Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center Fall Hours
Please call Reception phone 651-408-2838 for the latest information
Monday 9 AM – 3 PM
Tuesday 9 AM – 12 Noon
Wednesday 9 AM – 4 PM
Thursday 9 AM – 4 PM
Friday 9 AM – 4 PM
Saturday 9 AM – 3 PM
Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM
EMY says Hi ! You can still get your EMY tee-shirt at the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, $15 donation, if your size is not in stock please ask the receptionist to put your name and size on the list for the next order. (sizes from tiny tot to huge can be ordered)
Here is the sign-up link for our mailing list – one Newsletter a Month, No Spam!
Follow Us on Social Media
What to See at the nature center –
In the building – Honeybee observation hive, aquarium, exhibits, play area, free coffee, restrooms, cold water, AED
Outside – Fall colors are getting started, Prairie plant specimens, Rain gardens, Apothecary garden, Storybook Stroll, picnic tables, messy play area with sand canoe, benches, and grass.
The Sunfish Lake Park trail conditions are very nice – come and enjoy a beautiful day in the park. Stop at the reception desk, Complimentary Coffee and Tea are available, Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet, a trail map, and other information, or check out kid’s binoculars, magnifying glasses, etc…
Signage on the Trails
When you walk the trails in Sunfish Lake Park, look for the navigation signs and the QR code/compass direction indicators. The QR code links to the Trail Info page on this website, which will provide specific information about each marked point. The compass will help us who are directionally challenged to find our way, even on cloudy days!
If you Plan to use the Biking Trails
Please check https://trails.morcmtb.org/ for trail condition information. The Lake Elmo City Council voted to accept the Sunfish Lake Park User Group recommendation that there should be no hiking on the bike trails (also known as one-way single-track or mountain bike trails) and no biking on the multi-user trails, which are reserved for hiking, horseback, nature walks, skiing, snowshoeing, etc. The intent was to improve trail safety for all users by reducing the travel speed differences. User compliance will be appreciated by all.
The Sunfish Lake Park Trail User Group meets occasionally to consider recommendations to the Lake Elmo Parks Commission for trail improvements. If you are interested in participating in this group, please email info@sminc-lake-elmo.org
Activities to Download
Christa’s Nature Journal Pages have been added – check them out !! We are offering free downloads of nature-based activities – click on “Activities to Download” in the tabs above. These activities include illustrated nature Scavenger Hunt sheets, Nature Journal pages, Word Find Puzzles at different levels of difficulty, other Games, and Trail Guide information.
Download Christa’s tips on nature photography,
then take some interesting observations and upload them to the Sunfish Lake Park Project on iNaturalist. https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/sunfish-lake-park . If you have not signed up to send in observations, visit https://www.inaturalist.org/signup – it is FREE and FUN!
Friends of Lake Elmo’s Sunfish Lake Park is not affiliated with the City of Lake Elmo
Opinions expressed on this website and our social media accounts are not endorsed by the City of Lake Elmo. For Information about Park regulations please visit http://www.lakeelmo.org/lake-elmo-parks-policy or call 651-747-3900
Friends of Lake Elmo’s Sunfish Lake Park rely on donations
We operate the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center as a community resource according to our Mission Statement. Please click on the “How to Donate” page and help us if you can.