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CITIZEN SCIENCE CENTER
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Explore Beaver Creek Reserve Hours and Fees
With more than 400 acres of diverse habitat including upland woods, river bottom forests, wetlands, and savannah areas, Beaver Creek Reserve is home to a multitude of flora, fauna, and wildlife. Our nature reserve is bordered by the Eau Claire River and two trout streams that run through the property.
Get map and directions to our nature reserve!
Daily Admission
*Price increase as of July 5, 2024
Members of Beaver Creek Reserve: FREE
University Students: FREE (with student ID)
Active Military and their families: FREE (please show ID)
Non-member(s):
-$8 admission for adults
-$5 fee for youth (15 years and under)
*Children under 2 years of age are FREE
Equipment rental
Winter Rentals
- Snowshoes
- Cross-Country Skis (poles, boots, and skis are included)
Summer Rentals
- Kayaks
- GPS units
- Telescope
Year-round Rentals
- Wonder Walk Backpacks
- Telescope
Group rates are available! Contact us for more information.
Please contact us for trail conditions and equipment rental availability before your visit!
Nature Center Hours
Monday - Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sundays: 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Starting December 13, 2021, the gate to the North campus (Hobb's Observatory, Main Lodge, Cabins, Citizen Science Center) will be locked after 4:00 p.m. and on weekends. If you plan to visit after hours, please park on the South campus by the Wise Nature Center and walk over through the tunnel under County Road K. Visitors that park on the North campus and leave their cars in the parking lot after 4:00 p.m. will be locked in. Please plan your visit accordingly.
Observatory Hours
Hobbs Observatory public telescope viewing is held on all other clear Saturdays from May through October. Observing starts about 30-45 minutes after sunset and continues for about two hours or until 11pm, whichever is earlier. This is weather dependent and may be canceled. Volunteers from the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society (CVAS) will be in the Observatory field pointing out constellations and offering views through telescopes. Observing will begin an hour after sunset and run for 2 hours.
Check out the CVAS website for more information and the updated schedule.
Butterfly House Hours
Open July 5- the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend
Mondays - Saturdays 11 am - 3 pm
Sundays - 12 - 3 pm
Reserve Policies
Dogs, horses, bicycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails. Beaver Creek is a nature reserve that does not allow hunting, trapping, and picking wildflowers. Fishing in streams is allowed; however, a valid Wisconsin fishing license and trout stamp are required. Parking and fires are permitted in designated areas only. Smoking is prohibited. Quiet time is enforced between 10 pm and 6:30 am. Adult supervisors are expected to deal with disruptions promptly.