Ag and Nature Lab

The place to explore agriculture and nature education.

There is always something going on!

Our exhibits change every month and programs pop up frequently. You might catch baby chicks hatching, a sheep shearing demo, or dig in the compost for worms. Enjoy working the manure spreader as you care for the cows in the dairy barn display, assist staff in releasing monarch butterflies, or role play moving crops and livestock across our roadways and rails.

This exhibit is great for...

encountering experiences and conversations about our natural world.

Ag Education

Play-based experiences are a great way for children to learn about agriculture. In What’s Underfoot? children can crawl underground with the roots, worms, and bugs to learn about the importance of soil health. In Ag on the Move, the role of transportation is highlighted as children move ag commodities from farm to table on trains, trailers, and tractors. And in the Dairy Barn, children clean the barn, feed the cows and keep our cows comfortable. Come learn with us!

Nature

Hands-on play in our exhibits such as Beaver Builders, Tracking Minnesota’s Wild Animals, and All About Birds lead children to a better relationship with our natural world. Research shows children who spend time in nature have stronger emotional health and longer attentions spans. The Ag and Nature Lab is a fabulous place for families to get an introduction to the wide range of nature’s offerings.

Animal Programs

Visiting animals are always a highlight for families! When animals visit the Museum, there's always something to learn. Whether it's a kangaroo, hedgehog, or bald eagle, you'll get to study insects, birds, mammals, and reptiles from Minnesota--and all over the world!