Rio Grande Nature Center State Park

Friendly, helpful staff. The indoor viewing area was a pleasant surprise. It provided a comfortable climate controlled spectacular view of the wildlife. There are also multiple outdoor viewing areas and lovely walking and biking paths. Just bring cash for entry and be prepared to spend more time than you think.

Had a 4th grade field trip for my daughter here. Super friendly staff, folks from Game and Fish were also there to teach the kids. They each got to release a silvery minnow into the Rio Grande River, so they thought it was awesome. The building and restrooms are nice, spacious, and clean. Good place for a hike along the Bosque, very peaceful and pretty.

Decent little nature area in the city when it’s not too hot, but be aware of the rules if you are bringing dogs. The pay area at the entrance tells you “pets in designated areas only,” but once we had paid and parked we found another sign forbidding pets in and around the nature center. To find the “designated area,” you have to actually exit the park and walk down the bike path to the south. They should really have a sign about this right at the pay station. They also increased the fee to $5 per vehicle.

We loved this place. For only a $3 admission fee you can visit the nature center, walk the trail and bird from inside or outside. The information they have available at the center is extensive. My favorite part is that they have glass windows that look out onto the lake and you can bird from the comfort of the indoors if you want to beat the heat or rain. While inside we saw several species of hummingbirds, egrets, ducks and some hawks (eBird list in photos).Outside we saw 2 American Roadrunners by the entrance and several swallows.

Beautiful, relaxing and serene location to de-stress and enjoy nature. Would recommend on a day off, an afternoon jog or even a lunch break from work.