Wargo Nature Center 7701 Main Street Lino Lakes, MN 55038 651-429-8007 651-429-8167 fax Hours of Operation: April 1 - October 31st Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Sunday, Noon - 5 p.m.

Family Programs and Activities Nature and Recreational Camps Heritage Lab Fall 2007 Canoe / Kayak / Snowshoe / Bike Rental Enviro. Education for Schools / Groups Birthday Parties Volunteers Wanted

Tell us how we're doing by leaving us feedback on our programming
Click here for Wargo's Environmental Education programs.
Click here for Wargo's Nature Day Camp programs.

Road Construction and Detour Alert
Please use the following links to obtain information regarding the road construction and detours around the Wargo Nature Center area.

Anoka County invites you to explore the Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center.  The interpretive center is nestled on a beautiful peninsula overlooking George Watch Lake and is part of the 2,550 acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve.

Native plant and animal life abounds. Visitors may see muskrats, red fox, grey & red squirrel, woodchuck, weasel, deer, resident birds such as pheasant and pileated woodpeckers, and a variety of migratory waterfowl.  Habitats are rich and varied and include heavily wooded areas, wetlands, prairie, lakes, flood plains, and open fields.  While wildlife can be viewed in comfort from the interpretive center, easily accessible self-guided trails will lead the more adventurous through this wonderfully diverse, natural community.

Click on the building layout image to the right to view Wargo's various rooms (document is in the Adobe Acrobat PDF file format):

The upper level of the nature center contains:

• A large display area
• Two classrooms
• Library conference room
• Office space for interpretive naturalist staff

The lower level contains:

• Serving kitchen
• Large, multi-purpose room
• Staff work areas
• Touch and see room

The two-story atrium overlooks an open-air amphitheater for outdoor programs.  A maintained trail system provides access to much of the park.  Two unobtrusive shelters are planned for wildlife observation and educational programs.

The Wargo Nature Center is an outdoor learning center designed to be used by the community.  Interpretive programming is developed to promote positive environmental values and is available for persons of all ages and abilities.  Program content changes with the season and includes topics such as maple syruping, pond studies, apple cidering, insect investigations, and deer watches.  Snowshoes and canoes are available to rent.

Wargo Nature Center Staff:

• Lisa Gilliland - Manager
• Deb Gallop - Program Coordinator
• Todd Murawski - Recreation Specialist
• Rhonda Lynch - Scheduler / Receptionist