prior to your registered summer camp. Off-Site locations may have additional forms for you to fill out. We will provide those to you as needed.
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org

AIOT Survivors Camp
2025-07-30 08:30 - 16:00, 2025-07-31 08:30 - 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
AIOT Survivors Camp – Entering Grades 6th-9th, Fall of 2025
July 30-31, Wed/Thu, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
$85 ($60 for members) Register Here
Come sharpen your survival skills! Campers will spend time learning what it takes to survive in the wilderness and then get hands-on experience applying their skills.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email with information regarding what is needed for camp.
You only need to fill out the questions online One Time. Paper forms are available. These forms can be found here. You only need to fill these out one time for the whole summer, one per child if registering more than one child. You will receive a reminder email a week prior to your registered summer camp. Off-Site locations may have additional forms for you to fill out. We will provide those to you as needed.
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org

Bagels & Birds
2025-08-02 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bagels & Birds
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Join us on the first Saturday each month. Enjoy coffee and bagels in a relaxed atmosphere while watching wildlife from the comfort of the Interpretive Center through our Windows on the Wild viewing area. Bagels provided by The Inn at Shattuck.
Register Here

Story Time Pollinators!
2025-08-02 11:00 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Storytime with a Naturalist: Pollinators!
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Storytime includes a short story and coloring activity.
Register Here

Sweet Reads Book Club
2025-08-02 14:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Sweet Reads Book Club – Greenwood by Michael Christie
Teens and Adults. Cost: Free
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Come gather for an enlightening discussion about environmental-related books with eco-conscience individuals while enjoying refreshments in the interpretive center.
Register Here

Geocaching, Northfield Com. Ed.
2025-08-05 13:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Geocaching @ River Bend
Tuesday, August 5th @ 1:00 pm
Cost: $35, Ages 8-13 yrs old
Geocaching is a treasure hunt all around the world. Learn the Basics of how to look up and locate caches and rules of the game, and then try it for your self!
Register Here through Northfield Community Education

Little Sprouts: Shapes & Colors
2025-08-06 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts Shapes & Colors in Nature
Cost: $10/child, $5/member
Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 9:30am-11am
A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Ramble Fundraiser
2025-08-09 16:30 - 19:30 | The Hub at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, 1000 Shumway Ave, Faribault, MN, 55021, United States
Ramble: Building Community Through Nature
Cost: $75.00 /person or $600 per table of 8 people
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Join us for a revitalized Ramble with fun & entertainment: silent auction, spin to win game, wine tasting with paired appetizers, buffet dinner and fund-a-need program at The Hub at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School. All proceeds directly support River Bend Nature Center’s mission to inspire curiosity, respect and care for nature.
Register Here

Canoeing & Kayaking: Northfield Com. Ed.
2025-08-15 09:00 - 14:30 | North Alexander Park, 1816 2nd Ave NW, Faribault, MN, 55021, United States
Canoeing & Kayaking @ North Alexander Park, Faribault
Friday, August 15th 9:00-2:30 pm (Multiple Sessions)
Cost: $29/person, $55/family, Ages 5 yrs & up **10 and under must have an adult registered participant
Glide across calm waters and enjoy the beauty of North and South Alexander Park. After safety instruction from River Bend staff, launch onto the reservoir to practice strokes, float, and build confidence in maneuvering a canoe or kayak. North Alexander Park Pavilion #4.
Register Here through Northfield Community Education

Rice County Early Childhood Providers Appreciation Event
2025-08-16 10:30 - 17:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Rice County Early Childhood Providers Appreciation Event
Saturday, August 16 10:30am- FREE!
Please RSVP Here
Come join us at the River Bend Nature Center for a day of fun and appreciation for all the hard work early childhood providers do! This in-person event is a great opportunity to connect with other providers, enjoy nature, and relax in a beautiful setting. Let’s celebrate all the love and care you put into your work every day. We can’t wait to show our gratitude and support for everything you do! This event is sponsored by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF).

