VINS Nature Center

Category: Museum

Address: 149 Natures Wy, Quechee, VT 05059, USA

Phone: +18023595000

Opening hours

Sunday: 10AM–5PM

Monday: 10AM–5PM

Tuesday: 10AM–5PM

Wednesday: 10AM–5PM

Thursday: 10AM–5PM

Friday: 10AM–5PM

Saturday: 10AM–5PM

Reviews

Anthony Goff

Aug 9, 2022

Great experience! The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Their passion for conservation is evident. The park and facilities is well maintained. The canopy walk is what brough us to visit. It was well worth it! The view and ability to be in the tree tops was spectacular!

C. Marion

Aug 3, 2022

Awesome experience getting to see such a large variety of different birds. The tree-top walk was very fun as well as the view from the observation deck. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to walk all of the trails but we would definately go again.

Stephen Priest

Jun 1, 2022

I learned about this place from a AAA magazine a few years ago. It was on my list of places to visit. You can order tickets online. The raptor exhibits where you can view birds that are being rehabilitated was interesting. I've never seen or heard an eagle 🦅 actually call out before. Owls, falcons and buzzards are there as well. There are two live shows at 11 & 2. There is a dinosaur 🦖 exhibit. I'm not a believer that dinosaurs evolved into birds, but, I did appreciate the effort that was put into this exhibit. I walked all of the trails. There is a trail near the entrance that takes you through a field. Only one trail is handicapped ♿ accessible. The majority are easy to moderate, but, the ground has quite a few (I am Groot) roots and slopes. I would recommend a rugged stroller for the trails. Nice view of the river and you can hear a waterfall off in the distance. You have to go to a different park 🏞️ to see the waterfall. The main attraction is the elevated trail where you walk high up in the air amongst the trees on platforms! It is wheelchair accessible except for a tower that takes you even higher for incredible views! There are a few outlooks set up and one has a spider's web 🕸️ made of rope that you can actually climb and lay down on with the forest floor far below 👇 you. There are metal sculptures on this trail as well. The only wild bird I saw that wasn't part of the center I saw was a black woodpecker. Gift shop available. Only food for sale is prepackaged 🍦 ice-cream and cold drinks. Picnic tables if you want to bring lunch. Staff was friendly. There is a playground for the kids. I enjoyed myself and I recommend a visit! Bring binoculars, bug 🐛 repellent and water. Regular shoes 👟 will do unless you want to walk all of the trails. You may want to bring lunch as well if you arrive when they open.

Bradley Tatro

Feb 26, 2022

This is not a really big nature center or a zoo etc. This has birds who are mostly no longer able to survive in the wild and are well cared for. Here you can see and learn about birds etc that you may never see in the wild. The whole place is set up very well making it easy for visitors to explore without feeling cramped by others. There’s also a elevated walkway that overlooks some woods. Here you have a chance to see local animals and birds. We had a really good time and you’re helping support their efforts. A+

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Questions & Answers

Is there a discount for seniors?

Marcus WhiteElwood | Jul 8, 2022
VINS Nature Center | Jul 8, 2022

Yes! There is a dollar discount at $17.00 regular price is $18.00. Thank you for your inquiry.

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Is your facilities handicap excessable?

Jean Ross | Sep 7, 2019
Roy Minton | Sep 7, 2019

Yes

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Do you take injured birds ? There is a swallow or a chickadee in my yard with an injured wing. I believe a neighborhood cat got a hold of it. I’m guessing it will die if it can’t fly. Is it something I can take to VINS?

dylan atlas | Sep 7, 2018
Victoria Lanpher | Sep 7, 2018

Yes, they DEFINITELY DO TAKE all birds! I took a wren there and they helped it. ☺😍

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Are you able to take chicken donations? I might have some this fall.

A Google User | Jul 8, 2022
justbeforedawn July | Jul 8, 2022

You will have to call ahead of time and make sure that can be arranged

Does VINS take in hurt birds from NH

Nicole LaFrance | Jun 8, 2022
VINS Nature Center | Jun 8, 2022

Hi Nicole. Normally, yes, however our admittance of injured/orphaned birds has been changed due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (updated as of 5/9/22). Pelase see our website for updates: https://vinsweb.org/wild-bird-rehab/

Is there an admission price?

Carrie Gallardo | Oct 11, 2021
Bob Porter | Oct 11, 2021

Yes, worth every cent!

