Westwood Hills Nature Center

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8300 W. Franklin Ave., St. Louis Park, MN 55426
952.924.2544

Westwood Hills Nature Center is a 160-acre natural area featuring marsh, woods and restored prairie. The preserve is beautiful throughout the seasons and provides homes for many animals, including deer, turtles, fox, mink and owls.

Create your own story by journeying through the preserve and experiencing a rare peek at nature in the city.

Westwood Hills Nature Center achieved Zero Energy Certification from the International Living Future Institute. Learn more and watch video of the interpretive center from our partner HGA.

Hours

Nature center trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset, year-round. The interpretive center building is open year-round during the following times.

Days Times
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The interpretive center will be closed all day Nov. 28 and 29; Dec. 25; and Jan. 1, and will close at 2 p.m. Dec. 24.

Note: Christmas Eve hours may vary. Call 952.924.2544 to confirm hours.

Admission and parking

Parking and admission are free.

Trail map

Westwood Hills Nature Center trail map

Programs and activities

Westwood naturalists conduct year-round programs and activities to increase visitor understanding and appreciation of our natural world. Learn more about the current programs, camps and activities offered through the center.

Online program registration is available.

Westwood Hills Nature Center gift store

Whether you are looking to purchase a nature game, children's book or field guide for your own reference, you might find just what you are looking for in the gift store. When you visit, don't forget your quarters for the popular polished rock machine located in the exhibit area!

Prohibited activities

In order to maintain Westwood's natural habitats, the following are not allowed:

  • Dogs and other pets
  • Picking or collecting any plant or animal, including wildflowers
  • Feeding wildlife
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Bicycle riding on trails
  • Releasing/relocating any wild animal

Natural resources management plan

In December 2017, the city and its partners finalized its natural resources management plan for Westwood Hills Nature Center (WHNC). The multi-year plan aims to identify opportunities for restoring and managing the habitats/ecosystems at WHNC.

Currently, the city is in the middle of removing buckthorn and low-grade trees – Phase III of the plan – to help manage invasive species at WHNC. Learn more about the removal efforts and plan.

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