Where to enjoy a perfect spring day in MN? River Bend Nature Center

It's really hard to beat the perfect weather we had here in Minnesota this weekend. Bright blue clear skies, temperatures in the mid-60's to low-70's. Naturing is turning green, with leaves finally appearing and wildflowers abloom on the forest floor. We got out to enjoy this weekend, putting in a good 17 plus miles.

Our Sunday afternoon destination was to River Bend Nature Center in Faribault (say "Faribo") just one hour south. I stumbled upon this place when I was searching for sites besides Nerstrand Big Woods State Park that have abundant spring flowers. A photographer had put together this list of Places to Photograph Spring Wildflowers and River Bend was second on the list, right after Nerstand.

It did not disappoint. There were a large variety of blooming flowers and in some places, lovely carpets of blooms covering the forest floor.

River Bend Nature Center was established in the late 1970s on land that was originally home to The Wahpekute Nation of Dakota Indians and was named to recognize the Great Bend of the Straight River as early Wahpekute described it. The Straight River flows through the south of the nature center.

We explored areas to the north of the railroad tracks, on Racoon, Walnut, Prairie Loop, Deer, Trout Lily, and Owls trails. Somehow we missed the "must-see" turtle pond just north of the parking lot. Trails were well posted with plenty of maps.

The area to the north of the cemetery is actually the state prison. We were a bit surprised when our nature hike ended up along the many layers of razor wire on the edge of the prison. It did make for some interesting conversations, such as "Is this where we would go if there is a zombie apocalypse (think Walking Dead)?" or "Is there any type of kevlar-type fabric that would allow one to get through razor wire?"