Westwood Hills Nature Reserve

  Westwood Hills Nature Reserve—officially known as Westwood Hills Nature Center—is a 160-acre sanctuary tucked into the heart of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Once a reclaimed golf course purchased in the 1960s, it now flourishes as a mosaic of marshland, woodland, prairie and open water. This transformed landscape offers an immersive and educational experience for visitors—spanning wildlife viewing, hands‑on learning, low‑impact recreation, community events, and cutting‑edge sustainable architecture. In this article, we’ll explore its rich history, ecology, amenities, architecture, programs, seasonal experiences, conservation efforts—and its enduring role in connecting a metro‑community to nature. 1. From Golf Course to Ecological Oasis Originally part of a private golf course, the city's acquisition in the 1960s marked the beginning of its ecological restoration . Over decades, teams from the St. Louis Park Parks & Rec Department, alongside volunteers, re‑planted prairie grasse...