With record-setting high temperatures expected to continue into February for the Twin Cities, Dodge Nature Center has canceled its upcoming Winter Fun Fest.

The event had been scheduled for Feb. 17 at the nature center’s main property in West St. Paul.

“Our decision to cancel this event is due to unseasonably warm weather and a forecast with little precipitation and barely freezing temperatures,” the nonprofit announced this week. “At Dodge, we prioritize safety. Winter Fun Fest activities are snow- and ice-based — we won’t be able to hold this event safely or authentically for the thousands of visitors that come out every year.

“We’re making this decision early to allow time to coordinate with vendors and our partners at South Robert Street Business Association and the City of West St. Paul.”

The public can still visit the nature center’s four locations, where the trails are free to use from sunrise to sunset every day, all year. The main property, in West St. Paul, has its farm entrance at 1701 Charlton St., with its main office entrance at 365 Marie Ave. W.

“Even without a winter festival, there’s still plenty of fun to be had on a self-guided hike at Dodge,” the center said in its announcement. “Lots of local wildlife like deer, turkeys and eagles can be spotted on the grounds every day. Shake those seasonal blues on our trails!”

Also, if the forecast drastically changes, the nature center noted that it may offer pop-up events this season for snowshoeing, kicksledding and other winter activities as in years past (watch the nature center’s social media pages — including Facebook — and online calendars at Dodgenaturecenter.org).

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