Built in 2008 on the banks of the Boardman River on the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, the Boardman River Nature Center is your gateway to the natural world. The Nature Center offers an interpretive gallery with live animals and rotating exhibits that change with the seasons. The displays encourage interaction and feature Michigan’s most interesting fauna and flora.

It is through the ongoing generosity and support of our many friends and partners that we are able to offer the Boardman River Nature Center as an admission free-destination for nature learning and discovery. Operated by the Grand Traverse Conservation District, the Nature Center allows us to deliver education programs right at the source, on the doorstep to a 505-acre living laboratory.

Things to do at the Nature Center – Discovery Packs! Rent a Discovery Pack and hit the trails! Take your pick from ten different nature themed packs, and discover what the natural world has to offer. *Packs must stay on Nature Center grounds*
– Richard M. O’Neil Nature Library: Browse for and borrow books from our Nature Library. Check out our inventory list and come by the Nature Center and exchange your information for the books or field guides of your choosing.

Hours and Location – The Boardman River Nature Center is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5.00 during the following:
Tuesday – Wednesday, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday, 12:30pm – 4:00pm
Friday, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Select Saturdays, 10:00-4:00pm

Local

Eat and Drink

• Right Brain Brewery - Traverse City (2.9 miles) - Right Brain Brewery is nestled in the SoFo District of downtown Traverse City, Michigan. Our focus i...
• The Workshop Brewing Company - Traverse City (4.0 miles) - The Workshop Brewing Company exists to preserve Northern Michigan’s spectacular natural environmen...
• Brengman Brothers Winery - Traverse City (9.1 miles) - We are a family owned and operated winery, specializing in fine wine. We offer a wide range of wine ...
• MAWBY Winery - suttons bay (14.3 miles) - "Michigan's Sparkling Wine" Start your visit with a complimentary tasting of our popular ...
• Ethanology Distillation - Elk Rapids (17.2 miles) - Our mission is simple: Create something we are proud of. It starts with grain and fruit sourced from...

See and Do

• Boardman River Nature Center Traverse City (0.0 miles) - Built in 2008 on the banks of the Boardman River on the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, th...
• Right Brain Brewery Traverse City (2.9 miles) - Right Brain Brewery is nestled in the SoFo District of downtown Traverse City, Michigan. Our focus i...
• Woodland Creek Traverse City (4.0 miles) - The largest collection of exotic woods and stone found in the Midwest. Woodland Creek handcrafts uni...
• Mt Holiday Ski Resort & Recreation Area Traverse City (5.9 miles) - Mt. Holiday was originally founded in 1949 when a group of local businessmen obtained permission to ...
• Sleeping Bear Gallery Empire (22.5 miles) - Come fuel your spirit by experiencing our imaginative blend of original art encompassing metals, woo...

Shopping

• High Five Threads - Traverse City (3.5 miles) - High Five Threads is a Michigan lifestyle brand offering apparel, Michigan-made goods, and gift item...
• Secret Garden - Empire (22.6 miles) - A renowned gallery with contemporary, whimsical, affordable fine art and handcraft located in downto...