Ney Calendar and Upcoming Programs

Fall Festival

September 28th from 11am-2pm

Save the date! Our Fall Festival will be September 28th! Look forward to:
– Wagon Rides
– Ax Throwing
– Corn Husk Dolls
– Fresh Cider Pressing
– Prairie Maze
…and more!

Cosmos Celebration

October 4th from 7-8:30pm
October 25th from 7-8:30pm

A presentation from the Minnesota Astronomical Society at 7:00pm will include the opportunity to gaze at some otherworldly objects in the sky (clear skies permitting)! The celebration will have cosmos-themed crafts for young participants to follow the presentation.
Free to the public and for all-ages. No pre-registration necessary.

Creatures of the Night: A Halloween Event

Friday, November 1st from 5:30-8:00pm

Learn about and celebrate all of the amazing creatures of the night that call MN home! Staff will be on hand to teach all about bats, moths, owls, and other amazing nocturnal animals along the prairie loop trail. We will have a fire going in the fire ring outside of the main building, and you can pick up a treat or take home a craft from each animal’s table as you move through the loop. This evening program is family-friendly and will include walking lit trails at dusk or in the dark. Costumes are welcome but not required. Please dress for the weather, as this is an outdoor event.

Registration Information

• Registration includes choosing the time slot you would like to arrive during, we would like to stagger participant arrival to ensure people are not crowded at stations. There is no time limit for participation, however, activities and tables will be open until 8pm.
• Please do not arrive after your time slot, if you choose to arrive early, please note that you will have to wait until your time slot to begin the trail.
• Pre-registration is required, limited spots available for each time slot.
• Registration is per individual attending, those under 2 years old attend for free.
• If you are a member, this event is free to attend, just select member at checkout.

Pre-registration is required. Free for members, $5 for non-members. Register here.

Tiny Trekkers & Nature Detectives Homeschool Programs

Discovery during the week! These drop-off programs are during the week, so they work well for homeschoolers. However, all are welcome! Tiny Trekkers are for ages 4-6 years old, and Nature Detectives are for ages 7-11 years old. Descriptions for each topic can be found on the registration site.

September: Seeds

Tiny Trekkers: Tuesday, September 17th from 10am-11:30am
Nature Detectives: Tuesday, September 24th from 10am-11:30am

October: Apple Cider

Tiny Trekkers: Tuesday, October 22nd from 10am-11:30am
Nature Detectives: Tuesday, October 29th from 10am-11:30am

November: Raccoons

Tiny Trekkers: Tuesday, November 19th from 10am-11:30am
Nature Detectives: Tuesday, November 26th from 10am-11:30am

December: Foxes

Tiny Trekkers: Tuesday, December 10th from 10am-11:30am
Nature Detectives: Tuesday, December 17th from 10am-11:30am

Pre-registration required. $3/member or $5/non-member.  Register here.

Fall Wagon Rides

Sunday, October 6th, from 2-3pm
Saturday, October 12th, from 2-3pm
Saturday, October 19th, from 2-3pm

Fall is here! Hop on the people-mover wagon for a tour around the park to see the fall colors and sights of the Minnesota River Valley! Ney members ride free; select Member at checkout.

Pre-registration is not required. However, those who pre-register will be prioritized for space on the wagon and notified in case of cancellation. Free for members, $5 for non-members. Register here.

Lifelong Learner Series

Discover a new topic each month as we explore local wildlife, history, and conservation issues. This class is designed in a lecture-style format, ensuring that participants can remain seated throughout the session. The structure is tailored to be accessible for anyone, including those with limited mobility, allowing everyone to engage comfortably without the need for physical exertion. Whether you’re joining us to learn, socialize, or enjoy a relaxed educational environment, this class offers an inclusive experience for all participants. Please inform staff of any dietary restrictions.

Volcanoes: Thursday, September 19th from 12-1:30pm 

 Embrace the last of the summer’s heat by learning about volcanoes. We will explore the different types of volcanoes found around the world before diving into the volcanic history of Minnesota. 

Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd with Minneopa State Park: Saturday, October 12th from 12-1:30pm 

The American Plains Bison are one of the wonderful animals at Minneopa State Park. Join us for a luncheon with MN DNR Minneopa Area Naturalist, Kelsey Moe to learn more about our national mammal and how the state of Minnesota in partnering with the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd. 

Intro to Backyard Birding: Thursday, November 21st from 12-1:30pm 

Come learn all about bird identification! We will be learning how to use a field guide, the basics of bird ID, and how to focus a pair of binoculars. Get into the spirit of backyard birding ahead of our Christmas Bird Count season!

Pre-registration required. $12/member or $15/non-member.  Register here.