Preserve Hours

Parking, Trails, Boat Launch, and Visitor Center is FREE.

Parking Lots and Restrooms – Opened every day of the week, including holidays, from 9am to 5pm. Because of staff and volunteer shortages, hours may vary slightly. 

Please keep in mind that the bridges going over Willow Slough can become very slippery when wet or icy. Please walk slowly and with caution.

Visitor Center Hours

Monday – Friday: 9 – 3 PM

Saturday – Sunday: Times vary (staffed by volunteers) 

The Visitor Center is the focal point for the majority of public access and education at the Preserve. It features a 400 square foot deck with permanent interpretive exhibits displayed both inside and outside the building. The Visitor Center deck and outdoor exhibits are open to the public even when the indoor exhibit room is closed

Directions and Area Map

All visitors and volunteers, please be advised of road closures in the area. The directions below will provide you with access to the Preserve. Please be aware that a portion of Franklin Blvd. is closed north of the Visitor Center. The Preserve will remain open during these closures.

Access from Interstate 5 from Twin Cities Rd. 

  1. Exit at Twin Cities Rd. and go East (heading towards Galt)
  2. Follow Twin Cities Rd. for 3 miles (go over the railroad tracks)
  3. Turn right at Bruceville Rd. and follow it for 1 mile to Desmond Rd.
  4. Turn right on to Desmond Rd. and follow it for 1 mile (back over the railroad tracks)
  5. Turn left on Franklin Blvd.
  6. The Visitor Center will be on the left in roughly 1 mile

Access from Interstate 5 from Thornton Rd.

  1. Exit 493.
  2. Go East on Walnut Grove Rd.
  3. Turn left onto Thornton Rd. Follow this road for 3 miles and the Visitor Center will be on the right-hand side.

Access from Highway 99 – Twin Cities Rd. will be closed beginning on Monday, June 2, 2025. This road will reopen in late summer. 

    1. From 99 take the Twin Cities exit and go West to Christensen Rd
    2. Turn left on Christensen to New Hope Rd (3 miles)
    3. Turn right on New Hope Rd for about 5 miles to Thorton Rd.
    4. Turn right on Thorton Rd (Name will change to Franklin somewhere along the way) for 3 miles to the Visitor Center.