Urpola Nature Centre in Mikkeli

Located only a few kilometers from the center of Mikkeli, Urpola Nature Center is located in the oldest residential building in Mikkeli, dating all the way back to 1782. Every summer the nature center displays new temporary exhibition, with the theme of 2025 being Antarctica. Aside from the changing exhibition, the nature center also has on permanent display an interactive nature wall that offers information about the birth of Lake Saimaa. This nature wall also includes a test-your-reaction game about the Ice Age and an interactive mural by Terhi Kastehelmi. Urpola nature center is also a Saimaa Geopark natural and cultural site and a Saimaa Geopark visitor center.

Connected to the Urpola nature center is the 1.3 km long Urpola nature trail that offers a fun day out for the whole family. This trail follows the Urpola river and has signposts along the way to tell you about the conservation of the area and its flora and fauna. Lucky hikers even have a chance of spotting one of the local Urpola otters!

There are two campfire sites along the trail that are free to use all year aside from times of active wildfire warning in the area. Firewood and other amenities such as pots and pans are available free of charge from the nature center during opening hours. Due to the terrain, this trail is not suitable for bicycles, carriages and walkers.

During summer Urpola nature center offers free rental of kayaks, rowing boats and sup boards to be used on the Urpola lake. Equipment such as life-vests and paddles are also available.

Urpola nature center is open to public from June to August and for groups by special arrangement also in May and September. The nature trail is accessible all year round. There's free entrance to the nature center during all regular opening hours.