September 11, 2007: Tamarack Nature Center (Northern Ramsey County)

Join the group for a hike through the hills and dales of the Tamarack Nature Center in northern Ramsey County. Tamarack Nature Center is a 320-acre park preserve located within Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park. Woodchip paths, paved trails, and boardwalks provide access to this diverse, natural community, where hikers can see red fox, deer, woodcock, cardinals, chickadees, sparrows, blue birds, tree swallows, various warblers, woodpeckers, finches and other wildlife in the context of ever-changing seasonal foliage. A special floating dock serves as a scenic overlook onto Tamarack Lake, which is a habitat for heron, turtle, mink and muskrat. The half-mile paved trail circling the restored prairie provides access to the George Mack observation deck overlooking Teal Pond. Nearby Bald Eagle Lake was so named because a small island near the center of the lake was the home of several bald eagles at the time of the government surveys. White Bear Township has been an unincorporated township since 1858 and is the only township remaining in Ramsey County. As Minnesota's oldest township, it once covered 36 square miles, now covers an area of approximately 9.3 square miles, and, at 11,293, has the largest population of all 1,800 townships in the state.

If driving:From I-35E, north of I-694, turn east (right) on Highway 96 and go east to Otter Lake Road and turn north (left). Go approximately two miles on Otter Lake Road to the parking lot for the nature center (5287 Otter Lake Road) on the west (left.)

If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 265; 275. The closest bus service point appears to be the corner of 4th Street and Otter Lake Road (265) or the corner of Centerville Road and County Road H2 (275). Applicable Metro Transit Map / Bus Schedule information

Interested hikers will reassemble after the hike at a nearby restaurant (Decoy's Grill & Bar, 2141 4th Street (corner of Hwy 61 and 4th Street), White Bear) for dessert or dinner.

Map to the hike start point: 5287 Otter Lake Rd
St Paul, MN 55110-5851

Ramsey County Park's Tamarack Nature Center location map

Ramsey County Park's Tamarack Nature Center facility map

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This webpage was last updated on September 11, 2008.