WNC Nature Center

75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28805, USA

Address:	75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28805, USA
Phone:	+1 828-259-8080
Site:	wncnaturecenter.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Alyssa Matheson

My daughter always has such a great time when we visit. Last year when we came, it was raining, so we didnt get to do as many things as we did this year. She got to play with the little puppet theater and the wooden xylophone. Theres a pretty neat "jungle gym" where the ropes are made into the design of spider webs. Its a hit with the younger, more adventurous set. The barn offers a little play area with hay and farming tools, and its a nice escape from the heat or the rain. It also looked like they were building a little farmers market stand. Theres a place you can buy hot dogs and nachos (they offer veggie dogs, if youre into that), and a souvenir shop with more food choices, plus vending machines in a few places that feature snacks and drinks of all kinds. The pathways are pretty kid and stroller friendly (we encountered quite a few) and theyre also not too bad if you have to use a walker (a group of older ladies and gentlemen were there). Theres a lot of informational things around every exhibit and its pretty easy for your average 6-8 year old to enjoy learning about. The cougar exhibit and the snakes were a big hit with mine. The only concern I had was my massive fear of heights and walking over the bridge to see the deer and bears. Not for the faint of heart. But tons of fun. And dont worry, I didnt use the flash for any of my pictures, nor did I disturb any animals while taking one.

simone m.

A reliable place to bring kids to run and play, see local wildlife, and enjoy events. Everything is well enclosed and fairly safe for most kids over the age of three to play and explore with parents at a distance. There are lots of stone and asphalt surfaces though, so scraps and bruises are not unlikely in younger kids. There is a playground and picnic area at the end of the centers paved walkways, with water fountains, restrooms, and covered tables. The paving through the park is rough, and though the roundtrip can be covered readily by abled adults, it can be a bumpy ride for stroller, rollator, and wheelchair users. The distance to the picnic area could also be prohibitive for some young toddlers and disabled people. I personally find the round trip extremely rough with my rollator, and fatiguing as well. The center does offer both official handicap parking spaces along with stroller (and I assume other wheeled transport) parking in a small lot with an entrance that skips the flight of stairs to the lobby. The barn, reptile house, and otter habitat are all near the front entrance, and I have found these areas easier to navigate on wheels, and they tend to be filled with younger children and their families as well.

Jennifer Parr

I am so very thankful for our Nature Center!! Some times people forget that our Nature Center it is NOT ONLY about their entertainment, but for hurt or injured animals also. We found a male Mallard Duck on Fontana Lake that was injured bad enough that he could only flip in the water and couldnt move otherwise and was exhausted. We could not find anyone in Sylva or surrounding area that would take him on mid-day on Sunday. Back home though, the Nature Center gladly accepted him!! It was a bit of a drive for the duck confined in a cooler, but we got him in the AC and he settled right down and it was better than him suffering at the lake! Thank you for all that you do! My family are I are very grateful for your love and compassion that you show for the animals and animal lovers! Jennifer

Kathryn Holden

Lots of beautiful animals... They are currently in a joint effort with the government to breed and reintroduce red wolves back into there natural environment. The staff was friendly and happy to answer any questions we had. The center was clean and fairly organized. While there we learned that all of their animals are either rescues or animals that cannot be reintroduced back into the wild or like the red wolves, are there for breeding and repopulation efforts. Good experience. We will probably be back to see the red pandas when they arrive.

Brigette Walters

Well organized routes through various animal habitats, reptile building, etc., that have informational displays throughout. Very family friendly with several educational/play areas that are themed to match the different animal areas nearby. My three young nephews visiting from out of town loved it. The map is also very well done. Parking was a challenge when we went due to the large number of people who were there the day we went (middle of the week) but I think it was spring break week for the local kiddos.

Caroline Dougherty

The Nature Center offers great educational resources to help the public better understand wild animals who share our environment. There are plenty of programs and pathways through the park that are particularly great for kids to explore. The animals have den access a lot of the time so they dont get overwhelmed or neurotic. My only complaint is the entryway suffers from a lot of congestion with customers waiting in line; theyd be well-served with more staff able to check people in.

Kristy Phillips

Went on my Honeymoon, so obviously really enjoyable. It was kind of cold out but other than that, definitely 5 stars. All enclosures were great sizes, bigger animals (like bears, cougars, bob cats and deer) got the perfect size cages. Better than any zoo Ive seen. Lots of hands on with children, awesome prices and is even great for just adults. We enjoyed it. It is really only 1-2 hours of enjoyment but definitely worth the money. Would do again!!

Kimberly Eggett

This place is improving! Its been a great little place for our kiddos as we have an infant and a preschool, so getting the membership has been worth it! Small enough to do a quick visit in but with a new climbing web and a hot dog stand, the visits have been more than just stopping by to see the animals. The only downside is there really isnt much to do if its raining or super cold. We definitely make the most of it when its nice outside!

Colin Lasley

The beauty of this place is the manageable size. This small animal nature park allows visitors to see the entire grounds in one leisurely stroll. It also ensures the funds are used increase the quality of all facilities already present rather than simply expanding for the sake of it. Well manicured into the existing flora. Beautiful, educational, and fun for kids and adults. The otters (Obi-wan and Olive) are always a riot.

john lewis

Took my nephew today to the nature center. I was really disappointed in what I saw. Most of the animals like wolves, deer, bobcat, deer, trout, etc were all out of sight. I know the animals have their den areas and hiding places but for the money these should all be visible to the public. On top of that the petting area is no longer set up to interact with the animals. The nature center needs some changes.

Dallas Nm

A great place to learn about local wildlife and see it up close! The walkway over the bears and near the deer is amazing. The wolves are so active and come up to greet you! The cougars will follow you around. The World Underground was closed when we went but thats okay. Go early in the morning because it gets busy, plus the animals are more active. I just wish they had T shirts!