Homeschool Dwarf Trout Lily
2026-04-20 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool Dwarf Trout Lily
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child (Pre-registration is required)
Grades: K-5th
Monday, April 20, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Did you know that there is a plant found at River Bend that is only found in a few areas in Minnesota and nowhere else on earth? Students will learn more about the federally endangered Dwarf Trout Lily, Minnesota’s only endemic flower. If we’re lucky we might even get to catch a glimpse of this flower blooming!
Register Here

Maple Syrup Fun Run & Pancake Breakfast
2026-05-02 06:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Maple Syrup Fun Run & Pancake Breakfast Race Day Timeline
Saturday, May 2nd | Prices vary by distance | Early bird pricing ends March 31, 2026 | Same day registration available | Registration includes a pancake breakfast & t-shirt when you register by April 12, 2026
Register Here

25K & 50K

Check In 6:00 am – 6:45 am
Race Starts at 7:00 am

10K, 5K, One Mile

Check-in 7:30 am – 8:15 am
5K & 10K Starts at 8:30 am
One mile walk/run starts at 8:40 am – Not chip timed

Pancake Brunch

Starts at 9:00 am for runners & their spectators, 10:00 am for public

Off-Site Event Parking
Located at 100 State Ave, Faribault, MN 55021
25K & 50K can park at the nature center, all other participants and spectators please park at Allina.
Get Printable Parking Information by clicking this link. Fun Run Parking and Bus Schedule

Volunteer at the Maple Syrup Fun Run
2026-05-02 06:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Maple Syrup Fun Run & Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, May 2 from 6:00 – 3:00 pm – sign up for a shift with one of the following areas:
Help out by volunteering with the pancake breakfast (prep, serving & clean-up), water stations, course marshalls, prepping the course, taking the course signs down, bag check, or parking attendants.
Sign Up Here

Homeschool: Intro to Signs of Spring
2026-05-04 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Intro to Signs of Spring
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child (Pre-registration is required)
Grades: K-5th
Monday, May 4, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Spring is a great time to observe the many changes occurring in the natural world. As the trees begin to leaf out and animals return from a long migration, join us as we tour River Bend to learn about all these spring happenings.
Register Here

Homeschool: Pond Dipping/Frog Call ID
2026-05-11 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Pond Dipping/Frog Call ID
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child (Pre-registration is required)
Grades: K-5th
Monday, May 11, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Spring brings with it many sounds, one of them being the songs of frogs! Students will learn how to identify Minnesota’s native frogs, while also discovering what other creatures swim beneath the surface.
Register Here

Plant Hike
2026-05-16 13:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Plant Hike
Cost: $10/non-member, $5/member
Recommended for Ages 8+
Saturday, May 16, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Come explore with a Naturalist on a guided hike as we discover what plants can be found around River Bend in May. From spring ephemerals to the trees of the forest. We will meet in the interpretive center then head out on an hour long hike. Elevation will include one rocky decline and one rocky incline on trout lily trail. Best suited to 8 years or older. All ages who can handle a one hour hike with some elevation are welcome!
Register Here

Little Sprouts: What’s in the water?
2026-05-18 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: What’s in the water?
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Monday, May 18, 9:30am-11am
Explore what lives in River Bend’s ponds through sensory play, observation, and storytime! Dress to be outside. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: What’s in the water?
2026-05-30 10:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: What’s in the water?
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Saturday, May 30, 10:00am-11:30am
Explore what lives in River Bend’s ponds through sensory play, observation, and storytime! A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Drop off Donations
2026-06-01 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-02 09:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Drop off your donations of gently used or new items for River Bend’s upcoming Garage Sale.
Drop off Time: 9:00-3:00 pm
Location: River Bend Nature Center
Garage Sale Dates: June 5th, 9:00-4:30 pm & June 6th, 10:30-3:00 pm

Garage Sale
2026-06-05 09:00 - 16:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Garage Sale
Friday, June 5th, 9:00-4:30 pm
River Bend Nature Center
Keep items out of the landfill by donating your unwanted, cleaned items such as clothes, toys, and kitchen appliances. Funds raised will directly support River Bend’s environmental programs and camps

Bagels & Birds
2026-06-06 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bagels & Birds
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, June 6, 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

Garage Sale
2026-06-06 10:30 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Garage Sale
Saturday, June 6th, 10:30-3:00 pm
River Bend Nature Center
Keep items out of the landfill by donating your unwanted, cleaned items such as clothes, toys, and kitchen appliances. Funds raised will directly support River Bend’s environmental programs and camps

Storytime: What's in the Water?
2026-06-06 11:00 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Storytime with a Naturalist: What’s in the Water?
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, June 6, 2025, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Join a Naturalist for a fun and interactive storytime as you explore what lives in the water!
Register Here

Stewardship Saturday: Trail Maintenance
2026-06-13 10:00 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Stewardship Saturday Southside Trail Maintenance
Date & Time: Saturday, June 13, 10am-12pm
Free volunteer event. All ages, under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
Come help River Bend staff in maintaining our trail system. Some activities might include clipping back branches, filling holes, or clearing brush.
Register Here

Archery and Atlatls Camp 3rd-5th Grade
2026-06-15 09:00 - 2026-06-16 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Archery and Atlatls Camp 3rd-5th Grade
Monday & Tuesday, June 15th & 16th
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Camp Description
Come learn the basics of archery and atlatls at River Bend Nature Center. We will learn the fundamentals, play games, and hone these time-honored skills. All equipment will be provided.
Drop-off and pick-up at the main interpretive center.
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org
Register Here

