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CROSSLAKE 鈥� After years of planning and work, the National Loon Center is taking its next major step forward in opening its standalone campus.

The NLC will host a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its new Crosslake facility at 3 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the corner of Swann Drive and Pioneer Drive that will be followed by a public reception.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a long time coming, and this is going to be a tremendous boon to the community. We鈥檝e really thoughtfully built it into this environment so that it fits with the other structures that are in the area. I think it's not only going to be a great economic addition, but it鈥檚 going to feel like it belongs,鈥� National Loon Center Executive Director Jon Mobeck said at a June 5 Explore Crosslake chamber meeting.

The small footprint of the three-level, 15,000 square-foot campus was designed to limit the impact on the surrounding environment, and much of the property to the south of the facility will remain woodland.

Tom Fraki / Echo Journal

Mobeck said that for people living in, visiting or recreating in the Crosslake area, the center will provide year-round interactive exhibits demonstrating the importance of loons and protecting natural resources.

The Nation Loon Center campus is expected to open in fall 2026.

While funding has been secured for the construction of its $18.5 million facility, the NLC is still working to raise funds this summer to support its planned rotation of exhibits.

Individuals and organizations can purchase exhibit sponsorships starting at $5,000; however, more affordable $250 and $500 personalized 4x8- and 8x8-inch pavers are also available to purchase through June 20.

To learn more about donating, visit or call 218-692-LOON (5666).

The second annual Minnesota Loons & Lakes Festival, organized by the National Loon Center, will be held Friday-Saturday, June 20-21, celebrating Minnesota鈥檚 loons and lakes with a weekend of events over two themed days.

All events are free for the public. Paddling sessions, pontoon tours and lakeshore cleanup require prior registration.

Lake Day, Friday, June 20:

• Sunrise loon paddles: 7-9 a.m. on Cross Lake and Duck Lake. Join a guided loon-watching paddle on your kayak or canoe.
• Loon Pontoon tours: 8, 9, 10 and 11 a.m. at Cross Lake Recreation Area. Come aboard the Loon Pontoon for a guided tour of Cross Lake.
• Pine River paddle: 10 a.m.-noon departing from the Pine River rock dam. Join Crow Wing Paddlers for a scenic, beginner-friendly paddle.
• Lakeshore cleanup: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Whitefish Chain boat ramps and the Pine River. Help keep local waters clean at the Big Trout, Lower Hay, Cross Lake and Pine River access points.
• Solstice Loon Pontoon tour: 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Cross Lake Recreation Area. Enjoy an evening with the loons on the longest day of the year.
• Sunset paddle: 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Cross Lake. Celebrate the summer solstice during a guided evening paddle on Cross Lake.

Loon Day, Saturday, June 21:

• Loon Pontoon tours: 8:30-10 a.m. and 10-11:30 a.m. at the Cross Lake Recreation Area.
• Loon Fair: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Crosslake Town Square. A social gathering of over 40 vendors and exhibitors in the name of conservation and celebration of natural resources.
• Tremolo Talks: 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the gazebo in Crosslake Town Square. Grab a snack and listen to a series of entertaining speakers.
• Triath-loon: 5 p.m. at the Legacy Gardens at Crosslake Town Square. Compete with the loons in a series of triathlon-themed races
• Loon Jam: 6-8 p.m. at Crosslake Town Square with live music by The Winter Sloths.

For more information or to register for events, visit nationallooncenter.org/loons-lakes-festival .