Minnesota Zoo Minnesota Mussels & Turtles Travel EdVenture

They’re tiny creatures with big jobs – and our state wouldn’t be the same without them!

With its 10,000+ lakes and miles of winding rivers, Minnesota is a veritable paradise for freshwater mussels and turtles.

Minnesota is home to 50 species of native freshwater mussels (half of which are endangered, threatened, or of special concern) and home to 9 freshwater turtles (2 of which are state listed as threatened). These small and colorful creatures live in our waterways helping to cleanse them of excess nutrients and keep them healthy for many other wildlife species.

Join Minnesota Zoo staff for a journey into the story of freshwater mussels and turtles. Tour conservation facilities, hear the stories from professionals, search for mussels in the wild, and help scientists on a special project at the Miesville Ravine Park Reserve.

Your EdVenture includes:
• Presentations from the Minnesota Zoo’s freshwater mussel and turtle conservation staff
• Breakfast refreshments and lunch
• Touring the mussel and turtle facilities at the Minnesota Zoo
• Looking for mussels in the Cannon River
• Helping science by searching for wood turtles in the wild
• Hiking the Miesville Ravine Park Reserve
• Note: Transportation to and from Cannon Falls is NOT provided.
--- If transportation is an issue or concern, email [email protected] to discuss options.