Explore VINS

Welcome to VINS

The VINS Nature Center is open daily from 10am – 5pm. The Forest Canopy Walk (excluding the Spider Web) and all Outdoor Exhibits are open. Our Indoor Exhibit – Birds Are Dinosaurs – is also open. Tickets must be purchased in advance. We ask that VINS Members reserve their free tickets online to comply with our safety guidelines.

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Safety is Our Priority

It is our priority to create a safe and comfortable environment for all our guests and staff. Face masks and social distancing are required, with no exceptions to this policy.

COVID SAFETY POLICY

Contact Us

802.359.5000
info@vinsweb.org

Nature Center Hours

VINS Nature Center
10am to 5pm Daily

Accepting Injured Birds
8am to 4pm Daily
802.359.5000 x212

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BECOME A MEMBER
VISITOR INFORMATION
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GROUP VISITS
SCHOOL PROGRAMS

VINS Virtual Resources

  • Virtual Visit

    Virtual Visit

    Get an up-close VINS
    experience – virtually!

  • Raptor Encounter

    Raptor Encounter

    Meet a Variety of
    Different Raptors

  • Stargazing

    Stargazing

    Learn About Constellations
    in the Night Sky

View Virtual Resources
Forest Canopy Walk

Forest Canopy Walk

TAKE A WALK

VISIT THE NATURE CENTER SAFELY

1-wear-masks

WEAR A MASK

Or Face Covering

2-social-distance

SOCIAL DISTANCE

6 Foot Minimum

3-go-home

FEELING SICK?

Come Back Another Day

VISIT TODAY

"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!"

VINS Nature Center Visitor

Earth Day Photo Contest

APRIL 1-23 – As the snow melts away and buds begin to burst, there are so many reasons to celebrate spring! Leading up to VINS’ celebration of Earth Day on April 24, we ask you to share with us your favorite sign of spring with a photo.

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Earth Day Fairy Celebration

APRIL 24 – Join VINS for a Forest Fairy Earth Day Celebration. Create your Forest Fairy at home and bring it to the VINS Nature Center on Saturday, April 24 for fairy fun!

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Ogden’s 40th Birthday

Ogden, the turkey vulture, is turning 40 years old!  Join us for a Facebook Live Q&A and an in-person Meet & Greet* at the VINS Nature Center with one of VINS’s oldest animal ambassadors. We are so excited to celebrate Og and this milestone achievement!  Before being transferred to VINS in 2002 from Rapid City,…

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Shop the Nature Store

Visit our online store for t-shirts, hats, books, bird guides, and more!

Curbside pickup is available:
MON - FRI, 10 AM - 4 PM

SHOP TODAY
Woodpecker
Clock
Tshirt

Nature Center

VINS offers quality environmental education experiences to all.

Environmental Education

We deliver specialized education and training programs to schools and communities.

School Programs

VINS School Programs are focused on science inquiry and place-based education. 

Wild Bird Rehab

Our highly-trained rehabilitators treat injured and orphaned birds from throughout New England.

Nature Camp

Each day of camp is an exciting journey, revealing the wonders of the natural world.

Support VINS

Your contribution enables us to offer outstanding educational experiences to all ages.