Events
Stay Updated
Loons & Lakes Trivia
April 4, 2024 | 6-8pm
Red Pine Cookhouse
Join us at a NEW location at Red Pine Cookhouse in Emily! Hosted by the NLC and WAPOA. Bring in lead tackle for our drop-off box for extra bonus points.
Loons & Lakes Trivia
April 25, 2024 | 6-8pm
14 Lakes Brewery
Welcome back spring and the return of the loons with trivia in Crosslake! Hosted by the NLC and WAPOA. Crosslake. Bring in lead tackle for our drop-off box for extra bonus points.
Crosslake Senior Days Presentations
April 26, 2024 | 1:15-1:45pm
Crosslake Lutheran Church
The Crosslake Senior Days weekend is kicking off with four engaging Senior Presentations! Hear from the NLC's Executive Director about how the loon has captivated the hearts and minds of Minnesotans.
Arbor Day Celebration
May 4, 2024 | 11am-1pm
Northland Arboretum
We'll be joining the celebration and free outdoor community event at the Northland Arboretum! Find the National Loon Center's booth at the event.
Governor's Fishing Opener
May 10, 2024
Lake City
Stay tuned for more information at about the fishing opener! The NLC will be present along with partnering loon organizations.
Loons & Lakes Trivia
May 23, 2024 | 6-8pm
14 Lakes Brewery
Welcome back spring and the return of the loons with trivia in Crosslake! Hosted by the NLC and WAPOA. Crosslake. Bring in lead tackle for our drop-off box for extra bonus points.
Lakes Area News
June 14, 2024 | 9-11:30am
Crosslake Community Center
Learn more about community happenings from the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation and hear updates from a variety of agencies including the National Loon Center.
Aitkin County River & Lakes Fair
June 15, 2024
Long Lake Conservation Center
Stay tuned for more information about the 2024 River & Lakes Fair!
Loons & Lakes Trivia
June 19, 2024 | 6-8pm
14 Lakes Brewery
Join us for another fun night of trivia in Crosslake! Hosted by the NLC and WAPOA. Crosslake. Bring in lead tackle for our drop-off box for extra bonus points.
Loons & Lakes Festival
June 20-22, 2024
Crosslake
The first annual Loons & Lakes Festival is coming to Crosslake! The National Loon Center and MN DNR are planning a fun weekend celebrating Minnesota as the Land of 10,000 Lakes and 12,000 Loons. Check back for more information!
Lakes Area Sustainability Fest
June 26. 2024 | 1-7pm
Northland Arboretum
Join this community centered event focused on sustainability in the Central Minnesota region featuring vendors and family activities.
The National Loon Center's Progress
2023
The National Loon Center announces an enhancement to the original site plan that placed the building on federal lands managed by the USACE. While maintaining programming and amenities at the Cross Lake Recreation Area, the NLC acquired nearby private lands to build the world-class facility and develop a sustainable natural campus with parking on-site. The nearby site spans nearly 10 acres between CSAH 3 Swann Drive and CSAH business trip. The Minnesota legislature allocates $2.5 million to the City of Crosslake to support the Center's construction as part of the bonding bill.
2022
In collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Loon Center, completed a shoreline restoration project near the boat landing at the Cross Lake Recreation Area. A floating dock system was also installed at the bay to prevent further erosion of the shoreline, with dedicated mooring stations for visitors of the campground and public use. An outdoor exhibit on loon calls was installed near the recreation area entrance.
2021
Archeological reviews and site planning at the Crosslake Recreation Area were completed and outdoor site enhancement began. In June of 2021, the NLC opened a temporary information center, called The Nest, in Crosslake Town Square, engaging around 4,000 visitors in its first year.
2019
Minnesota lawmakers approved $4 million to build National Loon Center in Crosslake. National Loon Center finalized a 25 year land lease with US Army Corps of Engineers at the future site location of the facility: the Cross Lake Recreation Area.
2018
The National Loon Center Community Input and Master Plan are developed by the University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Building Research. The University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, Department of Applied Economics and the National Loon Center Foundation produce a Market Feasibility Study and Impact Assessment
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