flowers in front of the learning landscape

Learning Landscape

Observe, explore, and immerse yourself in nature in the Bell’s front yard!

Did you know that the Bell Museum has an outdoor nature gallery? Join us right outside the front doors of the museum to explore the Learning Landscape, five acres filled with wildflowers, native trees, a pond, and more!

From native plantings to engaging artworks, science learning continues outside of the Bell Museum. Our Learning Landscape provides even more opportunities to learn about Minnesota’s biodiversity. Check out the links below to learn about activities and landscape features!

You are always welcome to visit the Learning Landscape during daylight hours. Museum admission is not required to visit the Learning Landscape.

  • What will you see?

    Observation Station

    During Observation Station hours on the Learning Landscape, a museum guide can assist you in using tools to discover all that nature has to offer. What are you interested in exploring? Spot birds with binoculars, catch bugs in the pond, or choose your own adventure! 

    Drop in any time from 10 am to noon to join in the fun. The accessible sidewalks around the Learning Landscape are flat and paved.

  • What do you notice?

    Take a Picture for Science

    Help University of Minnesota scientists study urban watersheds by taking a picture of the Bell Museum’s pond! Find the photo station in the Learning Landscape and follow the instructions there to take and upload your photo. Researchers will use your picture to investigate changes in the pond over time. Check out the photo collection to see what has been happening on the pond, and in other locations around the world!

  • Explore the Learning Landscape

    Pond Exploration

    Become a pond scientist for the summer! Identify plants and animals, investigate water quality, and explore the pond ecosystem. Find this summertime cart activity in Horizon Hall or on the Learning Landscape!

  • Join us on a guided walk

    Guided Walks

    Monthly guided walks allow you to explore new topics with exciting experts on easy terrain! These programs are free, but registration is required:

    Or try one of our guided birding walks with the Minnesota Ornithology Union, followed by drop in open birding on the Learning Landscape, held monthly on the third Saturday, May-October.

    Learning Landscape walks will remain on the flat, paved sidewalk just outside of the museum. Walks are capped at 20 participants, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Check for upcoming events

  • Pollinator Skyrise

    Learn about nesting bees in this public art and science project created by researcher Colleen Satyshur and artist Christine Baumler, both of the University of Minnesota, with artists Amanda Lovelee and Julie Benda. The piece provides shelter for stem bees and promotes awareness of bee habitat loss. The sculpture provides homes for mason, yellow-faced, and leafcutter bees and contributes to research at the University of Minnesota’s Bee Lab.

  • Sustainability features

    The Bell Museum was built with sustainability in mind. Read about our building materials, stormwater management, and more when you visit the Learning Landscape.

There is so much to explore on our Learning Landscape!

queen anne's lace with an insect in the bell learning landscape

Native plants
Enjoy native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees adapted to life in Minnesota habitats. They conserve water, protect soils, and provide habitat for birds, pollinators, and small mammals.

kids play at the boulders

Geology exploration area
Large boulders representing Minnesota’s major rock types (basalt, limestone, sandstone, gneiss, etc.) encourage visitors to get to know the state’s geologic history.

a kid watches birds at feeders through the window

Bird feeding stations
Observe birds at our bird feeding stations, generously donated by our friends at the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union—how many different species can you spot? Do you see any of these same birds in your neighborhood?

 

weather station outside the bell

Weather stations
Can you find the Bell Museum’s weather station? Scientists use data from this station to study how changes in weather and climate influence pond ecology. You can see live updates from the weather station here!

Pond on Learning Landscape.

Pond
Rainwater collected from the museum’s roof—supplemented with well water—supports a community of plants, insects, amphibians, and other aquatic life.

kids play at the sundial

Solar station
A sundial surrounded by a circle of engraved paving lets visitors observe the time of day, the time of year, and the four cardinal directions.