Enjoy...Discover...Understand...Preserve...

Whether you’re visiting River Bend for the first time or coming back again, you’ll always find something new to enjoy.

River Bend Nature Center

1000 Rustad Road
Faribault, MN 55021-0186

Trail Hours

6am to 10pm every day

Interpretive Center Hours

Monday-Thursday If the doors are open, come on in!
Friday 10am to 4pm
1st & 3rd Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Building closed on major holidays

If we aren't here, we may be teaching programs, building relationships in meetings, restoring the land, or allowing our employees some rest and rejuvenation

Use our directions below or click Directions on the Google map to the right to get directions with maps from your house to River Bend!

 

* Note: The brown "Nature Center" signs will take you through a residential area. If you have trouble following the signs: from 1st St. SE (Hwy 60) turn south onto Shumway Ave., after one block turn left onto Division St., after several blocks turn right onto 10th Ave. SE, after several blocks you will be forced to turn left onto 5th St. SE, after several blocks turn right into our entrance on Rustad Road.

 

For the Kids

Visit Turtle Pond to see turtles or frogs, play creatively at Kids in the Wild or plan a Birthday Party for an adventure you won’t forget.

Accessibility

From Windows on the Wild to a 1Mile paved trail or scenic view from your vehicle, you'll be able to enjoy nature multiple ways.

Seasonal Recreation

You can enjoy each season at River Bend Nature Center! Run, hike, bike or ski year round taking in the wonders of each season.

Picnic Areas

Pack a snack or lunch and bring the whole family. Choose from different locations of picnic areas around the grounds.

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Trails & Habitats

Hike, bike, ski or snowshoe across 743 acres

  • Maple/Basswood Forest
  • Prairie
  • Wetlands and Straight River

10 miles of trails to discover…

Frequently Asked Questions

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Visitor Rules & Regulations

In order to maintain a pleasant experience for all visitors, ensure safety, and protect the nature of River Bend we ask that the following rules be observed while visiting River Bend Nature Center.

GENERAL CONDUCT: Intent is to provide for the regulations and conduct of individuals so as not to interfere with the natural features, and wildlife and vegetation within the River Bend Nature Center.

Therefore, it shall be unlawful, except upon permission of the Executive Director or his/her agent, for any of the following: