New Eastman Nature Center Opening Date Announced by Three Rivers Park District

After more than a year of construction, the Eastman Nature Center is scheduled to reopen in October.

The center, part of the in Maple Grove, has been while a new nature facility was built. In the interim, nearby parks, such as Fish Lake Regional Park.

Some of the highlights of the new 13,000 square-foot building, according to the Three Rivers Park District website, include:

• Quiet reading and observation rooms
• Larger classrooms
• Larger exhibit area with wildlife watching
• New exhibits
• Open-air deck
• Small coffee service
• Public wi-fi signal
• After-hours restroom

“Whether people visit Eastman to take a class or to relax and watch wildlife, I think they’re going to love the new building,” said Three Rivers Park District Commissioner Sara Wyatt, according to a press release. “From larger classroom spaces to expanded wildlife exhibits to an open-air deck for bird watching, the new Eastman Nature Center really will have something for everyone.”

Eastman Nature Center this fall. Contrary to previous announcements by other outlets, the date for the Eastman Nature Center re-grand opening is Sunday, Oct. 14, not Sunday, Sept. 16.

As part of the grand reopening 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 at Eastman Nature Center in , several activities are scheduled, according to the Three Rivers Park website include:

• Refreshments
• Opening ceremony at 2 p.m.
• Face painting
• Puppet shows
• Make and decorate a hiking stick
• Make and decorate a wooden bird feeder
• Make and decorate a recycled bird feeder
• Visit snakes, turtles, salamanders, and owl
• Explore hands-on exhibits or a self-guided trail hike

Parking will be available off site at with shuttle bus service to and from Eastman Nature Center.

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