[Homeschool Classes] [Field Trips] [Getting There]
Wargo Nature Center is an outdoor learning center fully equipped with informational displays, dozens of animal mounts, and a library full of books and periodicals at your disposal. The interpretive center is nestled on a beautiful peninsula overlooking George Watch Lake and is part of the 5,000 acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. Near the visitors’ center you will find wild bird feeders visited by much more than just a variety of birds plus a variety of beautiful gardens: some to attract butterflies, another to increase water quality.
Canoes, kayaks, snowshoes, and kicksleds are also available to rent at the visitors’ center.
Phone: 651-429-8007
Hours of Operation: Nov-Mar: Tue-Fri, 8am-4:30pm
Apr-Oct: Tue-Fri, 8am-4:30pm; Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun 12pm-5pm
Homeschool Classes
Wargo Nature Center offers monthly homeschool classes on the third Thursday of each month at 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm for a variety of ages. Professional naturalists work with your children to provide quality environmental, recreational and natural history programming that focuses on hands-on, experiential learning.
Students are separated into grades 1-2, 3-5 and 6–12 to facilitate the learning process. Younger students explore topics such as seeds, animal homes or Norwegian kicksledding while older students may snowshoe, conduct water quality experiments or learn bird identification skills. The topics change each year and the use of journals and the scientific method often help guide our studies.
More information at www.anokacountyparks.com/programs/wargo/home_school-progs.htm.
Contact Person: Maria Pierz, Homeschool Coordinator
Deb Gallop, Program Supervisor
Contact Phone: 651-429-8007
Cost per Child/Student: $4 plus tax
Target Grade Level: Grades 1-2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6-12
Cancellation Policy:Cancellations that are received less than 7 days before the event will not be refunded. If Wargo Nature Center cancels a program, an attempt will be made to schedule a make-up date. If this is not possible, the program fee will be refunded.
Field Trips
Wargo can conduct special programs on forestry, nature study, pond study, photography and much more. Wargo Nature Center staff can arrange programs to fulfill a scouting badge, 4-H project requirement, Eagle Scout project, etc.
More information at www.anokacountyparks.com/programs/wargo/small-groups.htm
Contact Phone: 651-429-8007
Cost per Child/Student: $4.50
Minimum Group Size: $45 (10 students)
Maximum Group Size: unknown
Target Age Range: Ages 3 to adult
Cancellation Policy/Cancellation Deadline: Cancellations that are received less than 7 days before the event will not be refunded. If Wargo Nature Center cancels a program, an attempt will be made to schedule a make-up date. If this is not possible, the program fee will be refunded. Any changes to the event date(s) must be made at least 7 days prior to the scheduled program. There will be no refunds for changes less than 7 days before the program.
Getting There
Driving Directions:
Directions can be found at www.anokacountyparks.com/parks/rice_creek_chain_of_lakes/directions.html.
From Minneapolis
Take I-35W north to the Lake Drive (Highway 23) exit. Take Lake Drive north to Main Street (CSAH 14/Main Street (Old Highway 242)) and turn right. Go east on CSAH 14/Main Street (Old Highway 242), you will cross-over I-35W on a bridge, and continue for two more miles. The park entrance is on the right side of the road marked with a sign.
From St. Paul
Take I-35E north to the Main Street exit and turn left. Go west on County Road 14, through the City of Centerville's downtown area, and continue for two more miles. The park entrance is on the left side of the road marked with a sign.
From Blaine, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Ham Lake, Andover
Take CSAH 14/Main Street/125th Ave. (Old Highway 242) east for 12 to 15 miles. You will cross-over I-35W on a bridge and continue for two more miles. The park entrance is on the right side of the road marked with a sign.
From Columbia Heights, Fridley, Spring Lake Park
Take Highway 65 (Central Avenue) north to CSAH 14/Main Street/125th Ave. (Old Highway 242) and turn right. Follow CSAH 14/Main Street (Old Highway 242) east for 12 miles. You will cross-over I-35W on a bridge and continue for two more miles. The park entrance is on the right side of the road marked with a sign.
From Northern Minnesota
Take Hwy. 35 south to 35E to exit #123 (County Road 14). Take a right onto Main St., go through the City of Centerville. Continue approximately 3 miles on County Road 14, pass Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. The Wargo Nature Center entrance is on the left, 1/4 mile before 35W bridge.
