Description:

Kids and adults love to come in to this historic building to touch, see, do, and learn all about the local region. The Nature Center is open to the public Friday to Sunday from 10am-4pm, and admission is free. Kids can touch the taxidermied animals and see the resident live salamander. Their world opens up when they look at all kinds of local items under the microscope (feathers, lichen, even a dragonfly). They love to play the magnet fishing game, and go on a hunt within the gorgeous mural that has secret doors to open.

Adults appreciate the range of books, trail maps, and field guides on the area’s natural history, flora, and fauna. There are books on identifying birds, animal tracks, trees, and edible plants, plus cookbooks to take home. You can even buy local trail maps that have been printed on a bandana – can’t be more handy!

Exhibits change quarterly, and the permanent ones are mesmerizing for all ages. One is a light board of the Northern California watershed where if you push a button, you see how the water flows. Make sure to walk around outside, too, where plants were labeled by a local Boy Scout troop.

The Nature Center also hosts programs and hikes, so check their website or call ahead to see if there is something scheduled during your visit that will add to your enjoyment of the Sierra foothills and American River.