blandford nature center

Does not have a ton besides really nice hiking trails and an observation tower. They offer camps and activities throughout the year with horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter and some other activities. the area is nice, just do not expect more than trails.

I've been here multiple times since I was little, including field trips with my old schools to here! I still love their trails and animals they have available for viewing! There are so many things to do here!

Very peaceful place to go by yourself and walk the grounds and visit all the owls, hawks, and other creatures saved from injuries. They have several day camps during the week for children at different times of the year. They do an outstanding job keeping a wilderness environment in the city.

Hike today or snowshoe in the winter. A great place to learn and enjoy the outdoors in the Grand Rapids area. Check site for latest activities. Lots to see and do!!

Nice trails through woods and meadows, right in the city. Also a family friendly farm area where kids can see/pet goats and chickens. The staff in the animal rescue area are friendly and eager to have kids watch and learn

Blanford provides great opportunities for understanding the balance of our lives with nature and environment. Their camp program for our granddaughter was outstanding. Where else would a kid come home talking excitedly non-stop about how she got to help clean out the chicken coop. You knew it was true - the odor preceded her into the car! What she learned in a week, however, is still being mentioned months later.

We has a delightful time exploring this little preserve. Has planned to visit the public museum but with lines out to the street needed something else for the children. This was a more fun as there were no lines and they could roam freely in the great outdoors. We plan to return And the maple syrup is pretty darn good too.

This is a tiny little park, weird hours so check first, nice trails for hiking and cross country, AND they take in injured wild animals!!!! They have owls, turkey vultures, a freaking BOBCAT, and some other things. Plus during sap time... i forget when that is... they make maple syrup the authentic way and sell it inexpensively. Such a sweet place with very sweet people. Oh, a VERY amazing original pioneer home... find the portrait made out of HUMAN HAIR OMG! Give them a huge a donation!

I hadn't been here in years and recently went and ran the trails. I forgot how extensive the grounds are and what a peaceful place it is. I am glad it is back on my radar and will be heading back to explore some more.

I love blanford. The trails are well kept and the center is active with seminars and the birds of prey area. Beyond that is the emense wooded trail and wetlands. This is one if my favorite parks

it use to be free but its only a couple dollars a person now. maple syrup days and the civil war reinactment is the best for our family! Great for families and kids of all ages!

The owls are a must-see! It's a free nature center with many trails to walk. You can visit a river, wetlands, check out birds of prey and even a bobcat. They also give wonderful field trip tours for schools. If you're looking for an interesting, free activity, check out BNC!

Here is the scoop from a local. Go to 1715 Hillburn, Grand Rapids, MI 49504There is also a farm-school located on Milo st. Don't bother starting at this location. . This place is never very busy UNLESS an event is going on FYI. Usually just ur locals enjoying the trails and walking doggies. The Hillburn address is the main building. Located BEHIND the building on the trail to ur left are the animals. If the building is open u can get a map of the trails. The building is closed Sundays FYIApproach the building, go behind the building. Ur choice is straight or left. Do the trail with the animals first. u will know u found it when u see the wood boardwalk.If ur kids would like to play on a playground - Then flip back around. Go to the old school house. Once ur standing in front of the school house, U will see a split rail fence and a barked trail thru a field. Follow that short trail to C.A. Frost school ( which can also be driven to) to play on the playground. Their main trails are All loops - so u can't get too lost. One trail will bring u to the farm on milo - which was turned into a school (no playground here) if u find the farm on a trail... Walk down its drive way, u will see a small bridge going over a creek - to continue on the loop back to the main lodge. If it has rained a lot in the past day, it can be a little muddy In some spots FYI. Check the website for hours open. A trail map.Looking for FREE NATURE FUN! Not a bad little place. Bring ur camera!!

Beautiful wooded walking trails, a quaint indoor area with nature viewing and a small animal hospital, outdoor caged rescued owls, bobcats, turkeys. There are also seasonal events like maple syrup making. We live close and visit often, but many are unaware of this pretty little area on Grand Rapids' northwest side.

Really enjoyed the nature center and grounds today. Beautiful sunny day but a little on the chilly side.Lots of trails to walk and the animal one was nice. We will be back since we didn't get to cover the trails south of the lodge. Owls,turtles,hawks, even a bobcat and a nice picnic lunch then picked up some maple syrup to take home.