Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm
The WNC Nature Center is open! Visitors will need to alter their typical route to accommodate for the loss of the Gashes Creek Bridge. Learn more at www.wildwnc.org/plan-your-visit.
Join the Friends of the WNC Nature Center to become a member today! Becoming a member is one of the best ways to support the Nature Center’s mission.
Your membership provides funding and resources to support educational programs, animal care, conservation efforts, and facility enhancements.
Memberships are not refundable.
Membership can not be used for admission when visiting the WNC Nature Center with a paid Group program.
With our green initiative, your updated membership cards will be available on your smartphone within 48 hours of your purchase!
Includes all membership benefits for one adult
Includes all membership benefits for one adult and one guest
or two named adults
or one named adult and one child in the same household
Includes all membership benefits for two adults and four children/ grandchildren under 18 years old
Includes all membership benefits for two adults and four children/ grandchildren under 18 years old
PLUS two additional people, adults or children
FamilyPlus Membership for one year + 2 Brews & Bears tickets
FamilyPlus Membership for one year + 2 Wild Walk/Junior Wild Walk tickets
FamilyPlus Membership for one year + a private tour for up to 6 people
Your membership with the Friends of the WNC Nature Center gives you exclusive benefits all year round,
including free admission to the park for a year, free or discounted admission to events and programs, and other special perks!
Free daily admission to the WNC Nature Center.
Friends members can enter daily at 9:30 am to see how keepers open the park!
Members receive discounts at the Nature Center Gift Shop, select special events, and summer camp!
Free or half-priced admission to more than 450 zoos, aquariums, and science centers nationwide.*
*Reciprocity may change. Please call reciprocal partners before visiting to ensure they are accepting reciprocal memberships. Refunds are not offered if reciprocity changes.
**Science centers within 90 miles “as the crow flies” of your home address or the Nature Center may not honor reciprocity.
A free program for Friends of the WNC Nature Center member children between the ages of 3 and 12.
Children receive access to monthly conservation content, a birthday card and birthday button, and free giveaways during select months.
$10 OFF Daytime Admission Tickets
(limit 4) during 2025.
Tickets must be purchased in advance:
Not valid with any other offer. Tickets can be upgraded to a Biltmore Annual Pass on visit day.
With our green initiative, your membership cards will be available on your smartphone within 24 hours of your purchase.
2. Search for and select the Friends of the WNC Nature Center tile and touch “Find My Membership Cards”
3. Enter the phone number you used when you joined or renewed and your last name.
4. Download your card.
Please contact the Membership Office at [email protected] with any questions or to verify or update your phone number!
If you prefer not to download the digital app, you can download or print your card by clicking here.
Want to give the gift of Nature? We offer personalized gift memberships, as well as gift certificates for yet-to-be-named recipients.
Gift memberships are valid for one year from the date of purchase. A membership purchased with a gift certificate is valid for one year from the date it is redeemed.
To purchase a gift membership, click the link below and choose the plan for your recipient; the form includes a section for gift recipient information and a personalized message.
Contact the Membership Office at 828-259-8092 if you have questions about which gift membership option is best for you!
You can purchase your membership at any time on our website.
Memberships may also be purchased daily in person at the Nature Center from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm or over the phone by calling (828)259-8092.
If you choose to purchase a membership on the day of your visit and have already purchased admission tickets, we can refund the cost of the admission tickets for anyone who will be included on the new membership. This option is available until 3:30 pm. Please visit the Membership Office to start the process!
In an effort to go green, our membership cards are digital. To download your Digital Membership Card, go to the App Store or Play Store and download the eMembership Card app. Under Institutions, select Friends of the WNC Nature Center. Click “Find my Membership Card,” then enter the phone number you used when you joined or your member ID# and your last name. Start using your card right away!
Please allow up to 24 hours after purchase for our system to process your membership.
WNC Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Getting Here
General Inquiries
828-259-8080
[email protected]
Friends of the
WNC Nature Center
PO Box 19151
Asheville, NC 28815
828-259-8092
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