River Bend Nature Center

Lunch & Learn: Alexander Faribault
2025-03-26 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Lunch & Learn: Alexander Faribault
Cost: $10 ($5 for River Bend members).
Date Changed to
Wednesday, March 26, 12:00-2:00pm, Speaker begins at 12:30 pm
Join us and guest speaker, Sam Temple, as he tells the tale of city founder, Alexander Faribault. Learn about his life as a fur trader, befriending the local Native American tribes, and the influence he had on this area we now call Faribault.
Register Here

Maple Syruping Programs
2025-03-22 10:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Maple Syruping Programs
All Ages. Cost: $10/person, $5/member
Saturday, March 22, 2025
10:00-11:30 am & 12:30-2:00 pm
Maple syruping is a tradition that dates back to the first nations that lived in this area. Learn about the history of maple syruping, what makes the sap flow, and the process of turning sap into syrup through hands-on syruping experience.
Register Here

Maple Syruping Programs
2025-03-15 10:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Maple Syruping Programs
All Ages. Cost: $10/person, $5/member
Saturday, March 15, 2025
10:00-11:30 am & 12:30-2:00 pm
Maple syruping is a tradition that dates back to the first nations that lived in this area. Learn about the history of maple syruping, what makes the sap flow, and the process of turning sap into syrup through hands-on syruping experience.
Register Here

Homeschool: Maple Syruping and Nature Play!
2025-03-10 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Maple Syruping and Nature Play!
ages 5-12. Cost: $10/person, $5/member
Monday, March 10, 2025, 1-3pm
Learn all about the science of Maple Syruping, and help River Bend collect sap. Then let your imagination run wild as you play with other participants in River Bend’s Nature Play area! *Note: Depending on the weather conditions, students may get muddy during play.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Maple Syruping
2025-03-10 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Maple Syruping
Cost: $10/child, $5/member-child, adults attend free
Monday, March 10, 2025, 9:30am-11am
Learn all about the science of Maple Syruping, and help River Bend collect sap. All or a portion of this class will be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Stewardship Saturday: Invasive Species Removal
2025-03-08 10:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Stewardship Saturday: Invasive Species Removal
Teens +. Cost: Free
Saturday, March 8, 2025, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Learn about invasive plants and how River Bend is controlling them. Then help us to remove them! The specific species being mitigated will depend on the seasonality.
Register Here

Sweet Reads Book Club
2025-03-01 14:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Sweet Reads Book Club – Creativity a Short and Cheerful Guide by John Cleese
Teens and Adults. Cost: Free
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Join Ampact members Caitlin and Nick for Sweet Reads Book Club! Discuss environmental-related books with eco-conscience individuals while enjoying refreshments in the interpretive center.
Register Here

Storytime: Maple Syruping
2025-03-01 11:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Storytime with a Naturalist: Maple Syruping
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11:00 am-11:30 am
Come read a children’s book all about how maple syrup is made!
Register Here

Bagels & Birds
2025-03-01 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bagels & Birds
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, March 1, 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

Family Painting: Winter Landscapes
2025-02-22 12:30 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Family Painting: Winter Landscapes
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, February 22, 2025, 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Join artist Kate Langlais for a fun, free family painting program. Learn about winter weather patterns in Minnesota and then paint a winter landscape! 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

Lunch & Learn: Lake Superior
2025-02-19 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Lunch & Learn: Lake Superior
Cost: $10 ($5 for River Bend members).
Wednesday, February 19, 12:00-2:00pm
We will discuss the origins, characteristics, and long-term changes of Lake Superior–how a tectonic rift valley carved out a spot that glaciers, one billion years later, filled. Eventually these glaciers melted and formed pro-glacial Lake Duluth, then later Gichigami or Lake Superior. Learn how one of Minnesota’s iconic features has changed over its past and continues to change into the future. Bring your own lunch and join us as we learn about a new topic each month. Guest speaker begins at 12:30 pm.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Rocks Rock!
2025-02-17 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Rocks Rock!
Cost: $10/child, $5/member-child, adults attend free
Monday, February 17, 2025, 9:30am-11am
Rocks rock because they come in so many different types of colors, textures and can be dull or crystals! Come and explore how fascinating rocks can be! Dress for the weather, as most of the course will be outside.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Animals Around the World
2025-02-15 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Animals Around the World
Cost: $10/child, $5/member-child, adults attend free
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Animals come in all shapes and sizes. Come and learn about different animals around the world. Your little sprout will learn about the natural world through nature play and exploration. Dress for the weather as a portion of the class will be outside.
Register Here

Snow Crush Event
2025-02-15 11:00 - 18:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Snow Crush Race
Saturday, FEBRUARY 15th **(MOVED TO BACKUP DATE)
Registration/Check-in: 11:00-12:30 pm
Race Start: 1:00 pm
Registration Fee:
Beginners: $30, $40 day-of
Intermediates: $35, $45 day-of
Advanced: $40, $50 day-of
Online registration closes at 12pm Wednesday, February 12. Entrants may also register on the day of the race starting at 11:00 am.
Race registrations are non-refundable.

