Immerse yourself in Nature at the Outdoor Discovery Center in Holland, Michigan
Outdoor Discovery Center in Holland Michigan
What a gem! During a recent family trip to Holland, Michigan we stopped at the Outdoor Discovery Center. It’s hard to believe that admission is FREE into this nature preserve. There is so much to explore, learn and play. First you will find a visitor’s center with fun & educational exhibits on Michigan native animals. See up close rescued hawks, owls, and eagles at the DeWitt’s Birds of Prey Center. Play for hours at the nature playscape areas which include ziplines, spiderwebs, and swings for kids. Plus there are over three miles of sensory trails that have nature inspired art sculptures.
Check out this video reel on Instagram to get an idea of all the activities and exhibits offered at the Outdoor Discovery Center. Follow us for more Michigan Day trips and camping content.
The Visitor Center
First head to the visitor’s center to pay and grab a map. Inside you’ll find large displays of taxidermy animals including bears, foxes, and mountain lions. Interactive sensory exhibits help you learn about identifying various animal fur pelts. Live animals exhibits include snakes, turtles and birds. Definitely head here first because it closes at 3:00pm while the trails remain open from dawn till dusk.
Trails at the Outdoor Discovery Center
Over three miles of trails traverse the Discovery Center. There are sensory trails with nature inspired sculptures along the way. Tons of educational trail markers are placed throughout the center providing information on wildlife.
DeWitt’s Birds of Prey Exhibit
Check out the live exhibits with rescued and rehabbed hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls. Its about a mile walk on the marked trail, there is a second parking lot if you’re unable to walk the distance.
There is also a small pond that is stocked with fish so that you can try out fishing.
Nature Playscapes
Several outdoor nature playscape areas were thoughtfully built amongst the landscape. Zip lines, a saucer style swing, slides, and climbing structures will entertain your children for hours. If you’re meeting up with a group there is large covered pavilion with tons of outdoor seating and picnic tables. An ideal spot for eating lunch or having a snack. Next to the pavilion is a large shaded sandbox area which contains numerous sand toys. A tunnel is built into the ground and log stepping stones and a bridge create a play area for the kids.
Upon exiting, if your timing is right, there was even an ice cream truck which was the perfect ending on our adventure. We recommend the dole whip pineapple & raspberry mixed! Delicious.
Closing Thoughts
We guarantee you’ll love your time at the Outdoor Discovery Center. Don’t forget to Save and Pin for your next trip to Holland, Michigan and follow Discovering Anew for more Michigan camping and travel content.
Looking for more ideas of kid-friendly activities, parks and nearby restaurants in Holland, Michigan. Here is a guide to the Top Things to Do in Holland, Michigan.
Visit Lake Michigan as you run through a tunnel at Tunnel Park in Holland, MI. With a playground, sand dune, stair climb overlook, sand volleyball courts and a swimming beach, there is something for the whole family.