River Bend Nature Center

Bryant Edwards Learning Center – Exhibit Hall

The Bryant Edwards Learning Center’s Exhibit Hall is home to a fascinating array of live exhibits, showcasing creatures from amphibians to arachnids, over 100 rescued non-releasable live exhibits, a mini insect zoo, and a preserved insect collection. Dive into our rock and fossil collection, explore planted aquariums with turtles and fish, and get up close with digital microscopes. With arts and crafts, hands-on STEM activities, and ever-changing seasonal displays, there’s always something new to discover!

Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a one-of-a-kind, climate-controlled, 7,000 sq. ft. indoor nature lab. This newly renovated space now offers an even more dynamic and engaging experience, combining native plant and animal exhibits with a wide range of hands-on activities. Visitors can explore interactive features such as water tables, a magnetic ball wall, a hyperbolic funnel, an earthquake table, a fishing game, and a real dinosaur fossil exhibit, all designed to bring science and nature concepts to life. The Conservatory also showcases rescued non-releasable wildlife, including prairie dogs, ornate box turtles, rabbits, aquatic turtles, and fish, along with an indoor pond and hydroponics display. Peyton’s Place, a seasonal butterfly exhibit open from March through October, and “A Deeper Look” Journey Into a Texas Pond art installation remain central features. With updated animal enclosures, new plantings, and refreshed interpretive spaces, the Conservatory provides an immersive, ever-changing environment where visitors of all ages can explore, learn, and connect with nature.

Peyton’s Place- Seasonal Exhibit

Come out and see RBNC’s butterfly enclosure from March through October! Peyton’s Place is filled with flowering plants and hundreds of gorgeous, living butterflies. These beautiful, delicate creatures will delight you as they flutter through the vegetation, stop to sip nectar, and occasionally land on lucky visitors.

Peyton’s Place is a seasonal exhibition that runs from March through October. We allow the conservatory to go through dormancy in the winter to keep our plants healthy, however, these low temps are not butterfly-friendly.

United Children’s Garden

The Children’s Garden is teeming with life and adventure. Walk down the winding path to discover a pond teeming with life, beautiful flowers, and fluttering butterflies. Explore the outdoor nature play area featuring a mud kitchen, playhouse, and a covered dinosaur dig with replica fossils and loose bones. Enjoy the vibrant raised bed and flower gardens, making this a perfect spot for a day in nature!

Nature Trails and Wetlands

RBNC has over 18 acres of bottomland forest and wetlands, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Explore the paved and wildside trails and keep an eye out for native birds like cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, mockingbirds, robins, wrens, and red-winged blackbirds. You might also spot families of skunks, grey foxes, raccoons, opossums, and more! Along the way, you’ll find educational signs, nature play areas, and picnic tables, as well as our beautiful ceremony site. Come and immerse yourself in this diverse and vibrant bottomland forest!

Nature Play Area

River Bend Nature Center’s brand-new Nature Play Area, nestled along the Bottomland Forest Trail, invites children and families to explore, imagine, and connect with nature like never before! Designed to inspire outdoor adventure, this hands-on space features natural elements for climbing, balancing, and creative play, all set within the beauty of the forest. Whether building forts, hopping logs, or discovering hidden wonders, visitors of all ages can experience the joy of unstructured play while fostering a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors. Come explore and let nature be your playground!

Rotary North Library

The library offers a wealth of resources, including field guides, children’s stories, and computers. It also features hands-on activities and a planted aquarium, making it a vibrant space for learning and exploration. Additionally, it’s a secluded, quiet spot to relax after a walk on the trail.

Nature Gift Shop

Discover the perfect gift at our competitively priced Nature Gift Shop! Specializing in nature-themed and eco-friendly products for all ages, our shop offers a wide variety of unique items. From educational toys and books for children to beautiful home decor, jewelry, and apparel for adults, every product is carefully selected to reflect a love for nature and a commitment to sustainability. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful present or a keepsake to remember your visit, our Nature Gift Shop has something for everyone, all while promoting a greener, more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Elizabeth Prothro Pavilion and J. S. Bridwell Terrace

The Elizabeth Prothro Pavilion, a spacious 7,000 sq.ft. outdoor covered area offers breathtaking views overlooking 15 acres of wooded forest. Adjacent to it, the J.S. Bridwell Terrace features an uncovered space adorned with native vegetation. Both areas provide serene settings ideal for relaxation and enjoying a pleasant picnic. Additionally, these spots are available for rentals, making them perfect for hosting events amidst natural beauty.

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