Lodging for Apple Blossom Races at Carpenter Nature Center

Need some lodging and relaxation after running the Apple Blossom Races at Carpenter Nature Center on Sunday, May 17? We provide massages for those tired legs and relaxation, along with pampering you with a 4 course breakfast. Carpenter Nature Center is less than a 5 minute drive from The Arbor Inn. You can choose your race (2K Fun Run, 5K Run/Walk, 10K or 1/2 marathon) or just come to watch and cheer for the runners. The 5K, 10K and 1/2 marathon all start at 8:00 a.m. with the 2K Fun Run following the timed races, approximately at 11:30 a.m. All races finish in front of the Nature Center’s Interpretive Center. All half marathon finishers will receive a race medallion, and awards will be given to the top three overall winners and age division winners in the 5K, 10K and half marathon. All ages welcome to run in the 2K Fun Run but awards will only be given to ages 12 and under. The 2K is free and is a great race for the family to run together. Proceeds from this event will benefit the environmental education programs and habitat preservation at the Nature Center. If you haven't registered for the race yet please call (651) 480-1958 for a registration form or check their website at http://www.carpenternaturecenter.org/. We would love to spoil you so if you are looking for lodging and are participating in the Apple Blossom Races at Carpenter Nature Center give us a call!

Bird Watching, Snowshoeing & Relaxing at Carpenter Nature Center

It is that time of year again to find some amazing birds migrating up and down the Mississippi River Valley at Carpenter Nature Center . We have seen several bald eagles, trumpeter swans, hawks and rare ducks this winter. Prescott was fortunate enough to have a male Harlequin Duck arrive in the winter of last year and return again this year. Because the water is extremely deep below the bridge and doesn’t freeze, many birds have the opportunity to stop and feed. His arrival, along with others that use this migratory path, has attracted several birders to the area.
Crossbills have been observed this month at Carpenter Nature Center (website: http://www.carpenternaturecenter.org/), which is about a 5 minute drive from our front door. The center provides a unique opportunity to learn and explore the outdoors. With property on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the scenic St. Croix River, they are able to preserve wildlife habitat while also providing educational opportunities. Hiking and snowshoeing trails wind throughout the tall pines, oak savanna, restored prairies, wooded ravines, around the apple orchard, and along the river of the 425 acre main property north of Hastings, MN. Wildlife abounds in the restored prairie and wooded bluffs on the 300 acre Wisconsin nature preserve. With over 10 miles of hiking/snowshoeing trails, 3.5 of which are paved to accommodate persons with mobility limitations, you will see a vast variety of plant and animal communities. The Interpretive Center is located onsite and is open daily 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, offering hands-on exhibits and live animals for display. Hiking/snowshoeing trails, beach access, and the Interpretive Center are open to the public 7 days a week excluding: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Admission is free!
We have had many guests that have been to Carpenter Nature Center for snowshoeing and have enjoyed the views and trails. If you are up for a day of adventure, bird watching and/or snowshoeing and would like to wrap it up with a relaxing evening of pampering and tranquility, don’t hesitate to give us a call!