3 Michigan Nature Centers That Make Excellent Family Day Trip Destinations
By Rachel Pfutzenreuter|Published June 27, 2022
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Rachel Pfutzenreuter
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Rachel lives just north of Chicago, she has two boys and a dog named Sky. She is always planning her next trip, and loves to help friends, family, and her readers find their next adventure.
The Great Lakes State, touching four out of the five Great Lakes, provides many an opportunity to explore nature at its finest. Some of Michigan’s nature centers make excellent day trip destinations. Often a nature center will offer programs and events, hiking trails, and sometimes even visits with animals that are cared for onsite. These attractions are destinations that the entire family can enjoy.
The Howard Christensen Nature Center is located in Kent City, Michigan. It is open Friday through Sunday.
In the winter, come for ice skating on the lake and wreath making. You can visit resident animals like Marge the cat, Penelope (or Nellie) the pot-bellied pig, and Teddy the tortoise.
Explore several miles of hiking paths at the HC Nature Center. Trails are available to the public every day during daylight hours.
Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16190 Red Pine Dr NW, Kent City, MI 49330, USA
Carve pumpkins at Halloween, hunt for eggs at Easter, attend the Fairy Festival, and more. To print a trail map, visit the
HC Nature Center website or view current events on the Facebook page.
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Fenner Nature Center is in Lansing, Michigan on 134 acres. Pick up a trail map during your visit and enjoy some hiking. Sites along the four miles of trails include a pond, a prairie, a Pollinator Garden, and a Playscape.
Fenner Nature Center features hands-on exhibits, a collection of live reptiles and amphibians, a viewing area to watch deer and wild turkeys, and a gift shop.
Fenner Nature Center, 2020 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
Admission is free. Be sure to stop by for the Maple Syrup and Apple Butter Festivals.
For seasonal hours of operation or to print a trail map, visit the Fenner Nature Center website. You can also view current events on the Facebook page.
The Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center is found in Shelby Township, Michigan. Hike the trails or attend an event such as Haunted Nature Center, Pioneer Christmas, Movie Night, Maple Syrup Festival, or Earth Day celebrations.
Admission is free. When you sponsor one of the animals, you will receive a certificate of adoption and a photo – and if you are 13 years or older, you can come by and help care for the animal!
For more information, visit the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center website or follow the Facebook page. From the website home page, scroll down and click on the NATURE NEWS icon to open a calendar listing events for the current month.
Enjoy a day trip to one of these fun and educational nature center destinations in Michigan. Your family will thank you for an afternoon well spent!
Read our article about Harris Nature Center in Okemos, Michigan for yet another day trip destination.
Which nature centers in Michigan do you enjoy visiting? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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