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Inspiring Curiosity, Respect & Care for Nature
Whether you’re visiting River Bend for the first time or coming back again, you’ll always find something new to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We share the trails. You can hike, bike, run, snowshoe or cross country ski. Please stay on marked trails. River Bend has rare and endangered species off trail that we are trying to preserve. Snowmobiles are permitted on designated trails only. Sorry, no horses, but we love them too!
Yes! Furry friends are welcomed. Let them enjoy wildlife from a distance by keeping them on a leash. Please pick up after your friend.
Pets are not allowed to disturb, harass or interfere with any nature center visitor, wildlife or vegetation. Pets are not allowed in ponds or marshes under any circumstances. Thank you!
Yes! We have a porta-potty available in the parking lot year-round. Public bathrooms are available inside the main interpretive center when the building is open.
If you have found a baby animal that appears to be alone without it's mother around, please leave it where you found it and Do Not Touch it. The mother is likely in the area feeding and has left the baby in a secure location to hide. She will be back to get her baby. She will be very sad if she comes back to find her baby gone. Wildlife knows how to take care of itself. Please do not interfere.
If you have found an injured animal, please call the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. 651-486-9453.
Please DO NOT release or abandon within the nature center any domestic or wildlife animal or introduce any plant, chemical or other agent to the nature center.
Nature Center Policies
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. It is also intended for the safety of public use by individuals.
Therefore, it shall be unlawful, except upon permission of the Executive Director or his/her agent, for any of the following:
Yes, please use headphones to listen and enjoy your music so as not to disturb other visitors or wildlife. Amplified use of loudspeakers is prohibited.
No, please do not collect wild edibles, wildflowers, fungi/mushrooms, rocks, fossils, soil, minerals, wood or alter, injure or destroy any tree, plant or land forms. Thank you for respecting River Bend's moto and protecting our resources:
"What lives here, grows here, dies here, stays here"
Yes, please use the garbage and recycling containers provided near the main interpretive center, trailside building and porta-potty to discard of unwanted refuse, litter, materials, containers or other items.
Garbage cans are not provided on the trails, please carry out what you carry in and help keep our resources clean.
No, alcohol, illegal drugs, or fireworks of any kind are not allowed onto nature center property
No, we do not allow digging of trenches or holes, burying pets, or making other excavations in the nature center.
Fires are not allowed on the grounds of River Bend Nature Center unless you are renting the Amphitheater and staff is on site. Please don't leave the fire unattended. Fully extinguish a fire when you're done and notify staff when you leave. Don't scatter or leave unattended lighted matches or wood, burning tobacco, paper or other combustible material.
No, ATV, golf carts, automobiles or other motorized transportation is not permitted on any trail, with the exception of a one person motorized wheel chair or scooter. Snowmobiles are restricted to designated trails in the winter months when snow is on the ground. Use of motorized transportation is allowed on roadways and designated parking areas only.
Speeds shall be within the limit of 20 mph and vehicles shall not emit excessive noise, fumes, dense smoke or other polluting matter.
Please refrain from washing, polishing, changing oil or making other non-emergency repairs on any vehicle in the nature center.
No, please respect and enjoy wildlife from a distance. We do not allow the public to kill, trap, hunt or the pursue in any manner any species of wildlife including antlers, fur, feathers or bones.
Please do not release or abandon any wildlife or domestic animal or introduce any plant, chemical or other agent within the nature center.
Please do not bring or use any firearms, air guns, paintball guns, archery equipment or other weapons within the nature center or discharge any missile or other projectile into the nature center from beyond the boundaries without prior approval by River Bend's staff.
River Bend Nature Center will hold an archery hunt at its own discretion to help reduce the deer population to help minimize the spread of disease. If you have questions about the hunt, please call 507-332-7151 or email rbncinfo@rbnc.org.
Thank you for respecting River Bend's moto and protecting our resources:
"What lives here, grows here, dies here, stays here"
No one is allowed to sell, solicit or conduct any commercial enterprise distribute or disseminate leaflets, pamphlets or other written or printed material without permission; or use loudspeakers or other amplifying noise makers.
Please do not place chalk drawings, paintings, signs, flagging or other form of marking anywhere within the nature center without approval by River Bend staff.
River Bend Nature Center does not have staff to monitor swimming or other activities on the river. Swimming, fishing, kayaking or other activities will be at your own risk. Please be safe and make smart choices!
Over night camping and activities are not allowed.
River Bend facilities can be rented for birthday parties, baby showers, celebration of life, work retreats, meetings, or other gatherings. Please call 507-332-7151 or email rbncinfo@rbnc.org or visit our website for information on rentals.
To coordinate a community event, entertainment or other special assembly not directly organized and supervised by the nature center management, please apply for written permission at least 45 days in advance of the scheduled date. The following will be taken into consideration.
- Is there a meaningful association between the nature center and the event?
- Can the event be staged without undue impact on the area's resources and other nature center uses or programs?
Please provide the following information when applying for permission. The executive director shall have the authority to issue conditions upon the requests made in the application. Any person, organization or group to whom a permit is issued shall have the written permit in their possession during the period of which the permit is issued.
- Name of the event and sponsoring entity
- Name and information of the contact person
- What is the purpose of the event?
- The date and time frame of the event
- The portion of the nature center to be used
- List all props and materials to be brought into the nature center for your event to be successful
- List all activities and details of the event
- List the plans of clean up and security needed for the event
Camping over night is not allowed on the grounds of the nature center. The hours of the nature center are 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
Please do not wash, polish, grease, change oil or make any other non-emergency repair on any vehicle in the nature center.