Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
Address
Linville, NC 28646
Contact
Description
Located at Grandfather Mountain, the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is thoughtfully designed to make the most of Grandfather’s natural surroundings, using moveable walls and large banks of windows to bring the great outdoors inside. It is located about halfway up the mountain, adjacent to the wildlife habitats, and includes a botanical garden planted along the east side.
The center is designed to weave fun with education – offering experiential learning opportunities for guests young and old. It expands Grandfather’s ability to provide educational programs to all types of groups, enabling the surrounding Conservation Campus to become a hub for conservation work and expertise.
Interactive exhibit highlights include:
- 3D Map: A large-scale model of Grandfather Mountain, complete with rocky crags, roads and bridges.
- Mineral Cave: The most comprehensive mineral display in North Carolina – containing the largest amethyst found in North America – gives the appearance guests are looking into the mountain.
- The World of Migration: This area educates guests on migration patterns of avian, mammal and insect species across Grandfather Mountain.
- Flora Wall: Grandfather Mountain is one of the most biologically diverse mountains in the Eastern U.S. and has attracted both amateur and world-renowned botanists. This interactive display details the many plant and fungus species on the mountain.
- Fauna Wall: Hand-carved bird sculptures and animal imagery encourage exploration of diverse animal species found on the mountain.
- Weather & Climate: Wind tubes create a hands-on learning experience demonstrating various wind speeds that commonly occur. A short video, hosted by ABC News’ chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent, Ginger Zee, discusses Grandfather’s unique climate and weather.
- Shadow Play: Puppet cutouts of different birds displayed behind a screen and graphic panels help visitors learn to identify types of birds based on the wing, tail and body shapes of the shadows created.
- Panoramic Viewing Towers: A series of fixed 3D images by a local photographer shows different seasonal views on the mountain.
NOTE: Access to the nature museum requires the purchase of an admission ticket to Grandfather Mountain, which is open year-round, weather permitting.
For details on admission costs and hours of operation, call 828-733-1059 or visit www.grandfather.com.
Description
Located at Grandfather Mountain, the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is thoughtfully designed to make the most of Grandfather’s natural surroundings, using moveable walls and large banks of windows to bring the great outdoors inside. It is located about halfway up the mountain, adjacent to the wildlife habitats, and includes a botanical garden planted along the east side.
The center is designed to weave fun with education – offering experiential learning opportunities for guests young and old. It expands Grandfather’s ability to provide educational programs to all types of groups, enabling the surrounding Conservation Campus to become a hub for conservation work and expertise.
Interactive exhibit highlights include:
- 3D Map: A large-scale model of Grandfather Mountain, complete with rocky crags, roads and bridges.
- Mineral Cave: The most comprehensive mineral display in North Carolina – containing the largest amethyst found in North America – gives the appearance guests are looking into the mountain.
- The World of Migration: This area educates guests on migration patterns of avian, mammal and insect species across Grandfather Mountain.
- Flora Wall: Grandfather Mountain is one of the most biologically diverse mountains in the Eastern U.S. and has attracted both amateur and world-renowned botanists. This interactive display details the many plant and fungus species on the mountain.
- Fauna Wall: Hand-carved bird sculptures and animal imagery encourage exploration of diverse animal species found on the mountain.
- Weather & Climate: Wind tubes create a hands-on learning experience demonstrating various wind speeds that commonly occur. A short video, hosted by ABC News’ chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent, Ginger Zee, discusses Grandfather’s unique climate and weather.
- Shadow Play: Puppet cutouts of different birds displayed behind a screen and graphic panels help visitors learn to identify types of birds based on the wing, tail and body shapes of the shadows created.
- Panoramic Viewing Towers: A series of fixed 3D images by a local photographer shows different seasonal views on the mountain.
NOTE: Access to the nature museum requires the purchase of an admission ticket to Grandfather Mountain, which is open year-round, weather permitting.
For details on admission costs and hours of operation, call 828-733-1059 or visit www.grandfather.com.
Address
Linville, NC 28646