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 grasses, indigenous trees, wetland vegetation, and removed invasive species . The area gradually evolved into the thriving 160‑acre reserve we see today—a model for urban ecological renewal within the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro.

2. Diverse Habitats: Marsh, Prairie, Woods, and Lake

Westwood Hills is distinguished by four interwoven ecosystems:

Marsh and Westwood Lake (~64 acres)

The marsh-central lake serves as a wildlife magnet. A floating boardwalk and fishing pier act as wildlife hides—ideal for observing turtles, frogs, insects—and, with luck, deer and waterfowl . Canoes and paddle boats bring you onto the lake’s surface, deepening that sense of connection.

Restored Prairie

Once monoculture turf, the prairie meadows now burst with native grasses and wildflowers—vital for pollinators like native bees and butterflies. The Nature Center highlights their importance via interpretive signage and wildflower ponds .

Woodland Hills

Elevated, tree‑covered knolls offer shaded trails, hardwood forests, and sunrise-to-sunset vistas. Here you’ll spot great horned owls, red‑tailed hawks, pileated woodpeckers, foxes, mink—especially in early morning or dusk .

Water Garden & Waterfall

Adjacent to the Interpretive Center, the water garden is a two‑acre haven of cascading water, tranquil ponds, and interpretive native plantings. Open May to October, the waterfall deck provides serene vistas for photographers, small events, or quiet reflection .

3. Trails & Outdoor Recreation

Multi‑Use Trails

Over three miles of trails—paved, boardwalked, or gravel—form a roughly two-mile loop around Westwood Lake. With side-trails into forested hills, it offers both leisurely and extended hikes. Easy terrain makes it family-friendly; strollers, small boots, or Yaktrax may be needed in winter.

Reviews frequently mention:

A scenic, looped experience of ~1–2 miles Peaceful wildlife—deer, turkeys, turtles, songbirds—even within suburbia Well‑maintained boardwalks and minimal crowds 

Water-Based Recreation

Fishing poles can be rented to catch bluegills. Canoes and paddle boats allow a placid lake adventure, perfect for families and quiet recreation .

Winter Sports

The trails open for snowshoeing, with equipment provided for all ages—plus traditional Norwegian kicksleds to glide over snow and ice .

Natural Play & Playground

Children can enjoy a nature-themed playground near the parking lot—rock climbing features, art installations resembling bird nests, and open green spaces to roam under careful watch .

4. Interpretive Center & Educational Programming

Center Building

Built in 2020, the 13,565‑ft² Interpretive Center is a net‑zero energy marvel with life‑size raptor mews, interactive exhibits, live animals (flying squirrels, red‑tailed hawk, barred owl, American kestrel, turtles), and educational displays .

Green Building Showcase

Designed by HGA and GWWO Architects, the structure demonstrates sustainable techniques:

Geothermal heating/cooling • solar PV canopy (150 kW) • daylighting • bird‑friendly glazing • dark‑sky lighting • stormwater management (rain gardens, bio‑filtration) • pervious paving • composting systems .

It is Minnesota’s first net‑zero energy certified public building, designed to educate about sustainability in cold climates .

Conclusion

Westwood Hills Nature Reserve stands as a testament to thoughtful conservation, urban ecological restoration, and educational programming. In just 160 acres, it holds a rainbow of habitats, a vibrant wildlife refuge, family‑friendly amenities, and a zero‑energy showcase—a blend of wonder and learning accessible to visitors of all ages. Whether you’re taking a quiet canoe ride at sunrise, tracking deer trails in ornate winter woods, helping with prairie restoration, or exploring the buzz of native bees, Westwood Hills offers a place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature right in the midst of city life.

Here is a local Business that supports the community

 

 

Google Map- 

 

7600 W 27th St #219, St Louis Park, MN 55426

Be sure to check out this attraction too!