Hike, Explore and Learn at the Sarett Nature Center
Start Your Trip Off at Sarett Nature Center
What to Expect
Bridge to Overlook
Easily spend half a day exploring the Sarett Nature Center, with a convenient location near Silver Beach in St. Joseph, it’s a fun stop while visiting the area.
Make sure one of the first stops when you arrive is to the large interpretive nature center which has interactive animal and nature exhibits, educational information, maps, live reptiles, birds and critters.
Outside you can enjoy playing on the nature playscapes, explores miles of trails and even view magnificent creatures in the butterfly house.
Seasonal Hours : Wednesday-Saturday, 12-3pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Educational exhibits
General Admission: Children Free, $2.00 Adults
Tip: Check the schedule for monthly programming offered by the state naturalists and volunteers.
See Animals at the Indoor Nature Center
A rule of thumb any time you visit is to start at the nature center and talk to the knowledgeable staff. When our family first visited Sarett Nature Center on a sunny day at the end of June, we dropped in to explore the visitor’s center and hike the trails..
Indoor turtle exhibit at Sarett Nature Center
It’s an ideal place to enjoy the tranquility of nature and escape into nature, away from the busy city pace. The state naturalists provide a wealth of information and unique expertise on weekly programming, events or trail closures.
Pick up maps and check out the weekly scheduled programs offered, including hikes, crafts and live animal talks.
Sarett Nature Center Interior
Play on the Nature Playscape and Spider Web
An outdoor play area will entertain your kids, especially younger children. Featuring hollow logs to climb through, tunnels, slides, a low bouldering rock wall, a giant rope spiderweb, a wooden stage and a nature sound machine; your children are bound to have their imaginations soar in this outdoor nature space.
Hollow log at Playscape
In addition there is a fun obstacle course that is adjacent to the outdoor play area. Challenge your balance and see how far you can go while precariously stepping from log to log and across obstacles. Even parents will have a blast joining in the fun.
Butterfly House
Adjacent to the nature center, is the butterfly house. Inside the netted structure you will discover a gravel path that leads through the house, fragrant flowers and a pond with fish. There is also a chrysalis station where you can observe butterflies in the differing stages of the life cycle!
Butterflies abound
Check in at the front desk at the Nature Center to buy tickets, where a staff member will guide you through the exhibit. The butterfly season starts near the end of May and runs through September.
TIP Visit on sunny days when the butterflies are most active. Where bright clothing which attracts butterflies.
There is an additional fee to tour the Butterfly House.
Non-member Adult (includes admission to the Nature Center): $11
Non-member Child (Under 13): $5
Step inside the building, where you can find live animals, rock displays, taxidermy animal, wildlife and nature information.
Scenic Overlook
In addition the nature center offers summer camps for a range of ages to learn about the great outdoors, plants and animals by fostering a lifelong curiosity. A wealth of fun and education activities include trail hikes, nature crafts, stories, and live animal encounters.
Trails
Boardwalk Trails
With 5 miles of trails, you can easily put in the miles exploring this beautiful natural area. Featuring marshy areas with boardwalk trails, expansive scenic overlooks of the area, and even a kid’s obstacle course. It’s a wonderful way to escape while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully this has inspired you visit Sarett Nature Center and check out the programs and trails they offer. Make sure to stop in and experience the beauty of one of the most scenic spots in Benton Harbor, Michigan this year.
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Sarett Nature Center Boardwalk Path