Bushcraft Camp 3rd-5th Grade
2026-06-17 09:00 - 2026-06-18 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bushcraft Camp 3rd-5th Grade
Wednesday & Thursday, June 17th & 18th
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Camp Description
Bushcraft is a set of outdoor skills that allow you to survive and enjoy being out in the wild. We will learn skills like shelter building, weaving, fire building, cordage making, and more! This is where nature, art and survival come together.
Drop-off and pick-up at the main interpretive center.
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org
Register Here

Dinosaurs K-2nd Grade
2026-06-22 09:00 - 2026-06-23 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Dinosaurs K-2nd Grade
Monday & Tuesday, June 22nd & 23rd
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Camp Description
Take a trip back in time as we explore dinosaurs! Come learn all about the prehistoric world as we play games, make art, and look for fossils.
Drop-off and pick-up at the main interpretive center
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org
Register Here

The Buzz on Pollinators K-2nd Grade
2026-06-24 09:00 - 2026-06-25 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
The Buzz on Pollinators K-2nd Grade
Wednesday & Thursday, June 24th & 25th
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Camp Description
Get the buzz on pollinators! Campers will learn about the important role our pollinators serve and what we can do to help them out.
Drop-off and pick-up at the main interpretive center
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org
Register Here

AIOT Outdoor Sports 3rd-5th Grade
2026-06-29 08:30 - 2026-06-30 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
AIOT Outdoor Sports 3rd-5th Grade
Monday & Tuesday, June 29th & 30th
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Camp Description
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, fishing, and climbing.
Drop-off and pick-up at the main interpretive center
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org
Register Here

AIOT Archaeology 3rd-5th Grade
2026-07-01 08:30 - 2026-07-02 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
AIOT Archaeology 3rd-5th Grade
Wednesday & Thursday, July 1st & 2nd
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Camp Description
Come be an archaeologist as we dig into the past to discover its secrets. Search for rocks and fossils to uncover the story they have to tell about a time long ago. We will explore various areas that may include River Bend and Quarry Hill Nature Center.
Register Here

Nature Engineers 3rd-5th Grade
2026-07-06 09:00 - 2026-07-07 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Nature Engineers 3rd-5th Grade
Monday & Tuesday, July 6 & 7th
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Camp Description
Get ready for takeoff! This camp will be a blast for anyone who enjoys getting outside and doing science experiments.
Drop-off and pick-up at the main interpretive center
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org
Register Here

Campfire Cooking 3rd-5th Grade
2026-07-08 09:00 - 2026-07-09 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Campfire Cooking 3rd-5th Grade
Wednesday& Thursday, July 8 & 9th
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Get a taste of the outdoors! Campers will spend time learning fun and new recipes that taste best over the campfire.
Drop-off and pick-up at the main interpretive center
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org
Register Here

Nature Art K-2nd Grade
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-14 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Nature Art K-2nd Grade
Monday & Tuesday, July 13th & 14th
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Let’s get inspired by nature! We will explore River Bend, create art inspired by what we find, and experiment with art materials made in nature.
Drop-off and pick-up at the main interpretive center
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org
Register Here

Forts and Fires K-2nd Grade
2026-07-15 09:00 - 2026-07-16 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Forts and Fires K-2nd Grade
Wednesday& Thursday, July 15th & 16th
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Enjoy all the forest has to offer! Take a hike, build forts for you and your friends, practice lighting fires with different methods, and cook a tasty treat.
Drop-off and pick-up at the main interpretive center
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org
Register Here

Little Sprouts Free Play- Prairie Pollinators
2026-07-18 10:00 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts Free Play- Prairie Pollinators
Cost: Free, donations appreciated.
Geared towards ages 5 and younger.
Saturday, July 18, 10:00am-12:00pm
Bring your Little Sprouts to explore self-led free play with pollinator-themed hands-on activities.
Register Here

AIOT Outdoor Sports 6th-9th Grade
2026-07-20 08:30 - 2026-07-21 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
AIOT Outdoor Sports 6th-9th Grade
Monday & Tuesday, July 20th &21st
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Camp Description
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, fishing, and climbing.
Drop-off and pick-up at the main interpretive center
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org
Register Here

AIOT Race Around River Bend 6th-9th Grade
2026-07-22 08:30 - 2026-07-23 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
AIOT Race Around River Bend 6th-9th Grade
Wednesday & Thursday, July 22nd & 23rd
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Ready…Set…Go! Join us for a journey around River Bend where campers will test their physical and mental skills. Outdoor-themed challenges will push teams to work together in order to cross the finish line!
Drop-off and pick-up at the main interpretive center
If you have questions, you can call 507-332-7151 or email camp@rbnc.org
Register Here

Annual Meeting
2026-07-23 17:00 - 19:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Annual Meeting
Free
All RBNC members encouraged to attend
Thursday, July 23, 5:00pm-7:00pm
River Bend Members and the general public are welcome to attend our annual meeting. There will be a presentation on activities that happened over the past year. Then members will vote for new board members.
Register Here

Moth Surveys
2026-07-23 20:00 - 22:00 | MINNESOTA
Thursday, July 23, 8:00pm-10:00pm
Join Minnesota Moth’er Ryan Tomazin for an evening program to explore some of the local moth life. The night will start with a short, indoor presentation to highlight some south metro species and to explain the methodology for setting up your own light for mothing. The night will proceed outside with a nighttime moth light to see what we can attract.
Please dress for mosquitoes, and bring a small flashlight and a camera or cell phone to capture your own moth photos if you would like.
