Do you love animals and want to teach your children the same passion? But driving all the way to St Louis zoo, which is awesome btw, is just a bit too far. Well you’ll be happy to hear this then: Woodlands Nature Station, located in the heart of Land between the Lakes, National Forest operates a small Wildlife refuge and provides animals like an opossum, a bald eagle, voltures, owls, snakes and more with a home, while it also as a gateway to the Nature Watch Area.
All animals kept at the Nature Station are rescues or were injured. While it is always goal to rehabilitate and release, these animals couldn’t survive out in the wild anymore, and are therefore kept, but provided with great care.
All though, there is no strict feeding schedule with most animals at the Station, it is well worth to ask one of the friendly employees when it is planned during your visit. It is both, interesting and informative to tag along during feeding time and learn about these animals.
Most animals you have probably seen out in the wild before, especially if you live in the area, but one animal at the Nature Station you most likely have never seen before as it is almost extinct:
The red wolf.
In attempts to repopulate the wild with this beautiful animal, captive breeding facilities were established in the 1980’s across the United States, and the Nature Station at Land between the Lakes National Forest is one of them.
With many fun and educating activities through out the day, for young and old, Woodlands Nature Station is a great half day trip and and with an admission of $5 for 13 years and up, $3 for ages 5-12 and ages 4 and under FREE, it also in a very inexpensive one.
Check out their website: www.landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/attractions/nature-station/ ahead of time for their hours and special events and pack for a picnic, to enjoy in the open or in one of the pavillions around Woodlands Nature Station.