Waterloo State Recreation Area: Learn About Nature at the Eddy Discovery Center

Michigan nature centersEddy Discovery CenterWaterloo State Recreation Area

Aug 29

Written By Marian Fink

Start Your Visit Off at Eddy Discovery Center in Chelsea, Michigan

What to Expect

Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo State Recreation Area

Easily spend half a day exploring the Eddy Discovery Center, conveniently located in the expansive Waterloo State Recreation Area near Chelsea, Michigan. It’s the perfect spot to hike the outdoor trails, learn at the indoor educational exhibits, plus participate in various nature programs available.

Address: 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea Michigan 48118

Seasonal Hours :
January 2- Memorial Day: 10- 4pm.

Memorial Day- Labor Day: 10-5pm

Closed: Nov 15- Dec 31

General Admission: Adults & Children Free with Michigan Recreation Passport

Approximate Time: 2 hours to explore and hike, bring a picnic lunch or stop at the Waterloo Recreation Area, Portage Lake Beach and playground.

Where to Start

A general rule of thumb any time you visit a new area is to stop at the nature center, explore inside and talk to the knowledgeable staff. When our family visited on a sunny day in August, while camping at Waterloo, a Michigan state naturalist greeted us and explained the layout of the trails and how to obtain a junior ranger badge. After checking out the nature center, we leisurely hiked the paths and enjoyed the children’s nature playscape.

3D Map of Waterloo State Recreation Area

TIP Check out the 3D map of the area and the monthly scheduled programs offered.

Learn Inside the Nature Center

Step inside the nature center, which is packed with wildlife displays and nature exhibits. You can discover different rocks in the geology room, see taxidermy animals, feel animal pelts while trying to identify animals by their various skull shapes and even watch antlions make tunnels in the sand.

In addition, the Eddy Discovery Center works with the state naturalist and offers a variety of ongoing weekly programming for a variety of ages so individuals can learn about the great outdoors, native plants, and wildlife - all the while fostering a lifelong curiosity. Topics such as bats, wildflowers, and themed trail hikes are offered.

Children’s Nature Playscape

Children's Nature Playscape

Mud Kitchen

Anytime there is a nature playscape, my children flock to it. A spiral set of wooden logs was a fun spot to leap and balance atop. Additionally there was a mud kitchen, wooden teepees, a wooden stage and various nature items of interest set up along the path to help foster creativity and imaginative play.

Explore the Trails

Towering trees create shade on the trails

Trilling calls of birds, chorusing frogs, and colorful flowers can be located along the 7 miles of looped trails, including part of the Waterloo Pinckney trail, which connect up and continues for 26 miles.

One highlight for kids is the nature play area, where your children can experience the joys of hiking in this beautiful natural space. A mix of woodchipped paths lead through the forested trail, while other trails lead to a marshy boardwalks surrounded by cat tails and grasses. See if you can try to spot the carnivorous pitcher plants.

Make sure when hiking with kids, you are prepared with the right hiking backpack, water bottles and basic supplies. Here is our list of recommended hiking items that make adventuring with children easier.

Carnivorous Pitcher Plant near the end of the boardwalk trail

Trail signs at Waterloo State Recreation Area

The trails are well marked with directional signs and maps. In addition, informative signs and plant identification plaques can be found throughout the trails to help visitors learn while exploring.

Mill Lake Observation Deck Platform and Overlook

Behind the Discovery Center is a wooden overlook platform and observation deck with views of the wooded forest and Mill Lake. Viewing scopes help you get a better look at the area’s wildlife and vegetation. We were pleasantly surprised to spot a white tailed deer quietly maneuvering through the trees from our perch above. A great spot to grab some pictures.

Mill Lake Observation Deck at Eddy Discovery Center

Track Chair is available for free so all individuals can access the trail system

Accessible Track Chair

Accessibility should be for all, Waterloo Recreation Area is striving to make that possible with a free track chair that can be used by anyone.

Other Areas of Interest in Waterloo Recreation Area

Head over for a fun Michigan day trip at Waterloo State Recreation Area, swim at Portage Lake Beach and play on the play structure, stop at the Eddy Discovery Center and hike trails, then view the sand hill cranes at the bird sanctuary to finish of your adventure.

Sand Hill Cranes Viewing

Situated at the western edge of the Waterloo Recreation Area, is a unique spot for viewing Sandhill Cranes during fall migration. During October and November, head to the largest bird sanctuary in Michigan at the neighboring Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary to spot these majestic creatures.

Portage Lake Beach

While visiting Waterloo Recreation Area enjoy the sandy swimming beach, picnic area, boating dock, playground, volleyball net, restrooms and concessions.

Camping

Clocking in as the largest state park in lower Michigan, Waterloo Recreation Area is a popular place to camp in the area. There are multiple options for camping from RR & tent sites to group and cabin rentals, here is a guide to camping at Waterloo State Recreation Area.

Closing Thoughts

Hopefully if you’re Camping at Waterloo State Recreation Area this has inspired you visit Eddy Discovery Center. This area has numerous trails, a nature center packed with interactive wildlife displays and educational exhibits. It’s an ideal place for families to escape into the tranquility of nature while introducing your kids to the beauty and mysteries hidden in nature.

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