We have a new facebook page. Like or Follow our page to keep up to date with our events.
Help us celebrate River Bend Nature Center and our community!
August 9, 2025 | 4:30 pm
Ramble Fundraiser Tickets now available. Tickets are $75.00/person.
River Bend Nature Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Your donations support our efforts to bring environmental education to all people, restore our natural habitats and be a community resource for outdoor recreation. Thank you.
Ramble Revitalized! Join us for Fun & Entertainment:
Silent Auction
Spin to Win Gift Card Game
Wine Tasting with paired meat, cheese & fruit
Buffet Dinner & Fund-A-Need Program
Location: The Hub at Shattuck-St. Mary's School . 1000 Shumway Ave . Faribault, MN 55021
Enter for your chance to win a 7 night stay at the Vacation Villa in Kissimmee, Florida.
Purchase raffle tickets at the nature center during our open hours!
Thank you Ramble Sponsors!
Eagle Sponsors
Owl Sponsors
Dr. Richard & Nancie Huston
Dr. Karen Zeller
Heron Sponsors
Jim & Deb Purfeerst
Emily & Robert Nesvold
Marvin & Sara Schrader
River Bend Nature Center . Established 1978
Celebrating Over 45 Years
1974 In the fall, Orwin A. Rustad shares his dream of a nature center with Kay Janky.
1975 The Horizons Subcommittee moved to recommend "development of a nature center...as an everlasting monument to the Bicentennial."
The Faribault City Council passed resolution 75-137 asking the State Legislature to deed unused lands of the Faribault State Hospital to the City of Faribault for development of a "nature and agricultural interpretive center."
1977 Governor Perpich signed a bill authorizing 536 acres to be leased to the City of Faribault for a "nature interpretive center."
1978 Faribault Area Nature Interpretive Center, Inc. is officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization.
First trails are staked by Orwin Rustad, Steve Griesert, and Bob Yochum.
1979 Name changed to River Bend Nature Center. To the right, is the first map drawn and issued in the first newsletter in the summer.
1980 Entrance sign completed by Ivan Whillock and installed in September shortly followed by the Grand Opening and Dedication of River Bend Nature Center.
1984 A $200,000 building grant was approved by the Minnesota State Legislature contingent upon a match.
The floating bridge and south-side trails were completed.
Students visit River Bend and learn how maple syrup is made. Many volunteers help make these programs possible.
1987 Received a $28,359 grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Initiative Fund to hire an additional naturalist and expand programming to surrounding communities.
1988 Ron Osterbauer, Tim Cook, and Mark Oestreich discovered new colonies of Minnesota dwarf trout lilies on 5.7 acres of private property subsequently purchased by The Nature Conservancy for lease to RBNC .
1991 First day of business in the new interpretive center began December 2nd.
1995 Replaced the "Enchanted Trails" with the "Enchanted Forest" as River Bend's annual Halloween event, held in cooperation with Faribault Early Childhood Family Education.
2003 Big Woods Amphitheater designed and constructed by John Blackmer and volunteers. Funded by a grant from the Schmidt Foundation. Later Dedicated in memory of Kay Janky.
2005 Kids in the Wild Outdoor Play Area constructed. Funded by the State Bank of Faribault and Mike/Kathy Sandberg.
Trout Lily trail re-routed at river overlook to deal with erosion issues. Funded by the Schmidt Foundation.
After school science club begun with Lincoln Elementary. Funded by Dave and Missy Donkers.
2006 Honor Point developed along Oak Trail. Funded by the Schmidt Foundation and the Carlander family.
2010 There was serious flooding in September after 2 days of 6+ inches of rain on 9/22 and 9/23. Water was over the top of the railing of the bridge by the Sandstone.
2013 Garrett Genereux headed the new programming initiative called the Outdoor Adventures Program which promotes recreational activities as a way to connect people with the outdoors. Initial program offerings included slacklining, archery, rock climbing, camping, and fly fishing.
2018 Intern Program came to an end, restructured staff to four full-time naturalists, a full-time operations manager and executive director
2019 Programs expanded, began vising senior living centers and group homes for presentations and crafts. During their visits to River Bend, gave golf cart tours and pond dipping programs.
2020 Programs and services interrupted by the covid pandemic. Staff modified programs, traveled to schools and incorporated online programs.
2021 In the fall, began new programs, Little Sprouts and High School Biology Internship program with Faribault High School.
2021 New front entrance sign installed. Original sign to be part of historical display inside interpretive center.
2023 July 25, 2023, River Bend Nature Center celebrates 45 amazing years.
