Richardson Nature Center

The place

Richardson Nature Center is part of the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve in western Bloomington, one of the larger green spaces in the south metro. The center combines a building with exhibits and classrooms and a network of trails through woods, prairie and wetland, where deer, birds and smaller wildlife are often seen.

Events and programmes

Three Rivers Park District runs programmes here throughout the year: nature walks, seasonal festivals, family activities, school field trips and classes on topics such as birds, seasonal change and winter ecology. Many programmes require registration, so check the park district's listings.

History in brief

The park reserve was assembled as part of the regional park system to protect land in a fast-growing suburb. The nature center gives the reserve an education focus, complementing other facilities in the same reserve such as the ski area and play areas.

Visiting with mobility equipment

The center building is the natural starting point. Trail surfaces vary from paved or compacted paths near the center to narrower natural-surface trails further out, and some routes include hills. Staff can suggest the most suitable loop for a wheelchair or rollator. Benches along the trails make it easier to plan a walk with rests.

Good to know

• Early mornings are often best for wildlife.
• Trails can be icy in winter and muddy in spring.
• Shorter loops make this a good place to build walking confidence gradually.