The Most Peaceful Place to Play, Learn, and Explore? This Nature Center Has It All!
Address: 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
About the Eastman Nature Center
Looking for an outdoor adventure that offers hands-on learning, wildlife, and fun for all ages? Eastman Nature Center in Maple Grove is the perfect family-friendly destination in the Twin Cities. Tucked along Rush Creek, this hidden gem is a great place to kick off a day of discovery in the expansive Elm Creek Park Reserve (part of the Three Rivers Park District).
Start your visit to Eastman Nature Center by walking across the floating boardwalk. Then, explore miles of trails ideal for hiking, snowshoeing, or simply enjoying a beautiful day together. Bring binoculars—trumpeter swans, wild turkeys, bluebirds, and dragonflies are often spotted here.
Named after Whitney H. Eastman, a passionate birdwatcher and champion of environmental education, the center offers plenty of tools for budding birders. Grab a checklist and see how many species your family can spot! Nature guide sheets and exploration kits are also available inside the nature center to help kids (and grown-ups!) learn as they roam.
Inside the nature center, kids love dressing up and putting on a show in the puppet tree. After playing, let live reptiles and amphibians spark their curiosity about the world around them. The floor-to-ceiling windows also make for excellent indoor birdwatching. Meanwhile, the quiet reading room offers a cozy moment of rest after an afternoon of exploration. A screened-in deck for warm weather days and restrooms are also available (even after hours).
Outside, don’t miss the engaging nature play area just off the trail. It’s a natural playground where kids can dig, climb, build forts, and use their imaginations without limits, while parents join in or relax nearby.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning a full day outdoors, Eastman Nature Center makes it easy to get kids excited about nature. It’s free to visit, easy to navigate with kids, and packed with enriching experiences year-round. Bring snacks, wear sturdy shoes, and let curiosity lead the way!
Beyond the Nature Center: Elm Creek Park Reserve
After exploring Eastman, venture deeper into Elm Creek Park Reserve. It’s the largest park in the Three Rivers system and offers biking trails, a swimming pond, a winter recreation area, and plenty of space to wander. With wildlife like deer, beavers, sandhill cranes, and eagles calling it home, there’s always something new to see.
Related Article: 8 Best Nature Centers in the Twin Cities for Families – Fun in all Seasons!
Nature Center Highlights
- Located at Elm Creek Park Reserve (part of the Three Rivers Park District)
- Several miles of trails, including a floating boardwalk
- Great for birdwatchers!
- There is a natural playground where kids can dig, climb, and make a fort or dam
- The indoor nature center features hands-on activities, puppets, and costumes, and live rescued animals
- Trail guide sheets, exploration kits, and interpretive signs are available to help you and your kids learn about the wildlife and habitats at Eastman Nature Center
- Indoor bathrooms and water fountains are available (including an after-hours restroom)
Know Before You Go
- Website
- Hours: Mondays – Saturdays, 9 AM–5 PM; Sunday, 12–5 PM
- Parking: Parking is free on-site.
- Trail Maps
- Upcoming Events
- Accessibility Resources (all-terrain wheelchairs are available to borrow)
- Summer Camps
- Birthday Parties
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