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I saw a bird this morning about the size of a Turkey the body was gray with a white head with baby chicks the bird was next to a road I live in Glover Vermont any ideas what this bird may be

greg bodette | Sep 6, 2021
Craig Allison | Sep 6, 2021

I'm pretty sure you are describing a wild turkey hen. They still have their young with them this time of year, at least in West Virginia. Do an image search on "wild turkey hen", but I am fairly certain you gave an excellent description of one! I have seen them with 4-11 young, out in the wild.

My kid is head over heals in love with Bald Eagles... do you all have one in residence?

moll Bro | Sep 6, 2020
John Jerome | Sep 6, 2021

Absolutely. Elmwood is the name of the bald eagle. She is truly majestic.

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are your hours still the same?

MrSparks57 | Sep 6, 2020
Joyanne Redington | Sep 6, 2020

I concur on 10-5 I was there 6/19/20

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How much does it cost to enter

jaylinne white | Sep 6, 2020
John McKinnon | Sep 6, 2020

Adults $16.50 Seniors/College Student $15.50 Youth (4-17) $14.50 3 and under - Free VINS Member - Free Educators/Veterans $2.00 discount

Do you have to pay extra to go on the new canopy walk at Vins

Heather Nantell | Sep 6, 2020
Heather Guy | Sep 6, 2020

No it's all inclusive

Are pets allowed?

Susan Tremblay | Sep 6, 2020
Barbara Higgins | Sep 6, 2020

No, only service dogs are allowed.

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Dose Vins close during the winter ? They open in December ?

Andrew Ruane | Sep 6, 2020
Janet Moses | Sep 6, 2020

Year round programs. But fall is always the best...

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Is the bin center open Columbus day

joseph sorrentino jr | Sep 6, 2020
John McKinnon | Sep 6, 2020

According to the website, I believe it is. And it looks like they have a few other things going on too.

WHo was the founder? SAlly McLaughlin?

Judy Sewell | Sep 7, 2019
Sophie Kenison | Sep 7, 2019

Their history lists David Laughlin, then Sally and a few others after some time. https://vinsweb.org/about/history/

Is this a good place to visit on a rainy day?

Judy McGraw | Sep 7, 2019
Beverly Ibey (Porsche's mom) | Sep 7, 2019

We went on a rainy day. We were offered an umbrella, which we turned down because we had raincoats. Exhibits are under cover, but as another person said, you have to walk a trail to get there.

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How much does it cost to enter?

Brittany Bennett | Sep 7, 2019
Tim | Sep 7, 2019

$16.50 for adults $14.50 for kids

How much dose it cost to get in

Jerry Maranville | Sep 7, 2019
Jerry Maranville | Sep 7, 2019

Thank you want to take the grand kids

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Should I report a dead owl.

Wendy Hollander | Sep 7, 2019
Whom it may Concern (Moose) | Sep 7, 2019

Yes

Cost to enter?

Lisa Musso | Sep 7, 2019
N B | Sep 7, 2019

https://vinsweb.org/visit/#admission

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Is it free to get in

Kadin Brodeu | Sep 7, 2019
Mark Grossarth | Sep 7, 2019

No, but it is worth it and helps support their mission.

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Was the Vins owl found?

John Zelig | Sep 7, 2018
Ryan The Wine Guy | Sep 7, 2018

I didn't know it was missing. Hopefully its alright.

Can you take a dog there with you?

meatman703703 | Sep 7, 2018
Charles Fields | Sep 7, 2018

I am not sure, if it's a special needs dog probably yes but a pet I'd say no. I'd call and ask.

How much is the entrance fee?

Carroll Humphrey | Sep 7, 2018
Tricia-Anne Conley | Sep 7, 2018

I believe it was $16 to $20 worth every penny! And more!

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I was wondering if there were any morning feedings of the raptors?

Tim Reardon | Sep 7, 2018
Ann Ely | Sep 7, 2018

I am not sure. We have only gone in the afternoon.

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How much walking is there? walking is very difficult for me.

16inchgunner USN | Sep 7, 2018
Mark Vernon | Sep 7, 2018

There is quite a bit of walking to see everything, but the pathways are built to be accessible if you need wheeled assistance.

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What is the time schedule for raptor experience?

Pat Dreisbach | Sep 7, 2018
Jeff Marshall | Sep 7, 2018

The schedules are on their website

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