Baker Outdoor Learning Center

It’s like getting out of town without actually leaving. Just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis is the Baker Outdoor Learning Center. This rustic learning center is situated within beautiful Baker Park Reserve. Here, guests can reconnect with nature and explore the outdoors.

Baker PDF Maps

Outdoor Learning Center

Find all printable maps of Baker on the Baker Park Reserve page.

Upcoming Events

Fire Starting 101

April 2 | Baker

Step up your fire-starting skills by practicing historic and modern ways to create a fire.

All Programs & Events

View upcoming programs and events at Baker Outdoor Learning Center!

Nearly all of our program offerings can be adapted or modified. Please call 763-559-9000 (for relay services dial 711) or email access@ThreeRiversParks.org to request specific services or to discuss options.

Groups

The Outdoor Learning Center offers nature education and outdoor recreation programs for schools, scouts, homeschools, senior centers and more. The lodge and cabins are also available to rent – call 763-694-7724 or email for more information and availability.

Rental Spaces

Cabins and Lodge

The Outdoor Learning Center features eight cabins, an expansive lodge, miles of trails, many natural habitats, a rock climbing wall, nature and outdoor recreation classes, and hands-on activities for all ages. Each cabin has eight bunk beds, a wood stove and a nearby cooking pad with a grill and seating area. The cabins do not have lights or restrooms, but there are composting latrines nearby.

The log lodge features a meeting and activity room that seats up to 120 people lecture-style and up to 80 for meals, a large stone fireplace, wrap-around porch, modern restrooms, and an institutional kitchen.

Rental Details

Education and overnight groups can reserve the Outdoor Learning Center up to one year in advance.

Returning education and overnight groups have up to one week after their visit to confirm the same dates for the following year. Lodge rental is only allowed from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. Reservations for the lodge are taken starting June 1 of each year. A deposit is required at the time of a reservation.

See the rental guidelines and learn about approved caterers. Call 763-694-7724 or email for more information and availability.

The Outdoor Learning Center offers a variety of nature-oriented party themes such as: archery, canoeing, rock climbing, and more. 

Take a Virtual Tour of the Outdoor Learning Center

Take a walk through the Outdoor Learning Center to experience its amenities inside and out and learn how it fosters joy in outdoors through hands-on educational experiences. 

Dogs

Due to the nature of the programming at the Outdoor Learning Center, dogs are not allowed. View Three Rivers dog policy and FAQs.

Watch a video about the Outdoor Learning Center

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Give to Baker Outdoor Learning Center

Love the Outdoor Learning Center? Make a donation today!

The Wandering Naturalist

Episodes 158–160: Women and Wilderness

This month, we discuss women and wilderness. Join us for a worldly conversation on defining wilderness, learn about local femme-friendly programs and why they’re important, and discover how the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program provides a supportive environment to gain outdoor skills.

The Three Rivers Blog

June 30, 2020

Fourth of July weekend is almost here! Whether you are going camping, staying in a cabin or planning an adventure at home in your own backyard, try one of these basic campfire cooking techniques and recipes for a tasty meal.

The Myths and Facts of Spiders

By: Monica Rauchwarter

October 07, 2019

Spiders are one of the most feared animals around, but they are important parts of their ecosystems. Learn all about these special creatures and find out the facts behind some of those myths that make them so scary.

January 14, 2019

Why do grandparents Zona and Gregg love Grandparent Camp at Baker Outdoor Learning Center? Read on to find out. 

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