Reciprocity

Plan your visit

Open 7 days a week 10 am – 5 pm

last entry at 4:30 pm

(CLOSED Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s)

What makes your membership with the Friends of the WNC Nature Center one of the best deals in the country?

Free and reduced admission to more than 450 zoos, aquariums, and science centers nationwide!

Tickets

Adults: $13.95 plus tax
(City of Asheville – $9.95*)

Seniors (65+): $12.95 plus tax
(City of Asheville – $8.95*)

Youth (13-15): $13.95 plus tax
(City of Asheville – $9.95*)

Child (3-12): $9.95 plus tax
(City of Asheville – $7.95*)

2 and Younger: Free

Groups of 10 or more: Click here

All active duty and retired military receive free admission with ID.

There are no refunds or rain checks offered due to animal availability or weather.

Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Children must be supervised at all times.

Tickets and membership cards are non-transferable.

Same day reentry is permitted with your receipt.

Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.

Purchase tickets in advance and skip the line! Tickets are good for three months from date of purchase.

Your annual membership through the Friends of the WNC Nature Center gets you free admission to the Nature Center for one year, plus free or reduced admission to more than 425 zoos, aquariums, and science centers in North America!

Click here to view the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) list of participating centers.

Click here to view the Association of Science & Technology Centers (ASTC) list of participating museums.*

Association of Science & Technology Centers (ASTC)

Feeding, touching, harassing, or harming any wildlife, including native squirrels, snakes,
and birds, is prohibited.

Service animals are permitted to enter the Park. 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.

Please email admin@wildwnc.org with any questions you may have before visiting the WNC
Nature Center.

Directions and Parking

Directions

The WNC Nature Center is located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in Asheville, North Carolina. Get Directions.

Parking

The WNC Nature Center offers free parking to its visitors. Accessible drop-off and parking spaces are available with a valid license plate or hangtag at the Main Entrance parking lot. Overflow parking is also available in the lower lot.

Bus Parking

Please follow signs for bus parking, turning right at the Asheville Recreation Park after crossing the bridge. Please park bus before unloading passengers.