Visit the Kalamazoo Nature Center

Come visit the Kalamazoo Nature Center to check out the nature’s playscape, animal & bird exhibits, and various hiking trails that will keep your family exploring and learning for hours. The Kalamazoo Nature Center has a large array of hikes with varying degrees of difficulty, including over 14 miles of trails along the Kalamazoo River.

An entrance fee can be paid at the booth by the main entrance. $7 adults, $4 children. Follow the winding road to the parking lot, then cross over the walkway bridge to the visitor’s center.

VISITOR CENTER

Upper Level: Inside the center is a towering tree with a handicap accessible spiral walkway that curves around leading to the lower level.  Vines and vegetation cascade down the tree and at the base is a small pond that is the home to several turtles.   On the main floor is the front desk, restrooms, and gift shop, where you can purchase various nature related merchandise.

The main level also has a small toddler size indoor play area and tables with puzzles and interactive materials.  Currently on display are nature inspired art, sculptures, paintings, and stoneware.

Lower Level: There are hands on interactive displays, along with a number of live snacks, turtles and reptiles. There are also restrooms on the lower level. Exiting through the doors you will find the birds of prey exhibits and the trailheads to several hikes. Check out the birds of prey; including a screech owl, vulture, and red tail hawks.

Nature’s Playscape Children will be delighted as they explore the natural elements and play amongst the creek, sand, teepees, faucets, and logs.

Hiking Trails All of the trails are clearly marked, making it is a wonderful opportunity for children to practice reading maps. An extensive trail system, over 16 miles, is on the nature center grounds. Our favorite hike for children includes: Beech Maple Trail to Raptors Ridge Trail.

If you start at the visitors center lower level, cross under the bridge walkway. Here it will connect to the (6)Beech Maple Trail. Halfway down this trail you will connect with the (2) Raptor Ridge Trail Loop which has some of the highest overlooks in Kalamazoo and several steeper climbs. Along the way you will encounter a creek, bridge and two beautiful overlooks. There are two steeper climbs but my 3 year old managed independently. At Bluebird Trail, there is granite rock quarry where children will love to explore the various rocks.

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