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Vail Nature Center

One of the Vail Valley's best kept secrets

Walking Mountains Science Center proudly partners with the Vail Recreation District to provide world-class programming at the Vail Nature Center. With stream-side trails, plant and animal exhibits, and a friendly staff, it is truly one of Vail’s best kept secrets.

The Vail Nature Center is located across Gore Creek from the Betty Ford Alpine Garden and the Ford Amphitheater. From any point in Vail, the Nature Center is easy to reach. Take a bus to the Soccer Fields or the Tennis Center. Walk or ride your bike from Vail Village along the Gore Creek Trail. Parking is also available at the Soccer Field or the Tennis Center.

Costs

The Vail Recreation District charges a nominal fee to support Nature Center Operations. Call the Vail Nature Center for details at 970.479.2291.

2013 Summer Season

Dates

June 10, 2013 - September 2, 2013

Hours

 Open Daily, 9am - 5pm

Programs

Wildflower Walk

Mondays & Wednesdays 11:30am-12:30pm (6/10 - 8/14)
Join us on a leisurely one-hour walk through the woods and meadows to learn about the flowers that carpet the mountains and the conditions they need to thrive. All ages, $5 or $3 for Vail Recreation District residents

Morning Bird Walk

Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30am-9:30am (6/11 - 8/29)
Join a naturalist for a morning walk through the meadows and woods along the Gore Creek to learn about a great variety of birds, what they need to survive, and how you can attract birds to your own backyard. All ages, $5 or $3 for Vail Recreation District residents

Evening Beaver Pond Tour

Mondays & Thursdays 7pm-8:30pm (6/17 - 9/2)
Vail is lucky to have a healthy beaver population right in town. Your evening begins at the Nature Center with a brief presentation about beavers, followed by a drive to a beaver pond and active lodge. Bring warm clothes and a flashlight. All ages, $6 per child, $12 per adult or $35 for a family of five

S’mores and More: Family Campfire Program 

Fridays 7pm-8:30pm (6/28 - 8/30)
A warm campfire, exciting stories of woodland adventures and the sweet smell of burning marshmallows fill this family program at the Vail Nature Center. All ages, $6 per child, $12 per adult or $35 for a family of five

Stories in the Sky: Stargazing at the Vail Nature Center

Tuesdays 8:45pm-10pm (6/18 - 7/30);  8:15pm-9:30pm (8/6 - 8/27)
Experience the mountains of Vail like never before. From endless constellations and cascading shooting stars to full moons almost as bright as the sun, this program should not be missed! All ages, $6 per child, $12 per adult or $35 for a family of five

Creekside Tours from the Vail Market

Sundays 11:00am-noon and
1:30pm-2:30pm (6/16 - 9/1)
Join us for a casual stroll along Vail's streamside paths. Tours depart from the Vail Nature Center booth at the Vail Farmers' Market Sundays throughout the summer. All ages, donations accepted

      p.o. box 9469
318 walking mountains lane
        avon, co 81620

  970.827.9725 p 970.827.9730 f

 

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Walking Mountains operates under special use permit from the White River National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider.  All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Walking Mountains Science Center™ is a 501(3c) nonprofit that provides place-based education in natural and environmental science through science programs for Eagle County schools, summer science day camps and overnight camps, adult and family excursions that take place across Vail, Colorado and Eagle County, Colorado. Graduate fellows can apply to be environmental educators and intern naturalists. Our educational programs enhance scientific literacy, build environmental awareness, and inspire stewardship in children, adults, residents and visitors to the Vail area and Rocky Mountains. The science center recently achieved LEED Platinum Certification for the Buck Creek Campus from the U.S. Green Building Council.