Events
Stay Updated
We're Hiring! Community Outreach Intern
Join the National Loon Center as a Community Outreach Intern for the summer of 2023. We're seeking an undergraduate student (currently enrolled or recently graduated) to assist with outreach and program support. See the position description below for more information and to apply.
Position DescriptionLoons & Lakes Trivia
March 16, 2023 | 6-8pm
The looniest night of trivia returns to 14 Lakes Brewing in Crosslake to kick off St. Patrick's Day weekend! Trivia is run by the NLC and WAPOA and sponsored by Watters Edge Realty. Bring in lead tackle to drop off for bonus points.
Crosslake St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 18, 2023 | 2pm
The Nest will be open from 10am-4pm for the parade weekend! Those with Lucky Lanyards receive 20% off everything with a loon on it. Watch the parade start at 2pm and keep a loon eye's on the parade for the NLC float!
Brainerd Lakes Home Show & Expo
March 24-25, 2023
Join the tradeshow highlighting more than 140 regional businesses at the Essentia Health Sports Center in Brainerd.
Visit the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce website for more information.
Annual Bluebird Expo
April 22, 2023 | 9am-4pm
The 2023 Bluebird Expo is moving north to Little Falls. Join us at the Little Falls High School to visit vendors and hear from 4-5 key speakers, including the National Loon Center and phenologist John Latimer.
Migratory Bird Day
May 13, 2023
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with the National Loon Center! Stay tuned for more details on fun activities planned. This year's conservation theme is water and its importance to bird life.
Aitkin County River & Lakes Fair
June 17, 2023 | 9am-2pm
Mark your calendars for the River & Lakes Fair hosted at Long Lake Conservation Center in Palisade. The NLC will be giving a presentation about loons and hosting an outreach table.
The National Loon Center's Progress
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
[instagram-feed]