The interpretive center has several rooms and spaces available to rent for meetings, wedding receptions, galas, company events, birthday parties, family reunions and more!

The multipurpose room can be split into three smaller spaces (Aspen, Oak and Willow), two larger rooms or left as one large room. The interpretive center also has a smaller, separate conference room, an exhibit space and a patio space that are available to rent.

Learn more about the interpretive center rentals!

Located near the parking lot, this park building has an open design that seats up to 25 people. Windows on three sides of this fully accessible building offer beautiful views of the nature center grounds and the playground. The lower park building also has restrooms, drinking fountains and a sink. It's a great place for meetings, parties and more!

There is a $300 refundable damage deposit required that is due 14 days before the event. There is a two-hour rental minimum.

2025 rental information and applications will be available beginning Jan. 2, 2025.

2024 Dates and times	Resident rate	Non-resident rate
Weekends: May 4 – Sept. 8, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.	$75 per hour	$85 per hour
Weekdays: May 28 – Aug. 30, 5 – 8 p.m.	$75 per hour	$85 per hour

Located adjacent to the water garden area, this picnic shelter seats up to 48 people at picnic tables, six 8-foot are available. Restrooms, drinking fountains, electrical outlets and sink are provided. This open-air shelter has protection from sun and rain and has a view of Westwood Lake.

There is a $100 refundable damage deposit required that is due 14 days before the event.

2025 rental information and applications will be available beginning Jan. 2, 2025.

2024 Dates and times	Resident rate	Non-resident rate
Weekends: May 4 – Sept. 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. or 4 – 8 p.m.	$135 per time block	$165 per time block
Weekdays: May 28 – Aug. 30, 4 – 8 p.m.	$135 flat fee per time block	$165 flat fee per time block

Looking for a scenic location for a small wedding, photo shoot or outdoor meeting space? Enjoy the background view of the water garden as you watch the water flow over the top of the 6-foot-high waterfall and tumble down the hillside! From the accessible observation deck you can see the full view of the waterfall, water garden, Westwood Lake and surrounding woods. This is an ideal location for small events up to 25 people.

The water garden features native Minnesota plants blooming throughout the summer season as well as streams, waterfalls and a pond. There are bench areas for taking photos or to relax and enjoy the view.

There is a $100 refundable damage deposit required that is due 14 days before the event. There is a two-hour rental minimum.

2025 rental information and applications will be available beginning Jan. 2, 2025.

2024 Dates and time	Resident rate	Non-resident rate
May 4 – Sept. 8, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.	$40 per hour	$50 per hour

Westwood Hills Nature Center has a GRIT Freedom all-terrain wheelchair available for visitors to use on the nature center trails. This manual, all-terrain wheelchair has a chain drive system that allows users to operate it independently or assisted by a caregiver with handlebars.

Visitors can rent the wheelchair for free during normal business hours by visiting the interpretive center front desk. A valid credit card and photo ID is required for the deposit. For more information, call 952.924.2544.

Check out equipment at the interpretive center front desk during regular business hours. Snowshoes and kicksleds must be returned a half hour prior to the building closings. Driver's license and credit card are required on all rentals.

Park Packs

If you are looking for something new to do with your family, check out one of the park packs!

These free-to-use backpacks are full of nature activities, including tools for investigations, books, suggestions for art activities and more. Each Park Pack has a theme such as birds, forests, mammals, insects, ponds or reptiles and amphibians. These packs can be borrowed for a week at a time. A valid credit card and photo ID are required for deposit.

For more information and details, call 952.924.2544 or stop by Westwood Hills Nature Center!

Snowshoes

There is a minimum of a 6-inch snow base for snowshoe rentals.

• Cost —$5 per hour (resident) / $6 (non-resident)

Kicksleds

Trails must be snow covered and packed.

• Cost —$5 per hour (resident) / $6 (non-resident)