houston nature center

I have been here many times and this is a great place that kids and adults will enjoy. For adults, take a look at the repurposed iron sculptures outside the Nature Center. In the building, you will likely see one of the owls in the back room and kids will enjoy some of the "touch me" exhibits and interactive opportunities. Small, but nice gift shop - some unique things found here.

We went to the concert in the park and stopped in at the nature center. Very interesting, I had no idea Minnesota had rattle snacks but was happy to know no one has been bitten since the 1800's. Definitely a place to stop when in Houston.

I returned after attending the Taste of the Trail event last fall. This place offers Alice the owl, who is the pet of the local naturalist. I had so much fun meeting Alice and learning about the Owl events.

Alice, a real live Great Horn Owl, works at the Houston Nature Center. There are lots of animals feathers and furs for the kids to touch and feel. Cool place.

Karla is an expert naturalist and her owl, Alice is a great attraction. Interesting displays and free camping are a plus it being right on the Trailhead for the Root River rails to trails program! Must See.

The Houston Nature Center never fails to impress me...and the local Houston community's support of the Houston Nature Center is also impressive. This nature center serves as a trailhead for the eastern most stop on the Root River Trail, but also has great exhibits, a small library & gift shop, a meeting room all managed by an exceptional director and their famous ambassador--Alice, the Great Horned Owl.As a trailhead for bikers, there are clean bathrooms and showers. You can get local firewood and camp onsite. They are now building a wonderful natural playground that has creative features that both kids and adults will enjoy the learning opportunities that it will provide. The Nature Center's director, Karla Bloem, is a dynamic woman who makes great things happen! She has spearheaded the development of this nature center and the new natural playground and has brought international recognition of Houston, MN by hosting a WONDERFUL owl festival the first weekend of March. Alice, the resident Great Horned Owl, who lives with Karla and husband is also on duty at the Nature Center and it is a joy to see her. Even though we live 2 hours away in Iowa, we have been supporting the Houston Nature center since it has opened and it is hard not to get caught up in the great programming. To see how much this community supports their nature center, speaks volumes. I believe that almost everyone in Houston helps with the international owl festival. When so many small towns are struggling, the Houston Nature Center and its ardent supporters show how an enduring commitment to preserving the beauty and spirit of rural Minnesota can make a difference.

I visited here last week with a biking tour group after biking to the end of the trail. This nature center is conveniently located at the trailhead. We had a planned lunch stop on the Nature Center property and afterwards a presentation by the on-site naturalist Karla who was accompanied with Alice the Owl. Karla did a wonderful presentation on Great Horned owls, specifically her research on their vocalization patterns and habits. There were audio and webcam recordings on owl behavior. It was all very fascinating and Karla is a very enthusiastic speaker. During the presentation which lasted probably more than an hour, Alice sat calmly on her perch in the room. Every year the Center and little town of Houston host an International Owl Festival which is attended by people the world over. There are awards given out to important owls throughout the world as well as people making a difference in the world of owls. All of this was explained to us by Karla. There are a few exhibits at the Center regarding owls and other birds. I did not spend much time looking at the exhibits or items for sale due to time constraints. Outside the center are a series of fun sculptures on view, some made from bicycle parts. There are a variety of nature programs offered here for families although I did not check on them due to just visiting in this area. All in all, a worthwhile, unique and educational stop.

Such a beautiful area with an informative nature center and campground at the HoustonTrail Head of the Root River Trail . Shower facilities for bicyclists. A very well educated naturalist is there to teach and answer questions. The bicycle inspired sculptures are amazing.

Buen lugar para pasar un rato con la familia! en especial para aprender cosas nuevas ,. en especial con niños pequeños es un lugar con muchas cosas que ver y tiene objetos sorprendentes ,. es un buen lugar para pasar un ratoen la tarde