The City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota has announced that all city facilities will be taking a day off this Presidents Day, but nature lovers have no cause for concern; the great outdoors waits for no one. The Westwood Hills Nature Center is following suit with its building doors shut tight on Monday, but before you start mourning your lost plans to commune with the indoor exhibits, hear this—according to the City of St. Louis Park social media post, the surrounding park isn't skipping a beat.

Indeed, it's business as usual for the "park, bathrooms, and parking lot," said the City of St. Louis Park, making clear that these facilities will be "open from sunrise to sunset". So while you might not be able to enjoy the educational offerings inside, the walking trails, wildlife watching, and general respite from urban life are not off the table. This might be that perfect opportune moment to remind ourselves that, although the indoor conveniences are closed, the world outside continues to turn, indifferent to the commemorative pauses of humankind.

Sure, the official buildings and bureaucratic hubs will be taking a breather in honor of past commanders-in-chief, but on the flip side, this means there's ample opportunity to explore and take advantage of the city's natural amenities. The Westwood Hills Nature Center, usually a bustling place full of interactive learning and connection to the environment, offers a much different, but equally valuable experience, with its paths and open spaces providing a canvas for tranquil escape or active exploration.

So, whether you’re inclined to take a stroll, go for a brisk jog, or simply sit by the lake and reflect, you won't be thwarted by locked gates or inaccessible restrooms. In the spirit of Presidents Day, perhaps it's fitting to embrace a slice of nature, a kind of living monument to the landscape that has underpinned the history and growth of this nation and continues to shape our collective experience within it.