Although we are open to the public, we do charge admission fees for nonmembers for access to the trails, grounds and Interpretive Building. Fees can be paid in the Interpretive Building or by using the convenient drop boxes located at each property. A convenient QR code can be found on the drop box for quick access to pay your fees or make a contribution through PayPal!
Please note that our Interpretive Building is closed on major holidays but our trails remain open. Check our Events Calendar for the latest schedule as buildings and entire grounds also close during some events such as our Art of Nature Event in October and our 5K Run Wild for Wildlife in April!. Click here to learn about becoming a Member.
Hours and Admission
Interpretive Building Hours:
Monday - Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sundays from 12:30 - 4pm
Trail Hours:
Trails are open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset.
Admission for Nonmembers:
$2.50 per person
$10 per family*
Admission is free to the public on Sundays.
*parents and their children (or grandparents and their grandchildren) under the age of 18.
Brukner Nature Center consists of two locations, our Horseshoe Bend Road location, home to our Interpretive Building and our satellite property on Calumet Road, with trails but no bathroom facilities. You can begin your visit at either site or take a quick five minute car trip between the two. Please note: we do not allow pets at either location, they scare our wildlife!
Locations and Directions
Brukner Nature Center Interpretive Building and trails
5995 Horseshoe Bend Road, Troy, Ohio 45373
Our main, 165-acre wildlife preserve features our Interpretive Building with live wildlife exhibits, hands-on displays, a wildlife-themed Nature Shop, and a 3rd floor Tree-Top Bird Vista accessible by elevator! Also on site is the1804 Iddings Log House, the oldest structure on its original site in Miami County, as well as outdoor wildlife exhibits and a play area for kids! Our woodlands, wetland and prairie are traversed by over 5 miles of rugged trails. We follow Leave No Trace trail principles, so please stay on the trails, remove any trash and be respectful of wildlife. Bathrooms are located on the lower level if visiting after 4:00pm. A drinking fountain and bottle filler operate during the warmer months. Automatic doors in the patio area make bringing in strollers and wheelchairs easy! Please note that pets are not permitted. Although not open to the public, we operate a wildlife rehabilitation unit on site, caring for orphaned or injured native Ohio wildlife.
Click here to view the trail map.
River’s Edge Wildlife Preserve
3909 Calumet Road, West Milton, OH 45383
Our 70-acre River’s Edge Wildlife Preserve is located just a few miles southwest of our main location. Please park in the circular gravel lot like petals on a flower, insuring space for up to 10 cars. Follow the paver walkway to our informational kiosk then on to the trail system. Don’t forget to drop your admission in the drop box at the trailhead if you are not a Member. We follow Leave No Trace trail principles, so please stay on the trails, remove any trash and be respectful of wildlife. Please note that pets are not permitted. There are no bathroom facilities or drinking fountain at this location.
Click here to view the trail map.
Important Information
Accessibility: We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all visitors. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance so we can assist you.
No Pets: We love dogs, but they are not permitted at Brukner Nature Center with exception of service dogs. Service dogs must be identified, be on a leash and remain at least 20 yards away from our wildlife ambassador enclosures.
Visitor Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with our visitor guidelines below to make the most of your experience.
Parking: Ample parking is available at Brukner Nature Center. Parking is free! We even have two EV charging stations for those using electric cars. To learn more about our EV charging stations, click here.
Trail Map: View our Trail Map for a complete guide to our hiking trails.
Mosquitos & Ticks: Are possible any time of year at Brukner Nature Center but are most active during the warmer months. Visitors should take precautions such wearing long sleeve shirts, long pants and using insect repellent.
Visitor Guidelines
Picnic Tables are available for use but please clean up when you are finished and take all of your trash home with you. Groups of 10 or more must reserve picnic tables prior to arrival.
Our trails are footpaths only - no bicycles, vehicles or horses allowed: View our Interpretive Center Trail Map and River’s Edge Wildlife Preserve’s Trail Map for a complete guide to our hiking trails. We follow Leave No Trace practices, so please stay on the trails! Off-trail exploring causes erosion, damages sensitive wildflowers and depletes habitat! We also do not allow picking, collecting or littering.
Using nets in our ponds and creeks is not allowed: We are a wildlife preserve and only allow aquatic exploration with guided programs.
Never feed wildlife, including fish and turtles at the pond or our wildlife ambassadors. It’s harmful to populations and individuals.
Never release unwanted pets or wildlife on BNC Property. Not only does it disrupt the natural wild populations, it is illegal!
No smoking, vaping, or alcoholic beverages are allowed on our property.
No hunting or fishing allowed on our property. Follow the Fishing Access Trail at our River’s Edge Wildlife Preserve to access fishing on the scenic Stillwater River.
BNC Commercial Photo and Multimedia Policy
To use Brukner Nature Center’s property for the purposes of commercial photography, videography or multimedia recording, you must obtain permission. Commercial photography, videography and multimedia includes any material captured at Brukner Nature Center which you are directly paid for, create with the intent to sell, or are compensated for in other ways.
Any photo shoot must be approved by Brukner Nature Staff in advance to avoid conflicts with our programs.
Visitor photo shoots are for a maximum of 1 hour and are outside only
Payment must be paid in advance – based on rates listed below. Cash or check are preferred but we can accept credit card.
Everyone must follow the visitor guidelines listed above.
Fees
The fees vary based on your group size and are listed below:$25 for groups up to 10 people
$50 for groups up to 20 people
$100 for groups up to 40 people
We cannot accommodate larger groups
Prices are the same for members and Non-members
If you would like to schedule a photo shoot, please call 937-698-6493 Monday - Friday or email info@bruknernaturecenter.com