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What's New
Destination For Discovery - Transforming a Traditional Nature Center
Tamarack Nature Center (TNC) has embarked on a multi-year project entitled "Destination for Discovery." The enhanced TNC will provide opportunities for visitors to develop personal relationships with nature through a variety of means. Guided by this master plan and a commitment to responding to our community's needs, the project redefines what it means to be a regional nature center and redesigns facilities, trails, programs and exhibits, to reflect that definition. The master plan outlines a five-year program to transform TNC into a Destination for Discovery.
Destination for Discovery Executive Summary (pdf)
Destination for Discovery Project Purpose, Outcomes and Process (pdf)
Near-by Nature
Tamarack Nature Center is a 320-acre park preserve located within Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park in White Bear Township, MN, about 20 minutes from downtown St. Paul.
- Over four miles of woodchipped paths, paved trails and boardwalks provide year-round access to a diverse, natural community that includes red fox, deer, woodcock and other wildlife, as well as ever-changing seasonal foliage.
- A special dock serves as a scenic overlook onto Tamarack Lake, habitat for heron, turtle, mink and muskrat. The half-mile paved trail circling the restored prairie provides access to the George Mack observation deck overlooking Teal Pond.
General Information Brochure (pdf)
5287 Otter Lake Road (TNC directional map) (TNC facility map)
White Bear Township, Minnesota 55110
651-407-5350
651-407-5354 (fax)
tamarack@co.ramsey.mn.us
Human Habitat
Tamarack Nature Center’s main building serves as a trailhead and provides recreational and educational opportunities for visitors. Spaces available at the center include:
- Lobby/meeting space complete with wood-burning fireplace
- Two general-use classrooms
- An early childhood exhibit area and classroom
- Live animal exhibits
- Cross-country ski rental
- Restrooms
Directions and Hours
Visit any Time of Year
Tamarack is conveniently located about 20 minutes from Downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. From Downtown St. Paul, take I-35E North to Highway 96, go east on Highway 96 to Otter Lake Road, go north. Tamarack is located approximately 2½ miles on the left-hand side at 5287 Otter Lake Road (see TNC directional map above).
Building Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 12:00 noon - 5:00pm
The building is closed on all government holidays
Trail Hours:
Daily from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
Pets:
Sorry no pets are allowed on nature center trails. You can visit the off leash dog area just north of Tamarack, near the Otter Lake boat launch.
