We loved the nature center! My boys ages 1-11 spent a long time looking at all the taxidermy animals and watching the birds (and even a woodchuck) through the large viewing window. Upstairs was lots of fun with hands on exploration and puppets to play with. Just north of the parking lot there is a small playground with a few fake rocks to climb on. We didn't do any of the trails, but the view was still pretty even though it wasn't quite spring yet.
This place really is amazing! The detail is beautiful and left us awestruck. My 4 boys ages 1-11 and mother in law loved it. We came during spring break so there were no tours but we still had a great time walking around. There is even a playground right in front.
We love coming here for a day trip! The fossils are really easy to find and there are a few short hikes. I would definitely stop by the information center first. There is a shelter also for eating in.
This was a fun stop- the kids (10, 7, and 4) loved panning for gems and there are plenty of small hikes. We didn't have time for the mine tour but did stop at the blacksmith place where the blacksmith talked to us. There is a huge picnic area to eat at. We went in July and it wasn't crowded at all.