Ogden Nature Center452

The Ogden Nature Center is a 152-acre nature preserve and education center. Its mission is to unite people with nature and nurture appreciation and stewardship for the environment.

Since it was founded in 1975 as Utah's first nature center, the Ogden Nature Center has provided a place where wildlife can find refuge from urban development and where people can go to enjoy nature. The Ogden Nature Center is home to two of Utah's greenest buildings, with displays and interpretive signs throughout. Outside, a walk down any of the trails might reveal such wild treasures as deer, turkeys, quail, waxwings, juncos, and much more. In the winter, visitors are invited to enjoy the trails by snowshoe.

Besides the wild animals that can be spotted from the trails, guests can get up close to any of the ONC's live resident animals including birds of prey, snakes, tortoises, and tarantulas. All of these animals provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about the fascinating native species of Utah.

Several nice picnic spots are located throughout the grounds. There are also two tree houses (one is handicap accessible), an observation tower, and two bird blinds that all afford special wildlife viewing opportunities. These lookouts often have either spotting scopes or binoculars to help people get a better look at the wildlife.

Families who want to make the most of their visit to the ONC can check out a Discovery Trail Backpack from the visitor center. The backpacks contain games, toys, books, and other materials designed to help children ages four to 12 learn about subjects like tracks and scat, insects and spiders, ponds, birds, and plants.

The Nest Gift Shop is a great place to find nature related items for any occasion. Prices are reasonable and the quality of the items is high.

Bathrooms are located just outside the gift shop and also in the education building. There are changing tables in both the men's and the woman's restrooms by the gift shop. No changing tables are available in the education building. All of the restrooms are clean and bright.

Nature themed birthday parties are available year round. Parties can be held indoors or outside and feature a visit from one of the live animal residents of ONC. Call for pricing and reservations.

Throughout the school year, ONC provides award-winning nature education school programs for children. It also offers a wide variety of classes, outings, and workshops to the public year-round through community programs. Merit badge lessons for Boy Scouts and Webelos are also available, as are week-long summer camps. Check online or call for more information about any of the educational offerings.

Memberships are available. Check the Ogden Nature Center's website for the various levels of membership and prices.