VINS Nature Center — Attraction in Hartford

I learned about this place from a AAA magazine a few years ago. It was on my list of places to visit. You can order tickets online. The raptor exhibits where you can view birds that are being rehabilitated was interesting. I've never seen or heard an eagle 🦅 actually call out before. Owls, falcons and buzzards are there as well. There are two live shows at 11 & 2. There is a dinosaur 🦖 exhibit. I'm not a believer that dinosaurs evolved into birds, but, I did appreciate the effort that was put into this exhibit. I walked all of the trails. There is a trail near the entrance that takes you through a field. Only one trail is handicapped ♿ accessible. The majority are easy to moderate, but, the ground has quite a few (I am Groot) roots and slopes. I would recommend a rugged stroller for the trails. Nice view of the river and you can hear a waterfall off in the distance. You have to go to a different park 🏞️ to see the waterfall. The main attraction is the elevated trail where you walk high up in the air amongst the trees on platforms! It is wheelchair accessible except for a tower that takes you even higher for incredible views! There are a few outlooks set up and one has a spider's web 🕸️ made of rope that you can actually climb and lay down on with the forest floor far below 👇 you. There are metal sculptures on this trail as well. The only wild bird I saw that wasn't part of the center I saw was a black woodpecker. Gift shop available. Only food for sale is prepackaged 🍦 ice-cream and cold drinks. Picnic tables if you want to bring lunch. Staff was friendly. There is a playground for the kids. I enjoyed myself and I recommend a visit! Bring binoculars, bug 🐛 repellent and water. Regular shoes 👟 will do unless you want to walk all of the trails. You may want to bring lunch as well if you arrive...

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont, is an incredible place that blends education, nature, and fun. My first visit, just 2 months ago, left me thoroughly impressed. From the moment I arrived, I could see the effort and care put into creating a space where people of all ages can connect with nature.

There’s a fee to enter, but it’s worth every penny. General admission tickets are $19.50 for adults and $16.50 for youth aged 4-17 (who must be accompanied by an adult). Children 3 and under and VINS Members get in for free, which is great for families. These prices reflect the high quality of the programs and the overall experience.

What stood out to me most was how engaging the programs were. From live bird presentations to hands-on nature exhibits, every activity felt thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. The staff and volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, making the programs even more enjoyable. Whether you're a child, a teenager, or an adult, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

My favorite part of the visit was the Forest Canopy Walk. It’s an elevated pathway that allows you to walk among the treetops, offering stunning views of the surrounding forest and beyond. There’s something magical about seeing nature from that perspective—it was peaceful, awe-inspiring, and unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

I truly believe VINS is a place for all age groups. Whether you’re looking for an educational family outing, a solo adventure, or even just a relaxing day immersed in nature, VINS delivers on every level. I’m already looking forward to...

What an incredible honor it was yesterday to visit the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, known as VINS! It's not what you'd think by it's name; it's about Raptors (eagles, hawks, owls and other VT wild birds only.)

It's a welcoming place to visit and has a number of great exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day in addition to wonderful winding trails, a hospital for injured birds as well as very well kept large outside enclosures for these tremendously beautiful large birds. You wanna talk about being up close and personal, this is the place. You're never further than just feet away from these beautiful birds. The snowy owl was crazy gorgeous as was the barred and other owls. The variety of hawks, golden and bald eagles was absolutely incredible!

Alexa put on a terrific and informative demonstration with an injured yet recouperating Kestrel and Hawk. It was so very inspiring all the good work they do there! Tons of volunteers inside and outside ensure that injured VT wild birds or abandoned young birds are given the very best of care and chances to return back to to the wild to live long healthy lives. It's a phenomenal network.

Another wonderful aspect of VINS is if you're a person or family residing in either NH or VT who has an EBT or Medicaid card, they only charge you $2.00 instead of the regular price of $14.50. Thank you so very much for making our visit possible! We will positively be returning again during perhaps the fall or...