7 Ponds Nature Center is the Perfect Nature Exploration Place
7 Ponds Nature Center is tucked away near the village of Dryden in Lapeer County, Michigan. The nature center has much to offer for all ages and abilities. You can choose indoor and outdoor activities, long or short walks, woods or prairies, and more.
Take a short drive south off Dryden Rd between M24 and M53 to 7 Ponds Nature Center and explore. They are focused on teaching others about the wonders of the natural world. You are sure to learn something new each time you do.
Inside the Interpretive Building
7 Ponds offers an Interpretive Building packed with things to do. The first thing you see when you enter is the welcome desk, where you sign in and pay a small fee for the day. The staff behind the desk are always friendly and helpful. They have extensive knowledge about the center inside and out and the natural world. They are happy to answer your questions.
Next to the welcome desk, you can browse through the Rookery Gift Shop. The Rookery has a wide variety of gifts for all ages. Among all these treasures, you will find locally made items and souvenirs to remember your trip and support the Nature Center and local artisans.
The Discovery Room at 7 Ponds Nature Center
Just beyond the gift shop is the Discovery Room. There are different areas within this intriguing room to captivate your senses. You will notice taxidermy animals all along the walls near the ceiling. It is certainly different to see the sizes and details first-hand and close-up. An alcove off of this room is packed full of over 150 bird specimens.
A 3D topographical map greets you as you enter the door, surrounded by small aquariums and other housing for native fish and animals. Reptiles, amphibians, and fish make up this Critter Corner.
Children and smaller, agile adults can see how beavers live in the full-sized beaver lodge replica. While most of us may be too large to fit in the beaver lodge, a Touch Table filled with dozens of objects from nature is beckoning you to indulge your childlike wonder and touch it all!
Comfortable Indoor Bird Watching
Finally, for those who enjoy the outdoors from an indoor perspective or desire to see the live birds of Michigan from a closer vantage point, you will find a row of comfortable armchairs lined up in front of a window with a view of the woods and birdfeeders. Speakers hung near the windows pick up the outside bird chatter so you can hear the birds while you watch them. It is truly a delight to enjoy the birds from this vantage point.
The Interpretive Building at 7 Ponds Nature Center also has clean, modern restrooms. The building and trails are all open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Heading out to 7 Ponds Nature Trails
Once you have registered and explored the inside, you are ready to hit the trails. There are five different areas with trails you can choose to explore. Those closest to the Interpretive Building are Paul’s Woods, North 80, and Earl’s Prarie.
Features on the Trails
You can explore features along the trails and around the parking area and building as part of your walk. Boardwalks and observation platforms are scattered around the trail. An A-frame bridge takes you over the ponds and into Paul’s Woods. You can explore several different specialty gardens, such as the herb garden, the butterfly garden, the demonstration garden, and the woodland wildflower area.
Check the Calendar for Things to do
There is so much more to see and do at 7 Ponds Nature Center. We highly encourage you to check out their website and calendar to see if there is something you can participate in when you visit. They have guided walks and projects going on all the time. Be sure to ask the staff any questions you may have. They are happy to share their knowledge, and you will learn something new. Happy Trails.
Finally, if you have worked up an appetite or just want to chase away a chill with something warm or the heat with something cool, head into downtown Metamora and grab some food or drinks at The White Horse Inn or the Metamora General Store. Both offer delicious food and drinks in a comfortable, unique atmosphere.