Now’s the time to visit the brand-new Wilson Center for Nature Discovery at Grandfather Mountain and enjoy a list of new programs and events perfect for all generations. The Linville, N.C., nature preserve, operated by the nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is known for its Mile High Swinging Bridge, animal habitats, 360-degree views and immersive programming meant to inspire exploration and conservation of the natural world.
With so many new offerings, now is the perfect time to visit for past visitors looking to experience something new and for first-time guests to see what wonders await them at Grandfather Mountain.
Here are five new experiences for families:
Get Hands-on in the NEW Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
Open to the public since late June, the Wilson Center nearly doubles the size of the original museum’s public space with 10,000 square feet of new education space, including state-of-the-art museum exhibits, three classrooms, an ADA-accessible theater (coming soon!) and expanded capacity for hosting events and programs. New exhibits include a 3D interactive map of the mountain, flora and fauna walls with field guide touch screens, a fun (for all ages) hands-on demonstration of wind speeds and other exhibits focusing on the mountain’s natural history and geology. (Check out the largest amethyst ever found in North America via spin-able turntable, and see minerals that glow in the Mineral Cavern!) Outside the center, guests will enjoy new learning spaces, including an amphitheater with terraced seating and a pavilion, as well as a new botanical garden.
A Beary Warm Welcome for Fanny May
Grandfather Mountain has welcomed a new member to its family of beloved animals in the Mildred the Bear Animal Habitats: Fanny May, a 5-year-old black bear with a big personality. Fanny May arrived in the spring of 2021 after the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission approached the nonprofit nature preserve about a bear that needed placement. Fanny has spent the last year getting acclimated to her new home and diet and showing a fun fascination for the toys and enrichments the habitat curators share with her. Fanny is slowly being introduced to guests and will be placed in the on-display habitats sporadically throughout the year.
New for the Smallest Naturalists
Grandfather’s revamped Junior Naturalist program has kicked off this summer with an updated activity book that invites children to explore the mountain, new wooden collectible badges and a seasonal e-newsletter for participants. Park Naturalists also offer an 11:30 a.m. Junior Naturalist activity (weekends in spring and fall and daily in the summer) geared toward 5- to 10-year-olds. “Random Acts of Science,” a new daily program this summer, is also great for kids and families and focuses on native plants and animals; using weather instruments to record data; and investigating minerals, skulls or other organisms under a microscope.
New Naturalist-led Programs + Events Coming Soon
With the opening of the Wilson Center, park naturalists and educators are adding to the schedule of daily programs included in park admission. In addition to “Random Acts of Science,” new for kids and families, “Ramble With a Naturalist” and “Naturalist Talk” are perfect for families and adults. “Ramble With a Naturalist” occurs daily at 2 p.m. and includes a short stroll with a naturalist for seasonal topics such as wildflowers, weather, pollinators, butterflies, fall color and more. The “Naturalist Talk” program (beginning this fall) will be daily at 3 p.m. and focuses on topics like rare plant and animal species, conservation efforts on the mountain and the history of the area.
Junior Naturalist Day takes place September 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be full of programing specifically for children ages 5-12.
Grandfather Mountain celebrates the 52nd Annual Girl Scout Day September 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with fun-filled learning adventures. All Girls Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership, and family members will receive discounted admission.
Beat-the-Heat BONUS
In addition to the slew of new offerings perfect for a last-minute summer trip, Grandfather Mountain is literally one of the “coolest” places around. Sweltering in a heatwave in your hometown? The highest temperature ever recorded on the mountain is 83.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Grandfather is always an enjoyable 10-20 degrees cooler than the surrounding foothills. Plan a trip and book your visit online.