UPDATE: As of July 1, 2020, until further notice, the WNC Nature Center remains temporarily closed to the public. The Nature Center is working closely with local officials to develop a plan to safely reopen. This will most likely take place during Phase 3 of North Carolina’s Stay Safe COVID-19 order. We anticipate opening during the month of August and will update the website and our social media platforms as soon as a date is confirmed.
Open 361 Days a Year: 10:00am – 5:00pm, last entry 4:30pm
The WNC Nature Center wants to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests. Please call 828-259-8080 or email admin@wildwnc.org with any questions you may have before visiting, so that we can accomodate you to the best of our ability.
Accessible parking spaces are available with a valid license plate or hangtag at the Front Entrance parking lot. There is also an accessible drop-off point at the Front Entrance for guests who have limited mobility.
Motorized personal mobility devices are allowed but are not available to rent directly from the Nature Center.
We encourage guests to bring their own strollers. A limited number of Wild Wagons are available for rent at the Nature Center Gift Shop located near the Front Entrance.
Service animals are permitted to enter the Nature Center. A service animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for and to assist an individual with a disability.
All other animals, including emotional support, comfort, therapy, or companion animals are not considered service animals according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals should remain on a leash or harness (no retractable leashes) and under control of the owner at all times. You may be asked to leave if your service animal’s presence is creating excessive stress to the animals under the care of the Nature Center.
We have partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.
We have partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.
Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards, will also be free to borrow for all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Visit the Nature Center Gift Shop near the Front Entrance to check out a sensory bag.
Signs are posted throughout the Nature Center designating areas that usually have less activity around them (Quiet Zones) and areas that can be more crowded with increased noise (Headphone Zones).
Download the KultureCity All-Inclusive App below to get your social story to help you enjoy your visit to the WNC Nature Center:
WNC Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Getting Here
General Inquiries
828-259-8080
admin@wildwnc.org
Friends of the
WNC Nature Center
PO Box 19151
Asheville, NC 28815
828-259-8092
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