List of nature centers in the United States facts for kids
Nature centers are amazing places where you can learn all about the natural world around you! They often have fun trails to explore, cool exhibits, and exciting programs. You can discover local plants, animals, and how different parts of nature work together. Think of them as outdoor classrooms where you get to connect with nature and learn why it's so important to protect our planet. Across the United States, many nature centers help people of all ages become nature explorers and conservation heroes!
Contents
Awesome Nature Centers Across the U.S.
District of Columbia
- Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium
This center is in Washington, D.C.. It's part of a huge park, over 1,750 acres! You can see exhibits about the park's forests, plants, and animals. They even have a planetarium to learn about space!
Hawaii
- Hawai'i Nature Center
Located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, this center offers fun programs in places like Makiki Valley and Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a State Park. They also have programs on Maui, in ’Iao Valley and at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge. Check out their website for more info!
- Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
You can find this center in Kihei on Maui. Its education center has exhibits all about humpback whales and other amazing marine life. It's a great spot to learn about these gentle giants and their ocean home.
Idaho
- Boise WaterShed
Located in Boise, this center is at the West Boise Wastewater Treatment Facility. It has hands-on exhibits about water quality and watersheds. It's a partnership between the City of Boise and Boise WaterShed Exhibits, Inc. Learn more on their website.
- Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center
Also in Boise, this center is run by the City. It teaches you about the Boise foothills and the surrounding high-desert environment. It's a great place to understand local ecosystems.
- MK Nature Center
This 4-acre center in Boise is also known as the Morrison Knudsen Nature Center. It's operated by the State and has a website where you can find out more.
This huge 580-acre center in Boise is the headquarters for The Peregrine Fund. The Velma Morrison Interpretive Center has live raptors, interactive displays, and cool shows. You can even see live demonstrations of these incredible birds!
Louisiana
- Acadiana Park Nature Station
Located in Lafayette, this 110-acre center is run by the City. You can visit their website to learn more about their programs.
- Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
This 86-acre center in New Orleans is operated by the Audubon Nature Institute. Check out their website for details.
Near Monroe, this refuge is 4,200 acres! It includes a 40-acre Black Bayou Lake Environmental Education Center and a nearby arboretum.
In Baton Rouge, this 103-acre center is run by the City. It features exhibits about local plants, animals, and minerals. They even have a collection of old waterfowl decoy carvings!
- Northlake Nature Center
This 400-acre center is in Mandeville. You can visit their website to see what they offer.
Montana
- Montana Natural History Center
Located in Missoula, this center helps you learn about Montana's natural history. Visit their website for more information.
This center is in Whitefish and works with the Flathead National Forest. It's a great place to learn about the mountain environment.
- Montana Audubon Center
You can find this center in Billings. It's a fantastic place to learn about birds and their habitats. Check out their website.
- Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Red Lodge, this sanctuary used to be called the Beartooth Nature Center. It's home to rehabilitated animals like wolves, mountain lions, black bears, bison, elk, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, eagles, hawks, and owls.
Nevada
- Animal Ark (Nevada)
This 38-acre wildlife sanctuary and nature education center is near Reno. It features native North American predators. Visit their website to learn more.
In Las Vegas, this huge 2,900-acre park is run by the County. It's a wonderful place to explore wetlands and see local wildlife.
- Oxbow Nature Study Area
Also near Reno, this area is operated by the Nevada Department of Wildlife along the Truckee River. You can find more details on their website.
Near Las Vegas, this area covers over 195,000 acres of the Mojave Desert. Its visitor center has exhibits, guided hikes, and nature programs.
- Verdi Community Library and Nature Center
Located in Verdi, this 8-acre center is a partnership between several groups. It combines a library with a nature center for learning and exploration.
New Mexico
- Los Alamos Nature Center
In Los Alamos, this center teaches about the natural history of the Pajarito Plateau and northern New Mexico. It includes the Pajarito Environmental Education Center. Visit their website.
- Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
This 135-acre center in Santa Fe is run by the National Audubon Society. It's a great place to learn about birds and conservation. Check out their website.
Located in Albuquerque, this 38-acre state park is a wonderful spot to explore the Rio Grande ecosystem.
- Riverside Nature Center
In Farmington, this center is operated by the City. You can find more information on their website.
- Southwest Environmental Center
This center in Las Cruces is a grassroots conservation group. It features an aquarium, information displays, a library, and nature programs. Visit their website.
North Dakota
Located in Wahpeton, this 18-acre zoo includes the Rodger Ehnstrom Nature Center. It helps visitors understand and respect wildlife.
Near Bottineau, this 1,551-acre park includes the Turtle Mountain Outdoor Learning Center. It offers programs on ecology, conservation, and outdoor recreation.
This 1,674-acre preserve offers visitor center exhibits, public workshops, guided nature hikes, and bird-watching walks. They also have summer youth programs and conservation activities.
This park covers 110 square miles in three sections. Its visitor centers have natural history exhibits and programs in McKenzie and Billings County.
In Arvilla, this 784-acre park includes an Outdoor Learning Center. It's a great place to learn about the local environment.
West Virginia
Near Davis, this 2,358-acre park has a nature center that is open seasonally. It's known for its beautiful waterfalls.
Located near Elkins, this center is part of the Monongahela National Forest. It's open seasonally and has a visitor center in the Cranberry Glades area.
In Ansted, this 370-acre park features the River Nature Center. It also has an aerial tram and a golf course!
Near Pipestem, this huge 4,050-acre park has a nature center that is open year-round. It also includes the 1900s-period Harris Homestead with a house, barn, and meathouse.
Located in Wheeling, this center is operated by the Oglebay Institute. It offers many educational programs about the environment.
In Pineville, this 3,776-acre park has a nature center that is open year-round. It's a great place to explore the outdoors.
Wyoming
Located in Dubois, this museum focuses on the biology and habitat of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. They even offer wildlife viewing tours!
See also
- List of botanical gardens and arboretums in the United States
- List of science museums in the United States
- List of natural history museums
- List of nature centers in Canada
- Nature center for nature centers in other countries
- List of zoos in the United States
- List of aquaria in the United States
- State wildlife trails (United States)
Resources
- Association of Nature Center Administrators
- North American Association for Environmental Education
