Woodlands Nature Station

Woodlands Nature Station
at Land Between the Lakes

Get up close and personal with the natural world at our environmental education attraction, Woodlands Nature Station. Nestled in the woods between Honker and Hematite Lakes, the Nature Station serves as a gateway to the 8,500-acre Nature Watch Area. The friendly staff also serves as our “go to” specialists for wildlife viewing throughout Land Between the Lakes.

Hours:

Contact:

Admission:

Go Native with Nature!

Gaze into the eyes of a great horned owl, howl with a coyote, or watch for the elusive red wolf in our Backyard Exhibit Area. Then, explore with us during one of our many guided programs. Little ones will love special days such as Cool Critters Day, story time programs, and up-close animal encounters. Adults can take part in programs on wildlife, gardening, and nature photography. Secretly, our adult visitors delight in our children’s programs — even ones without kids. Our naturalists make learning fun!

Take a Walk on the Wildlife Side

Our naturalists offer fun and educational programs to help you discover our native animals, wildlife habitats, native plants and gardens, and conservation efforts. Check out our calendar of events on this page, or call us to find out which animals, insects, plants, or habitat we will feature the day of your visit: 270-924-2299.

Staff and Guest Guided Tours

  • Eagle Cruises and Van Tours | December-February
  • Summer Outreach Programs | May-August
  • Sunset Canoe Trips | May-September 
  • Kayak Tours |  May-October
  • Photo Tours | Throughout the year
  • Trail and Nature Watch Intros | Throughout the year
  • Outreach Programs | Year-round
  • Birthday Parties | Year-round
  • Please note that the Nature Station will no longer be renting canoes and kayaks. Guided canoe and kayak programs at the Nature Station will continue. Kayak and canoe rentals are available seasonally (weather dependent) at Energy Lake Campground.

Bring the Nature Station to You

Did you know that you can bring the Woodlands Nature Station to your site with educational outreach programs? Live animals, natural history, event booths, and more! Programs feature rescued, native wildlife and can be offered in-person or virtual. Naturalists can travel up to 80 miles. Prices start at $195. Learn more.

Volunteer with the Nature Station

The Forest Service partners with Friends of Land Between the Lakes to bring you the interpretive programs, wildlife care, and trained naturalists at the Nature Station. The Nature Station Gift Shop supports these efforts. To volunteer, call 270-924-2007. To find out more about our Friends Group and other volunteer opportunities, visit the Friends of Land Between the Lakes site.

Special Events 2023

June 3 | 6-8:30pm – Sunset Kayak Trip  – $25 per kayak
Registration required, call 270-924-2020
June 10 | National Get Outdoors Day, Free Admission to Nature Station and Homeplace
June 15 | Homeschool Spring Learning Series: Slimy Symphony – $3 per person
Registration required, call 270-924-2020
June 21 | 2-3pm – Homeschool Webinar: Alligator Snapping Turtles 
Online Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AKeHBXzeSB61Wg6aete0vw
June 24-25 | 10am -4pm – Butterfly Weekend
July 1 | 6-8:30pm – Sunset Canoe Trip  – $30 per canoe
Registration required, call 270-924-2020
July 2 | 6-8:30pm – Sunset Kayak Trip  – $25 per kayak, $20 if you bring your own
Registration required, call 270-924-2020
July 4 | Woodlands Nature Station will have extended hours, 10am-7pm. Last ticket sold at 6:30pm 
July 15 | 10am-4pm – Cool Critter Day
July 19 | Homeschool Webinar: Ask a Naturalist (Career Discovery) 
Online Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wJtb5kSDTWK6SRUcECpdYw
July 2 | 6-8:30pm – Sunset Kayak Trip  – $25 per kayak, $20 if you bring your own
Registration required, call 270-924-2020
July 30 | Public Webinar: The Beauty of Hummingbirds 
Online Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84750090420?pwd=c1N1Z3NFTGEwWlU0ZVhna25iVnp4UT09

Nature Station Calendar of Events