Lunch & Learn: Dragonfly 101
2025-08-20 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Lunch & Learn: Dragonfly 101
Cost: $10 ($5 for River Bend members).
Wednesday, August 20, 12:00-2:00pm, Speaker begins at 12:30 pm
Dragonfly 101 will take a look at dragonfly identification, habitat, and life cycles with guest speaker, John Arthur from the Minnesota Dragonfly Society. There will be an opportunity after the presentation to look for and net dragonflies for identification.
Register Here

Interpretive Center Closed for Labor Day
2025-08-30 | MINNESOTA
Public Notice: The Interpretive Center will be Closed Saturday, August 30th for Labor Day Weekend. Trails remain open to the public. Enjoy!

MN Master Naturalist Instructor Training
2025-09-05 09:00 - 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
MN Master Naturalist Instructor Training
Ages 18+ recommended
Cost: $75, includes course materials
Friday, September 5, 2025, – In Person, at RBNC 9:00am-4:00pm
Friday, September 26, 2025 – Online 9:00am-4:00pm
Are you already a master naturalist? Want to teach the Master Naturalist course at your place of work or help places teach it? Register to become a MN Master Naturalist Instructor!
Registration and program details provided through the U of M
Register Here

Bagels & Birds
2025-09-06 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bagels & Birds
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Join us on the first Saturday each month. Enjoy coffee and bagels in a relaxed atmosphere while watching wildlife from the comfort of the Interpretive Center through our Windows on the Wild viewing area. Bagels provided by The Inn at Shattuck.
Register Here

Story Time: Orwin
2025-09-06 11:00 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Story Time with a Naturalist: Orwin the Painted Turtle
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Storytime includes a short story and coloring activity.
Register Here

Sweet Reads Book Club
2025-09-06 14:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Sweet Reads Book Club – A Book of Hope by Jane Goodall
Teens and Adults. Cost: Free
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Come gather for an enlightening discussion about environmental-related books with eco-conscience individuals while enjoying refreshments in the interpretive center.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Prairie Pollinators Morning Class
2025-09-08 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Prairie Pollinators Morning Class
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Monday, September 8, 2025, 9:30am-11am
Pollinators love flowers and trees. They help us grow food to eat. Join us as we explore different pollinators found in the prairie! A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Homeschool: Intro to Insects
2025-09-08 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Intro to Insects
Cost: $20/child, $10/member child
Grades: K-5th
Monday, September 8, 2025, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Topic: Intro to Insects
Students will learn about our most diverse group of animals…Insects! Activities will include sweep netting and pond dipping to learn all about insects.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Prairie Pollinators Evening Class
2025-09-08 17:00 - 18:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Prairie Pollinators Evening Class
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Monday, September 8, 2025, 5:00pm-6:30pm
Pollinators love flowers and trees. They help us grow food to eat. Join us as we explore different pollinators found in the prairie! A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Lunch & Learn: Life of a Fish Squeezer
2025-09-17 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Lunch & Learn: Life of a Fish Squeezer
Cost: Per Non-Member $10, RBNC Members $5
Wednesday, September 17, 12:00-2:00pm, Speaker begins at 12:30 pm, bring your own lunch.
Come take a walk through a year in the life of fisheries scientists, Tyler Fellows with Waterville Fisheries. How does a person become a fishery scientist? What types of studies do they perform? Where are the best places to fish around Waterville?
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Terrific Turtles & Fabulous Frogs
2025-09-20 10:30 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Terrific Turtles & Fabulous Frogs
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:30am-12pm
River Bend is home to many different turtles and frogs. They are all terrific and fabulous! Join us as we learn about the species that call River Bend home. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Turtles & Frogs Morning Class
2025-09-22 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Terrific Turtles & Fabulous Frogs
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Monday, September 22, 2025, 9:30am-11am
River Bend is home to many different turtles and frogs. They are all terrific and fabulous! Join us as we learn about the species that call River Bend home. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Homeschool: Intro to Monarch Butterflies
2025-09-22 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Intro to Monarch Butterflies
Cost: $20/child, $10/member child
Grades: K-5th
Monday, September 22, 2025, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Topic: Monarch Butterflies
Come join us as we learn about the life cycle of a Monarch Butterfly. As Monarchs begin their journey back to their wintering grounds, students will also participate in a survey to count specimens at RBNC.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Turtles & Frogs Evening Class
2025-09-22 17:00 - 18:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Terrific Turtles & Fabulous Frogs
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Monday, September 22, 2025, 5:00pm-6:30pm
River Bend is home to many different turtles and frogs. They are all terrific and fabulous! Join us as we learn about the species that call River Bend home. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here