Homeschool: 3Rs & Snowshoeing
2025-02-10 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Snowshoeing
Ages 5-12. Cost: $10/person, $5/member
Monday, February 10, 2025, 1-3pm
Learn about the importance of the 3R’s while creating some fun take-home projects. Then head outside on snowshoes!
Register Here

Family Fun - Paper Making
2025-02-08 10:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Family Fun – Paper Making
Cost: $10 ($5 for River Bend members).
All Ages, under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10 – 2 pm
Have fun making recycled paper and using recycled paper to make greeting cards!
Register Here

Sweet Reads Book Club
2025-02-01 14:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Sweet Reads Book Club
The Darkness Manifesto: On Light Pollution, Night Ecology, and the Ancient Rhythms That Sustain Life by Johan Eklöf
Teens and Adults. Cost: Free
Saturday, February 1, 2025, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Join Ampact members Caitlin and Nick for Sweet Reads Book Club! Discuss environmental-related books with eco-conscience individuals while enjoying refreshments in the interpretive center.
Register Here

Storytime with a Naturalist: Winter Weather
2025-02-01 11:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Storytime with a Naturalist: Winter Weather
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, February 1, 2025, 11:00 am-11:30 am
Come read stories all about winter weather with a River Bend Naturalist!
Register Here

Bagels & Birds
2025-02-01 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bagels & Birds
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, February 1, 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

Luminary Snowshoe Hike
2025-01-30 18:00 - 20:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Luminary Snowshoe Hike
All ages, under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Cost: $10/member, $15/member with rental; $15/non-members, $20/non-members with rental, 5 & under are free
Thursday, January 30, 2025, 6-8 pm
Enjoy the quiet of winter with a luminary hike through River Bend. Trails are packed snow, participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes.
Please pre-register for an entry time, 6 pm, 6:30 pm, 7 pm, 7:30 pm.

Little Sprouts: Animal Tracks & Signs
2025-01-20 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Animal Tracks & Signs
Cost: $10/child, $5/member-child, adults attend free
Monday, January 20, 2025, 9:30am-11am
The snow can show us who’s been where. We all leave tracks and signs in the snow. What animals will you find at River Bend? Your little sprout will learn about the natural world through nature play and exploration. Dress for the weather as a portion of the class will be outside.
Register Here

Family Fun - Meet the Animal Ambassadors
2025-01-18 10:30 - 13:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Family Fun – Meet the Animal Ambassadors
Cost: $5 (Free for River Bend members).
All Ages
Saturday, January 18, 2025, 10:30-11:30 & 12:30-1:30pm
Come meet River Bend’s animal ambassadors and learn all about what it takes to take care of them!
Register Here

Arts & Nature Membership Night
2025-01-15 17:30 - 19:30 | The Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault, 55021, United States
Arts & Nature Membership Night
January 15, 2025 | 5:30-7:30 pm at the Paradise Center for The Arts!
$100 to be a member of both Paradise Center for the Arts & River Bend Nature Center
Join us for an evening of Paradise Center Tours, One Free Drink per person (21+), Animal Ambassadors & More!
Click Here for more information on the membership

Lunch & Learn: History of Faribault
2025-01-15 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Lunch & Learn: History of Faribault
Cost: $10 ($5 for River Bend members).
Wednesday, January 15, 12:00-2:00pm
The city of Faribault has a rich history. Join guest speaker, Jenna Nelson with the Rice County Historical Society as she tells the tale of Faribault, Minnesota. Bring your own lunch and join us as we learn about a new topic each month. Guest speaker begins at 12:30 pm.
Register Here

Homeschool: Winter Birding
2025-01-13 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Winter Birding
ages 5-12. Cost: $10/person, $5/member
Monday, January 13, 2025, 1-3pm
Learn all about birds! First learn the key ways to identify birds and how to use binoculars and bird ID books before going out on an adventure looking for birds. Then start your annual bird list!
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Animals Around the World
2025-01-06 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Animals Around the World
Cost: $10/child, $5/member-child, adults attend free
Monday, January 6, 2025, 9:30am-11am
Animals come in all shapes and sizes. Come and learn about different animals around the world and meet River Bend’s animal ambassadors. Your little sprout will learn about the natural world through nature play and exploration. Dress for the weather as a portion of the class will be outside.
Register Here

Sweet Reads Book Club
2025-01-04 14:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Sweet Reads Book Club – The Quickening by Elizabeth Rush
Teens and Adults. Cost: Free
Saturday, January 4, 2025, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Join Ampact members Caitlin and Nick for Sweet Reads Book Club! Discuss environmental-related books with eco-conscience individuals while enjoying refreshments in the interpretive center.
Register Here

Storytime: Wilbur the Hognose Snake
2025-01-04 11:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Storytime with a Naturalist: Wilbur the Hognose Snake
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, January 4, 2025, 11:00 am-11:30 am
Come read stories about snakes, and learn about Wilbur, River Bend’s new animal ambassador.
Register Here

Bagels & Birds
2025-01-04 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bagels & Birds
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, January 4, 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

Little Sprouts: Play Time
2024-12-28 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Play Time
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend free
Saturday, December 28, 2024, 12:00-2:00 pm
There is nothing better than outdoor play! Join us for a fun Little Sprouts day just to play!
Register Here
