Woldumar Nature Center in Lansing, Michigan offers over 5 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails along the banks of the Grand River.
Woldumar Nature Center was the result of the efforts of the Woldumar Nature Association, who formed in the mid ’60’s to develop a conservation education program for young people. Gladys Olds Anderson, daughter of automotive pioneer Ransom Eli Olds, donated half of her dairy farm land to the association and Woldumar Nature Center was born.
The grounds of Woldumar Nature Center, 188 acres of diverse wildlife habitat, include fields, wetlands, prairie, pine forests, maple-beech forests, old apple orchards, and 1.25 miles of shoreline. Woldumar Nature Center represents one of the most diverse ecosystems in the region, especially amazing as it is mere minutes from downtown Lansing!
White-tailed deer, fox, coyote, beaver, muskrat, turtles, frogs, ducks, geese, heron, and nearly 150 other kinds of birds make Woldumar Nature Center their home or at least part of their yearly migratory stop-off. And it’s not just animals – Woldumar hosts an impressive and diverse number of plant species as well.
Hiking and skiing is permitted at Woldumar Nature Center between dawn and dusk. If you’ve never visited before, be sure to stop in at the Visitor Center and check out the interpretive and live creature displays, they’ll give you background information on Woldumar and some tips on what to watch for as you walk or ski the trails.
Another attraction on the grounds is Moon Log Cabin, one of the oldest residences in Eaton County, dating back to 1860. Two stories high with an attic above the second floor, the cabin has been restored to its original, 1860 condition. Both it and its working garden and can be toured.
Woldumar Nature Center is less than 20 minutes drive from The English Inn, Restaurant and Pub. Be sure to visit the Woldumar Nature Center website for more information and special events on their grounds.