Attractions
Bryant Edwards Learning Center – Exhibit Hall
The exhibit hall contains numerous live exhibits, from amphibians to arachnids there is plenty to see and observe! Seasonal exhibits ensure that there’s always something new to discover at RBNC!
Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
The Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art, 7,000 sq. ft. glass structure. It is stocked with native butterflies and landscaped with prairie grasses, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers of the Rolling Plains. Visitors can find many engaging activities in this indoor nature lab. There are over 100 native plant species and displays of area wildlife including prairie dogs, ornate box turtles, Bob White Quail, and much more! Visitors can even observe native aquatic life in an indoor pond! Natural plant cycles unfold throughout the conservatory throughout the year.
Peyton’s Place- Seasonal Exhibit*
Come out and see RBNC’s butterfly enclosure 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. The butterflies will return next March!
Nature Trails and Wetlands
RBNC has over 15 acres of bottomland forest and wetlands. Come on out and see if you can spot native birds such as cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, mockingbirds, robins, wrens, and red-winged blackbirds. We also have families of skunks, grey fox, raccoons, opossums, and so much more!
Rotary North Library
The library contains many resources, including field guides, children’s stories, and computers.
Nature Gift Shop
Your source for nature-themed and eco-friendly gifts for all ages! Shop online at https://river-bend-nature-center.square.site/s/shop.
Elizabeth Prothro Pavilion and J. S. Bridwell Terrace
The Elizabeth Prothro Pavilion is a 7,000 sq.ft. outdoor covered area overlooking 15 acres of wooded forest. The J.S. Bridwell Terrace is an uncovered area that’s planted with native vegetation, both are great places to relax and enjoy a nice picnic!
United Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden is teeming with life, take a walk down the winding path and discover a waterfall and pond, flowers, butterflies, dig for dinosaur bones and more!