Join experts and the community to learn about and celebrate turtles! Meet live turtles, see them in their natural habitats, connect with organizations specializing in turtles, hop in a boat to see them from the water, take part in creative turtle-themed projects and more.
Learn About Turtles from Experts
Step into the world of turtles with hands-on encounters and expert insights from Three Rivers Park District naturalists and community partners!
- Meet Live Turtles
- Get an up-close look at live turtles and meet the friendly Eastman Nature Center & Natural Resource Management staff who know them well.
Discover interesting facts about their unique shells, behaviors, habitats and how they survive in Minnesota rivers and lakes. Bring your curiosity and questions!
- Visit with Our Partners
- Meet our amazing community partners who share a love for turtles and conservation:
- Catch up on new research from the MN Zoo.
- Learn how to help track turtle sightings with TurtlTracker and HerpMapper.
- Hear from the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission about local watershed work and water resources.
- Connect with Hennepin County Environment and Energy to learn about aquatic invasive species.
- Get tips from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota on how to keep turtles safe.
There are many more chances to learn and get involved, with fun and learning for everyone!
Take Part in Art-Centered Activities
Embrace your creative side and celebrate turtles with fun hands-on art activities designed for guests of all ages.
- Create Turtle-Themed Art
- Help create a giant chalk mural by adding your own splash of color to a hand-drawn scene inspired by Minnesota’s native turtles. Visit throughout the day to see the vibrant mural come to life.
Plus, join in other fun collaborative turtle-themed art activities and get a temporary tattoo to show off your turtle spirit!
- Contribute to a Community Art Project
- Join our staff and new friends as we create a large turtle-themed community art project together.
- Enjoy Other Creative Activities
- Looking for even more creative fun? Stop by activity stations to get a temporary tattoo, design your own colorful tie-dye t-shirt or bandana, strike a pose at a festive photo booth and more.
Explore the Park
There is plenty to discover in every corner of the park! From observing turtles in the wild to hunting for cleverly hidden turtle surprises, guests of all ages can enjoy hands-on exploration and friendly challenges.
- See Wild Turtles from Land & Water
- See wild turtles in action both from shore and out on the water.
Watch for nesting turtles along the beach and basking turtles soaking up the sun on logs in the lagoon. Or venture out onto Medicine Lake by boat to catch a greater glimpse of these amazing animals in their natural habitat.
- Find Hidden Turtles Throughout the Park
- Keep your eyes peeled as you wander the park — turtle friends are hiding in unexpected spots. Follow a string of scavenger hunt clues and win a small turtle-themed prize if you can find them all!
Learn more at https://www.threeriversparks.org/TurtleFest
