I'm interested in the world and how things work so I pay attention, take notes and read lots of books. That's why they call me the Professor. Do you have a question for me?

The Center is open seven days a week from 10:00am – 5:00pm.  We close on the following days: New Years Day (Jan. 1), Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday (third Monday in January), two days for Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday), and two days for Christmas (Dec 24 & 25).

Our animal displays, educational programs, and quiet mountain atmosphere is relished by all ages.  The facility is approximately 70 years old and reflects both the antiquity of the past and the new age feel of the today’s technology.  With a mature forest canopy providing shelter from the noon day heat, guests can picnic on the grounds at their leisure.  Our handicapped accessible features allow all visitors to enjoy the day learning about our Appalachian wildlife.

We anticipate having a food center in the future, but as for now, we do not have food service at the Nature Center.  There are, however, several locations within a 10–minute drive from the center (fast food, fine dining, pizza places, etc.).  To go out and eat and reenter the center, all you have to do is check in with the front desk as you depart and tell them of your intentions of returning that day at no additional admissions fee.

For those living inside the city of Asheville with a valid “Asheville” drivers license, the fee is $5.00 for adults (16-64 years), $4.00 for seniors (65+ years), and $3.00 per child (ages 3-15 years).

For those living outside of Asheville, the fee is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors, and $3.00 for adults.  All children ages 2 and under are admitted free.

Please leave all pets at home unless it is a Service Animal (please present your Service Animal Registration document).  We have several species of wildlife that could be affected by pathogens brought in from outside animals or your pet may be susceptible to pathogens from our animals. Animals left unattended in a vehicle in the heat of warm weather shall be reported to the police, so PLEASE leave your pet(s) at home. Either way, we hope to minimize contact between wildlife and domestic animals for the safety of all concerned.

Please do make a reservation for any group.  A group consists of 10 or more paying individuals. Our discount for groups is 50-cents off admission for each adult in the group.  Contact the education department to make your reservation at (828) 298-5600, ext 304.

You can submit questions to Professor Hoot by filling out the form on this page. Remember, Professor Hoot only answers questions about the Nature Center policies. If you have questions about the animals, send them to Ollie Otter.