Woodlands Nature Station

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Woodlands Nature Station The Woodlands Nature Station is your connection to the wild plants and animals of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area!

Visit to see native rescued wildlife, walk in the native gardens, and chat with expert naturalists. Nestled in the woods between Hematite and Honker Lakes, the Woodlands Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes serves as the gateway to an 6,800-acre wildlife refuge in the National Recreation Area known as the Nature Watch area. This area is known for some of the best wildlife viewing in LBL and contains 5 scenic hiking trails to explore! Nature Station also offers naturalist-guided canoe and kayak trips between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Nature Station’s Interpretive Naturalists serve as LBL’s go to specialists for wildlife in LBL, covering topics such as native gardening, conservation, and the local flora and fauna. The facility also houses 50+ native rescued animal species such as endangered red wolves, a bobcat, and birds of prey in their “forever homes” providing these injured or orphaned animals a second chance at life and becoming an ambassador for their species. The Nature Station is one of the main environmental education facilities within Land Between the Lakes. Gaze into the eyes of a great horned owl, howl with a coyote, or watch the elusive endangered red wolf in our backyard exhibit area as you walk through our native plant gardens as hummingbirds buzz around your head. Then, explore as adults and kids alike take part in naturalist-led programs with up-close animal encounters, story time, canoe and kayak trips, hikes, and more! Our naturalists make learning fun!

In November, the Woodlands Nature Station is open Wed-Sun, 10am - 5pm. We are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our last o...
11/01/2026

In November, the Woodlands Nature Station is open Wed-Sun, 10am - 5pm. We are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our last open day of the season will be November 29!

Although we close to the public in the winter (Dec.-Feb.), we remain open for private group programs, birthday parties, and outreaches. Reach out to us at 270-924-2020 to book a group program.

11/01/2026

Wildlife Refuges in LBL will be closed November 1, 2026 through March 15, 2027. Refuge closures provide undisturbed resting and feeding areas for waterfowl, shorebirds, and eagles. Staff asks for public cooperation with refuge regulations designed to provide needed sanctuary. Signs are posted in these areas.
Included are:
-Portions of Duncan Bay, Smith Bay, and Rushing Bay on Kentucky Lake
-Fulton Bay and Honker Bay on Lake Barkley
-Western one-third of Energy Lake
-All of Energy Lake and Bards Lake are closed to hunting; eastern two-thirds of Energy Lake and all of Bards Lake remain open to fishing.
-Duncan Lake
-Long Creek Refuge at the back of Elbow Bay
-Hematite Lake and Honker Lake closed to fishing and boating; trails open

www.landbetweenthelakes.us/alerts

Happy Halloween! Our resident animals got to enjoy some pumpkin enrichment today 🎃 Pictured here is Violet Opossum and B...
10/31/2026

Happy Halloween! Our resident animals got to enjoy some pumpkin enrichment today 🎃 Pictured here is Violet Opossum and Barkley Bobcat.

Next Saturday, November 7, is Cub Scout Day: Outdoor Skills at the Woodlands Nature Station! Cub Scouts of all levels ca...
10/31/2026

Next Saturday, November 7, is Cub Scout Day: Outdoor Skills at the Woodlands Nature Station! Cub Scouts of all levels can complete the requirements for an adventure through hands-on activities led by naturalists and volunteers.

Event is from 10am - 3pm. We recommend a 2-3 hour visit in order to complete all the activities. All event activities are included in regular admission, which is $7 for ages 16+ and free for ages 15 and under.

Celebrate Halloween with us this Saturday! We have spooky programs happening throughout the day 🕷☠🎃Saturday, Oct. 3111:3...
10/29/2026

Celebrate Halloween with us this Saturday! We have spooky programs happening throughout the day 🕷☠🎃

Saturday, Oct. 31
11:30 Spidey Senses
1:30 Skins and Skulls
3:30 Jack-o-lantern Jamboree

There is still some space available in the 1:00pm sessions for our Fall Homeschool Learning Series, happening here at th...
10/29/2026

There is still some space available in the 1:00pm sessions for our Fall Homeschool Learning Series, happening here at the Woodlands Nature Station on Mondays in November!

Sign your homeschoolers up for one or more sessions today by calling 270-924-2020.

It's an exciting day here at the Nature Station: Turtle Sinking Day! Our snapping turtles live year-round in an outdoor ...
10/26/2026

It's an exciting day here at the Nature Station: Turtle Sinking Day! Our snapping turtles live year-round in an outdoor pond. In October, we remove the false wooden bottom in the pond, allowing the turtles to hang out in the deepest water as they go dormant for the winter. Thus, we call this "turtle sinking day"

In the Land Between the Lakes area, all turtles go through brumation (the reptile version of hibernation) in the winter. We won't see the turtles much from now until March as they brumate, so help us wish the turtles a happy brumation!

Photos show Bob (being weighed) and Bindi, both alligator snapping turtles.

Come out to the Woodlands Nature Station this Saturday for some spooky season programming! 🦉🦇🧟‍♂️Saturday, October 24th1...
10/22/2026

Come out to the Woodlands Nature Station this Saturday for some spooky season programming! 🦉🦇🧟‍♂️

Saturday, October 24th
11:30 Hootenanny
1:30 Bat Attitudes
3:30 Nature's Monster Mash

Announcing a new offering at the Woodlands Nature Station: Behind the Scenes tours! Join one of our naturalists for a 90...
10/20/2026

Announcing a new offering at the Woodlands Nature Station: Behind the Scenes tours! Join one of our naturalists for a 90 minute private tour exploring the workings of the Nature Station. Learn more about how we care for our animals, meet behind-the-scenes animal ambassadors, and see our animals receive fun enrichment items. Let us know what you are interested in and we can tailor the tour to your interests!

These tours are offered at 9am on the day of your booking. A tour is $100 for 4 guests, plus $25 for each additional person. Tours must be booked at least 3 days in advance, and are offered year-round. Call 270-924-2020 for more information or to book a tour.

Our local red-headed woodpeckers have been talking up a storm recently! A family of them lives in the trees above the Na...
10/16/2026

Our local red-headed woodpeckers have been talking up a storm recently! A family of them lives in the trees above the Nature Station, and can often be heard arguing with each other in the afternoons.

Red-headed woodpeckers are a year-round resident in the Land Between the Lakes area, but may be more easy to see as leaves fall off the trees. They can be easily recognized by their solid red head and large patches of black and white on their back.
Have you seen this striking woodpecker around your home?

Photo taken in LBL by iNaturalist user gwpiel

Address

3146 Silver Trail Road
Cadiz, KY
42211

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+12709242299

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