Asheville’s Wildlife Park Reopens March 17

The WNC Nature Center will reopen to the public on Monday, March 17, five and a half months after closing due to the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Helene, which caused significant flooding that destroyed roads and the main bridge to the Nature Center.

Before opening to the general public, the Nature Center will open a week earlier for Friends of the WNC Nature Center members from Monday, March 10, to Sunday, March 16. People can buy or renew memberships online at www.wildwnc.org/membership or at the Membership Office and still be able to take advantage of members-only week. No admission tickets will be sold during this members-only week.

“After witnessing the devastation caused by the flooding of the Swannanoa River, we thought it would be at least a year until we could safely reopen,” recalls Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “Thanks to the steadfast work of our City workers, the NC DOT, and a myriad of community partners, we are ready to welcome guests back.” However, visitors to the Nature Center will need to alter their typical route to accommodate for the loss of the Gashes Creek Bridge.

Directions to the WNC Nature Center (75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28805)

Drive to the Nature Center as normal, turning from Swannanoa River Road onto Azalea Road.
Instead of turning right to cross the bridge as usual, continue straight for half a mile. This road is now two-way all the way to the roundabout. This two-way traffic pattern is new and can be narrow in places, so please use caution and drive carefully.
At the roundabout, take the first right. A traffic signal has been installed on either side of the one-way metal bridge.
After crossing the metal bridge, turn left on Gashes Creek Road and enter the Nature Center’s parking lots.
Guests will depart from the Nature Center in the same way.

Outreach Educator Cassie with a box turtle animal ambassador

Gateway to the Southern Appalachians construction progress

While the Nature Center has been closed, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center have leaned into their mission of connecting people to the wildlife of the Southern Appalachians. From November 2024 to February 2025, their two-person Outreach Education team traveled one thousand miles across the region, providing affordable, hands-on wildlife experiences to 1,200 individuals in schools, libraries, and community centers.

“Helene left a lasting impact on Western North Carolina, damaging parks, trails, and waterways that serve as vital outdoor learning spaces for families,” says Friends Executive Director Kate Frost. “Many were uncertain about where it was safe to explore and engage with nature. Our Outreach Educators worked tirelessly to connect our communities with nature through special animal interactions and educational moments during this time.”

There is plenty to look forward to once the Nature Center reopens next month. During their closure, significant progress was made on the construction of the Gateway to the Southern Appalachians, and by summer, guests should be able to enjoy a butterfly garden, renovated barn and farmyard space, and an expanded Gift Shop.

Upon reopening on March 17, the WNC Nature Center will be open seven days a week from 10am until 4:30pm with last admission at 3:30pm. Friends members can enter the park at 9:30am. Beginning this year, the Ticket Office will also be cashless. Tickets are available for purchase in advance online or in person using credit/debit and prepaid cash cards.

In addition to early entry to the Nature Center the week of March 10, Friends of the WNC Nature Center members receive free daily admission to the Nature Center; discounted admission to over 450 zoos, aquariums, and science centers nationwide; and discounts on special events, programs, and at the Nature Center Gift Shop. Memberships support the daily care, enrichment, veterinary care, and conservation of the animals who call the Nature Center home. To find out more about becoming a member, visit www.wildwnc.org/membership.

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Asheville’s Wildlife Park Reopens March 17

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