DINOSAUR HILL NATURE CENTER, ROCHESTER

333 North Hill Court, Rochester, MI

This center owned and run by a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing environmental education opportunities for people of all ages. The staff offers group tours that can be arranged by calling the Center at least two weeks in advance. A variety of classes are also offered at various costs for both children and adults. This site is also a great place for picnicing, biking, hiking and wildlife viewing, as well as cross country skiing in the winter. Spring is a great time to visit in order to view and learn about the native wildflower display that is tended by the organization. Trails run along Paint Creek and are accessible from the Paint Creek Trail.

Phone Contact: (248) 656-0999 | Website

DRAYTON PLAINS NATURE CENTER, WATERFORD AREA

2125 Denby, Drayton Plains, MI

The center is a private non-profit organization. An Interpretive Center and self-guided trails are open to the public all year at no charge. Special tours can be arranged by calling the Nature Center Office two weeks in advance. Tour fees vary.

Phone Contact: (248) 674-2119 | Website

E. Dale Fisk HAWK WOODS NATURE CENTER, AUBURN HILLS

3799 Bald Mountain Road, Auburn Hills, MI
(east off of Lapeer Road)

Hawk Woods offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. This unique facility offers groomed nature trails, a marsh boardwalk, a heated restroom/shower facility open year-round, a covered picnic shelter that can be reserved in season, a two-story Log Cabin Lodge with six overnight camping cabins, all complimented by 80 acres of beautiful woods, meadows and marsh. The Lodge can be rented for meetings and/or activities on an hourly basis in season. Contact Hawk Woods for cabin fees and availability.

Phone Contact: (248) 370-9353 | Website

LEWIS E. WINT NATURE CENTER, INDEPENDENCE OAKS COUNTY PARK

9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston, MI

The center is part of the Oakland County Park System and offers various programs, field trips for groups and winter and summer outreach programs. Charges vary.

Phone Contact: (248) 625-6473 | Website

LLOYD A. STAGE NATURE CENTER, TROY

6685 Coolidge Highway, Troy MI 48098

A 100-acre nature sanctuary dedicated to educating about the natural world. A wide range of programs provides opportunities for adults and children alike to enjoy and learn about the out-of-doors.

Phone Contact: (248)524-3567 | Website

THE NATURE CENTER AT FRIENDSHIP WOODS, MADISON HEIGHTS

30300 Hales, Madison Heights, MI 48071

The Nature Center building, a 2,400 square foot log cabin, is open six days a week (approximately 40 hours) and offers visitors and groups a variety of seasonal displays, group programs, movies, exhibits, walking tours, kids’ birthday parties and a small gift store. The Nature Center is closed on Mondays.

Phone Contact: (248) 585-0100 | Website

METRO BEACH NATURE CENTER

31300 Metropolitan Parkway, Mt. Clemens, MI

A large natural area features trails and planned nature programs. The Interpretive Building opened in 1989.

Phone Contact: (586) 463-4332 | Website

SHADBUSH NATURE CENTER

4101River Bends Drive, Shelby Twp, MI

A beautiful log construction building opened in 2001 houses the nature center and overlooks hundreds of acres of River Bends Park.  Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.

Phone Contact: (586) 323-2478 | Website

STERLING HEIGHTS NATURE CENTER

42700 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI

This center is part of the Sterling Heights Clinton River Park System.

Phone Contact: (586) 446-2711 | Website

STONY CREEK METROPARK NATURE CENTER

4300 Main Park Road, Washington, MI

Nature Center entrance off of Inwood Road, Between Mt. Vernon and 29 Mile Road. Nature Center, trails, interpretive building and organized programs featured.

Phone Contact: (586) 781-4621 | Website