You can see Red-tailed Hawks and other wildlife at Harris Nature Center
Harris Nature Center, set on the banks of the Red Cedar River, is a must-see outdoor preserve and recreation area, located just east of Lansing, MI.
Harris Nature Center, which was developed from land sold to the Meridian Township in 1987, was designed to both protect the Red Cedar River ecosystem and promote learning about said habitat through exhibition and exploration. As such, Harris Nature Center provides year-round access to over five miles of nature trails and a 3/4-mile paved loop trail plus the exhibits located inside the center itself.
The trails throughout Harris Nature Center run along the Red Cedar River and loop through the connected forests and meadows. During winter, the trails are made available to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with equipment rentals at the center. Harris Nature Center also rents out GPS for those interested in geo-caching and offers the use of an all-terrain wheelchair so everyone can enjoy the trails for free, dawn to dusk.
A nature preserve, Harris Nature Center’s perimeter is the home and natural habitat to a wide range of animal species. The center also takes in animals for rehabilitation or permanent care if their injuries are the kind that leave them permanently crippled, including red-tailed hawks, numerous species of turtle, snakes, frogs, and toads. Visitors can see many of these beautiful animals at the center and even “adopt” one by way of donation. The red-tailed hawk exhibit is one of the Harris Nature Center’s most popular attractions.
Harris Nature Center also offers a number of educational programs and activities throughout the year, including things such as bird-watching walks, wildflower walks, and the popular “Howl at the Moon” moonlit forest walks with your leashed dog that occur one Friday each month. If you love getting back to nature, you’ll love Harris Nature Center!
Harris Nature Center
3998 Van Atta Road
Okemos, MI
Harris Nature Center is located between Jolly Road and Grand River Avenue on the east side of Van Atta Road, just south of the Red Cedar River. For schedules, directions, and more, be sure to visit: www.meridian.mi.us
Harris Nature Center Lodging
Your Lansing vacation is made complete with a stay at The English Inn, Restaurant and Pub! The English Inn is located on the grounds of the historic Medovue, a 1927 country estate located in Eaton Rapids, less than half an hour away from Harris Nature Center. We offer you the comfort of modern amenities on a lush acreage replete with the Tudor Revival trappings of a luxurious past. We also feature a full service, fine dining restaurant along with an English pub on our historic and lush premises – book your stay, now!