List of nature centers in the United States

Nature centers in the United States are public institutions that combine the features of a museum and a park to offer educational and recreational resources focused on the natural environment. These centers often include interactive exhibits, walking trails, wildlife habitats, and educational programs designed to enhance public understanding and appreciation of nature. This article provides a list of notable nature centers across various states in the U.S.

List of Nature Centers

Alabama

• Birmingham Nature Center - Located in Birmingham, this center focuses on the flora and fauna of Alabama and offers educational programs for all ages.
• Mobile Bay Nature Center - Situated near Mobile, this center provides insights into the coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico.

Alaska

• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center - Offers a view into the wildlife of Alaska, including bears, wolves, and moose, with educational tours and programs.

Arizona

• Desert Botanical Garden - Located in Phoenix, this center is renowned for its extensive collection of arid-land plants from deserts around the world.

Arkansas

• Little Rock Nature Center - Features exhibits on the natural history of Arkansas, walking trails, and educational programs.

California

• Oakland Nature Center - Focuses on the ecosystems of Northern California and offers a variety of educational programs.
• San Diego Nature Center - Specializes in the biodiversity of Southern California and offers guided tours and educational workshops.

Colorado

• Denver Mountain Parks Nature Center - Provides information and educational programs about the mountainous regions of Colorado.

Connecticut

• Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel - Offers guided nature tours and educational programs throughout the state.

Delaware

• Delaware Nature Society - Operates several centers across the state, focusing on wetlands, forests, and meadows.

Florida

• Everglades Nature Center - Located at the entrance to the Everglades National Park, this center offers guided tours and educational exhibits about the unique ecosystem of the Everglades.

Georgia

• Atlanta Botanical Garden - While primarily a botanical garden, this site also functions as a nature center with a focus on plant conservation and education.

Hawaii

• Hawaii Nature Center - Offers programs and tours that explore the unique ecosystems of Hawaii's islands.

Idaho

• Boise Nature Center - Focuses on the local ecosystems and wildlife, with interactive exhibits and nature trails.

Illinois

• Chicago Nature Museum - Located in Chicago, this museum offers exhibits on the natural history of the Midwest and educational programs.

Indiana

• Indiana Dunes National Park - While a national park, it also serves as a nature center with visitor centers providing educational information about the park's unique dune ecosystems.

Iowa

• Iowa Lakeside Laboratory - A field station for environmental education and research, offering public programs and nature walks.

Kansas

• Prairie Park Nature Center - Located in Lawrence, focuses on the prairie ecosystems of Kansas.

Kentucky

• Louisville Nature Center - Offers nature exhibits, gardens, and educational programs about Kentucky's natural heritage.

Louisiana

• Louisiana Nature Center - A comprehensive center in New Orleans that focuses on the wetlands and coastal ecosystems of the region.

Maine

• Maine Wildlife Park - Provides educational programs and exhibits on the wildlife of Maine.

Maryland

• Maryland Nature Center - Offers educational programs and exhibits on the Chesapeake Bay and local ecosystems.

Massachusetts

• Mass Audubon - Operates multiple nature centers across the state, focusing on wildlife conservation and education.

Michigan

• Michigan Nature Association - Operates several nature sanctuaries that serve as educational centers.

Minnesota

• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum - Combines the features of a botanical garden and a nature center, focusing on plant conservation and education.

Mississippi

• Mississippi Museum of Natural Science - While primarily a museum, it includes a nature center component with trails and outdoor exhibits.

Missouri

• Missouri Botanical Garden - Features a nature center that focuses on botanical education and conservation.

Montana

• Montana Natural History Center - Provides educational programs about the natural history of Montana.

Nebraska

• Nebraska Nature Center - Focuses on the prairies and wetlands of Nebraska, offering educational programs and nature walks.

Nevada

• Nevada Natural History Museum - Includes a nature center that offers exhibits on the desert environments of Nevada.

New Hampshire

• New Hampshire Audubon - Operates several nature centers focusing on the state's diverse ecosystems.

New Jersey

• New Jersey Audubon Society - Manages multiple nature centers that provide environmental education and conservation programs.

New Mexico

• New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science - Features a nature center with exhibits on the natural history of New Mexico.

New York

• New York Botanical Garden - While primarily a botanical garden, it also serves as a nature center with extensive educational programs and conservation efforts.

North Carolina

• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences - Includes a nature center with exhibits on the state's diverse ecosystems.

North Dakota

• North Dakota Heritage Center - Features a nature center that provides information on the natural history of North Dakota.

Ohio

• Cleveland Museum of Natural History - Includes a nature center with exhibits and programs on the natural history of Ohio.

Oklahoma

• Oklahoma Nature Conservancy - Manages several nature preserves that serve as educational centers.

Oregon

• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry - Includes a nature center focusing on the natural environments of Oregon.

Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania Audubon Society - Operates multiple nature centers across the state, focusing on bird conservation and environmental education.

Rhode Island

• Rhode Island Natural History Survey - Provides educational programs and research opportunities related to the state's natural history.

South Carolina

• South Carolina Botanical Garden - Functions as a nature center with a focus on botanical education and conservation.

South Dakota

• South Dakota Nature Area - Offers educational programs and nature walks focusing on the natural landscapes of South Dakota.

Tennessee

• Tennessee Nature Center - Focuses on the ecosystems of Tennessee, offering educational programs and nature trails.

Texas

• Texas Nature Conservancy - Manages several nature centers that focus on conservation and environmental education.

Utah

• Utah Museum of Natural History - Includes a nature center with exhibits on the natural landscapes and ecosystems of Utah.

Vermont

• Vermont Institute of Natural Science - Offers educational programs and exhibits on the natural history of Vermont.

Virginia

• Virginia Living Museum - Combines elements of a wildlife park, science museum, aquarium, botanical preserve, and planetarium, serving as a comprehensive nature center.

Washington

• Washington Park Arboretum - Functions as a nature center with a focus on plant conservation and environmental education.

West Virginia

• West Virginia Nature Center - Focuses on the Appalachian ecosystems, offering educational programs and nature walks.

Wisconsin

• Wisconsin Nature Center - Provides educational programs and exhibits on the natural environments of Wisconsin.

Wyoming

• Wyoming Nature Center - Offers programs and exhibits on the wildlife and natural landscapes of Wyoming.

See also

• List of botanical gardens in the United States
• List of zoos in the United States
• List of aquariums in the United States
• Environmental education