Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
Located within Sunriver is the SUNRIVER NATURE CENTER AND OBSERVATORY. This makes a perfect stop while out on a bike ride or walk and allows you to take in the nature that is living Sunriver.
As much as I hate to admit it, after coming to Sunriver more times than I can count, I had always saw the signs for the nature center and rode right past it on my bike, never even thinking of stopping. This last time we were in Sunriver, we were trying to keep the kids busy on a bike ride and we decided to detour to check out this place. Little did I know, I had been missing out all these years.
You do need to pay ADMISSION to take part in this experience, but there are reduced and free admission for certain people such as Veterans and Active Military and their family.
As much as I hate to admit it, after coming to Sunriver more times than I can count, I had always saw the signs for the nature center and rode right past it on my bike, never even thinking of stopping. This last time we were in Sunriver, we were trying to keep the kids busy on a bike ride and we decided to detour to check out this place. Little did I know, I had been missing out all these years.
You do need to pay ADMISSION to take part in this experience, but there are reduced and free admission for certain people such as Veterans and Active Military and their family.
Its setting is right next to Lake Aspen, where you can see birds of all sorts floating on the water. The buildings set amongst the trees, providing a wonderful outdoor experience with bark chipped paths leading you around to the different exhibits and areas. There is a small indoors area to check out along with animals on display. My kids loved looking at the animals the most, with the owls being their favorite.
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Not only can you visit as a family, but there is also the option to sign your child up for a SUMMER CAMP. These usually run Monday-Thursday and and run anywhere from 2-4 hours. There is a fee, but it could be worth it to get a few hours to yourself while vacationing in Sunriver. Maybe you could fit in lunch in the village or even sneak in 9 holes while the kids enjoy learning about nature.
There is also the option to come visit the observatory at night. Nighttime visits include night sky viewing through telescopes, a guided constellation tour, meteorites displays, and an educational presentation. We have yet to experience the observatory at night because we remember too late and the tickets are already sold out. We tend to go the same week in August every year and it happens to always fall around when the Perseid Meteor Shower takes place, which could explain why so many people want to come observe the stars while we are there. So, if this is something you might want to do, plan ahead. |
A visit here will not take very long at all and might be worth a stop if you are looking to add something to your stay while in Sunriver, especially if you are traveling with kids.