Visitors can learn about the landscapes and ecosystems of Sibley State Park and the continuing impact of climate change through newly installed and now open interactive exhibits at the park's visitor center.
The new offerings are family friendly and educational, featuring wood crafted art pieces, storybook graphics and interactive tools. They include: a glacier exhibit with an accompanying dance; a wheel users can turn, signifying time and climate with audible markers; a wooden salamander representing the park’s habitat; and storybook cutouts featuring the park’s plants and animals.
Local area experts were included on the project team to make sure the best data and information was used to develop the exhibit content.
“These new exhibits focus on Sibley’s specific landscape features and the ecosystems they support,” DNR Parks and Trails Exhibits Specialist Megan Johnsen said. “For example, we featured the blue-spotted salamander, which lives in habitats created by glacial geology.”
The Sibley visitor center is open year-round. Entry to the park with a vehicle requires a Minnesota state parks vehicle permit, which can be purchased online or at any staffed and open Minnesota state park ranger station. Participating public libraries throughout Minnesota also offer free seven-day park passes; check your local library for more information.
Visitor center hours are dependent on staff availability, but the center is generally open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Guests can call 320-347-7810 to check before visiting. Stay up to date on happenings at Sibley and other state parks at the DNR’s state parks page.