Blanford Nature Center

Blanford Nature Center

ADVENTURE COURTESY OF AMBASSADOR
ALEXIS DAHL

KENT COUNTY
1715 HILLBURN AVE NW
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504

Whether you’ve lived in west Michigan your entire life or are taking a day trip to the area, Blandford isn’t to be missed. Enjoy a walk along their miles of trails, or something a little wilder!

PLAN AHEAD

⚪  BEGINNER

◯  INTERMEDIATE

◯  ADVANCED

⚪  HOUR

◯  HALF-DAY

⚪  ALL DAY

▷ PARKING ON-SITE

▷ PAVED TRAILS

▷ KID-FRIENDLY

▷ PET-FRIENDLY IN MOST AREAS

⚪  MEMBERSHIP

⚪  SMALL FEE

◯  REC PASSPORT

DAY ADVENTURE

EXPLORE MORE

Ready to meet wildlife up close? Stop by Blandford’s Nature Center and meet their wildlife ambassadors! Whether you’re interested in hawks or owls, bobcats or flying squirrels, or turtles or toads, there’s someone to meet — and something to learn. (Note: The animals live at Blandford due to severe injuries; they couldn’t make it on their own in the wild.)

Once you’re done, consider taking a short hike to the farm to visit their animals and check out their greenhouse!

WHAT TO BRING – Walking shoes, water, hand sanitizer, curiosity!

TIP: The visitor’s center is open 10am–3pm Monday–Saturday, and is closed on Sundays. They also close 12:30-1pm for a daily cleaning.

Any time from dawn to dusk, venture along some of the nature center’s trails and see what plants and animals you can spot. Many of the trails are less than a mile long (although some are very hilly!) and wind through woods, wetlands, and meadows. If you’re feeling ambitious, download an illustrated field guide from their website!