Metro Detroit Nature Centers – reviews, pics, and info for local SE Michigan nature centers in Oakland County, Macomb County, and Wayne County.
Our Metro Detroit nature centers provide a wealth of fun and educational events, homeschool learning experiences, and field trip opportunities for kids. They also provide a lot of fun and entertainment for adults too. Some even offer private rooms to host birthday parties.
OAKLAND COUNTY MOMS EDUCATION ARTICLES & RESOURCES
Many of the local nature centers are located in the areas most beautiful parks and hire professional naturalists and staff to run programs and provide helpful tips to connect with nature. Nature centers are an excellent way to celebrate all four of Michigan’s wonderful seasons!
These aren’t all of the local nature centers in our area, just our favorites.
Metro Detroit Nature Centers / Metroparks Nature Centers
(daily or annual Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to visit)
Brownstown Nature Centers
Lake Erie Marshlands Museum at Lake Erie Metropark
Lake Erie Metropark – (32481 W Jefferson, Brownstown, MI 48173, 734-379-5020, metroparks.com)
Exhibits and programs lighlight the shore region and lake ecology of the Downriver area with an emphasis on the region’s waterfowl. Enjoy the 1300 gallon Great Lakes Aquarium.
Harrison Twp Nature Centers
Lake St Clair Metropark Nature Center at Lake St Clair Metropark
Lake St Clair Metropark – (31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Twp, MI 48045, 586-463-4581, metroparks.com)
The Nature Center at Lake St Clair Metropark is situated near expansive wetlands near Lake St Clair. There are numerous animals and interactive displays throughout the building and the building itself is located on trails that run along the marsh and wetlands of the park. REVIEW / PICS / INFO
Milford Nature Centers
Kensington Metropark Nature Center at Kensington Metropark
Kensington Metropark – (4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI 48380, 810-227-8910, metroparks.com)
The Nature Center at Kensington Metropark offers interactive exhibits, live animals, a scenic marsh Kingfisher Lagoon overlook sitting area, miles of well-groomed nature trails, and more. Friendly Metropark Park Interpreters are always on-site and always available to answer questions. Visitors will see and get to learn about turtles, snakes, fish, even a large Red-Tailed Hawk named Ranger. REVIEW / PICS / INFO
New Boston Nature Centers
Oakwoods Nature Center at Oakwoods Metropark
Oakwoods Metropark – (32911 Willow Rd, New Boston, MI 48164, 734-782-3956, metroparks.com)
Numerous nature programs and tours are hosted by interpretive staff throughout the calendar year. Enjoy the 350 acres of nature study area. Oakwoods Nature Center also features a 700 gallon turtle tank.
Shelby Twp Nature Centers
Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center at Stony Creek Metropark
Stony Creek Metropark – (4300 Main Park Rd, Shelby Twp, MI 48316, 586-781-4242, metroparks.com)
Snakes, turtles and fish, educational displays, and seasonal exhibits inside the center. Additionally, Park interpreters host nature walks and interpretive programs including programs aboard a 34-foot Voyageur canoe. Scout programs, home school programs, and field trips are offered at Stony Creek Nature Center under the guidance of a trained naturalist. Don’t forget to check out the animals outside too. REVIEW / PICS / INFO
White Lake Nature Centers
Environmental Discovery Center at Indian Springs Metropark
Indian Springs Metropark – (5200 Indian Trail, White Lake, MI 48386, 248-625-6640, metroparks.com)
The 2-story EDC is situated on 60 acres and features interactive displays, classrooms, a fully functioning biology lab, and an event room. In addition the educational, the beauty is astounding. Trails surrounding the EDC are well-marked to highlight the beauty of the prairie ecosystem. The back of EDC has a large pond you can view from below the surface inside the facility. REVIEW / PICS / INFO
Metro Detroit Nature Centers / Oakland County Parks Nature Centers
(daily or annual Oakland County Parks vehicle entry permit is required to visit)
Clarkston Nature Centers
Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks County Park
Independence Oaks County Park (9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston, MI 48348, 248-625-6473, oaklandcountyparks.com)
Wint Nature Center features hands-on, interactive natural history exhibits and educational fun. The Nature Center is home to several Oakland County Parks nature events for kids including Star Lab, badge days for scouts, and more. You’ll find small animals and reptiles in aquariums inside the nature center as you wander from station to station. REVIEW / PICS / INFO
Madison Hts Nature Centers
Red Oaks Nature Center (30300 Hales Street, Madison Hts, MI 48071, 248-585-0100, oaklandcountyparks.com)
Red Oaks Nature Center offers class field trips that feature nature interpretive programs, live animal exhibits, and more. The inside of the Nature Center has plenty of interactive displays and live animals. The building houses large room perfect for birthday parties, field trips, and meetings. The immediate grounds surrounding the nature center are dotted with waterfalls and plenty of places to take in the sights. Enjoy the Forest Trail, Sensory trail, and Habitat trail. REVIEW / PICS / INFO
OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS EVENTS CALENDAR
Other Metro Detroit Nature Centers
Farmington Hills Nature Centers
Heritage Park Nature Center
Heritage Park (24725 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, MI, 248-536-5617, www.fhgov.com)
Seasonal programs offered year-round. Enjoy the backyard bird viewing area, native fish aquariums, hands-on activity stations, a nature library, and Discovery Cove. The Nature Center hosts a dedicated homeschool program taught by the nature interpretive staff (HOMESCHOOL INFO). REVIEW / PICS / INFO
Rochester Hills Nature Centers
Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve (333 N Hill Cir, Rochester Hills, MI 48307)
16-acres of woodland preserve with a great trail system. They have plenty of nature-focused camps & classes ALL year.
Metro Detroit Nature Centers / Troy Nature Centers
Stage Nature Center (6685 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, MI 48098, 248-688-9703, troynaturesociety.org)
Homeschool nature programs, scout programs, preschool programs, nature for kdis ages 5+, and acres to explore through trail system. Enjoy the native plant garden and the butterfly garden. Stage Nature Center hosts great summer camps for kids.
Waterford / Waterford Twp Nature Centers
Drayton Plains (2125 Denby Dr Waterford Township, MI 48329, 248-674-5441, www.waterfordmi.gov/224/Parks-Recreation)
The nature center is situated on 139 acres and includes an interpretive nature center building, fish hatchery ponds, scenic trails, a large pavilion, picnic tables, and grills. The location is home to an indoor Interpretive Center that is open from May 1 through September. REVIEW / PICS / INFO…
See our Oakland County Parks Tab for more Oakland County and Metro Detroit, Michigan, and Metro Detroit Nature Centers.
See posts above for reviews, pics, and info for Metro Detroit Nature Centers
