The VINS Nature Center is open daily from 10am – 5pm.
All outdoor exhibits are open: Raptors, Songbird Aviary, Adventure Playscape, Nature Trails, and the amazing Forest Canopy Walk. Our indoor exhibits are open: Birds Are Dinosaurs, Forest Exhibit, and Reptile Room.
"My daughter and I enjoyed our visit yesterday very much. You continue to do outstanding work to preserve the natural world and educate people about your mission. I was very inspired by all that I saw and experienced. I wanted to share a photo of the volunteer that inspired me with her kindness, wealth of knowledge, and expertise in the care and handling of the amazing birds currently on site."
VINS Nature Center Visitor
"A must-visit! Perfect for social distancing - very safe and still so much to explore! The bald eagles were the highlight...and
the birds-are-dinosaurs exhibit is extremely well done, and the canopy walk is gorgeous (and easy even with little children)."
VINS Nature Center Visitor
"Fun place to go to and take your kids, close encounters with some of the most iconic birds - bald and golden eagles, snow owls etc., canopy trail is really cool."
VINS Nature Center Visitor
"Wonderful place for a day trip! Educational and amazing! Great staff that are helpful and very knowledgeable."
VINS Nature Center Visitor
"Awesome place to visit! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the birds are beautiful. The new treetop walk offers spectacular views of the surrounding pond, and the tall tower is a little scary! Come prepared to wear a mask and follow the safety guidelines set by the institute. Staff is very dedicated to making your visit a safe one!"
AUGUST 1 – OCTOBER 31 – For this collection, Lynn painted at the VINS Nature Center every month, showing the campus and trails as they change with the seasons. It is an invitation to people to explore or a memory to take home and cherish. This collection – Seasons at VINS – forms the major part of her exhibition, and is located in the Neale Pavilion.
OCTOBER 6 – Designed for the beginner to intermediate level photographer, Photojournalist Rob Strong will be on hand to review camera functions and settings and assist participants in applying techniques to get the most out of their camera, maximizing results and improving wildlife photography skills.
OCTOBER 26 – Join us for a full day of Halloween fun. A campus decorated with jack-o-lanterns and activities all day will be sure to delight guests of all ages. Costumes encouraged!