The Hocking College Nature Center, formerly the Hocking Woods Nature Center, is pleased to invite you to our new and improved facility! Hocking College has been proud to host a nature center on its campus since 1985. After occupying our last facility for 34 years, we have grown and relocated to provide the best possible experience for you through the collaboration of multiple programs in the Hocking College School of Natural Resources!
Designed to serve as a learning lab for students of the Hocking College School of Natural Resource, the Hocking College Nature Center was planned and built almost entirely by the Hocking College students whom the facility is meant to serve. The facility offers students the opportunity for hands-on training and experience learning about and caring for native species, presenting to the public, and additionally provides a space for natural resource classes to be held.
For the public, the Hocking College Nature Center provides a host of interpretive and educational programs, presented by Hocking College Parks and Museum Education and Wildlife Resource Management students. These programs include activities ranging from guided nature hikes to animal encounters where you can come face to face with some of our native Ohio species, including native reptiles, mammals, raptors, and native fish displayed for you in our 645-gallon aquarium, donated and maintained by Hocking College’s Fish Management & Aquaculture program. Interested in local geology or watersheds? Check out our augmented reality sand table and geology corner. Looking for something to do as a family? Participate in one of our nature craft programs where children and adults alike can create art from natural materials. We have something for everyone to enjoy!
Outside of the Hocking College Nature Center the Hocking College campus also boasts hiking trails, a 13 hole disc golf course, convenient access to the Hockhocking-Adena Bikeway, and Robbins Crossing Historical Village. Used as a learning lab for the Parks & Museum Education program, Robbins Crossing Historical Village contains 6 historic cabins relocated from the nearby area to be preserved and used as an educational tool.
Nature Center Office Phone*: (740) 753-6080
*The Nature Center Office Phone is only monitored during open hours. If calling outside of open hours, please call the Alternative Contact number.
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday:
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Conveniently located just a mile off of U.S. Rte 33 on the Hocking College Campus, the Hocking College Nature Center is just 30 minutes from Hocking Hills State Park. 3301 Hocking Pkwy, Nelsonville, OH 45764