If you’re looking for an activity that’s sure to please all the nature lovers in your family, look no further than VINS Nature Center. VINS, short for Vermont Institute of Natural Science, is a nonprofit organization. Its focus is on environmental education, research, and avian rehabilitation. Their headquarters, the VINS Nature Center, is located about 40-minutes away from Killington, Vermont in the town of Quechee. Whether you’re a passionate bird lover or looking for some beautiful hiking trails you need to check out the VINS Nature Center.
For more museums and exhibits like the VINS Nature Center near Killington, download our free vacation guide. In it, you’ll see suggestions for other museums that will teach you all about Vermont’s history. You’ll also find the best hiking trails in the area where you can put your new knowledge of Vermont wildlife to the test. Everything featured inside is located near GetAway Vacation’s beautiful rental homes!
See the Birds at VINS Nature Center
VINS Nature Center is home to all types of birds, from big raptors to the smallest songbirds. During your tour, you can watch the trainers and caretakers interact with the Center’s most famous residents.
Check the Feed Time & Tour Schedule before your visit to make sure you don’t miss an opportunity to observe and ask questions to the trainers. Their live raptor show, Raptors Up Close, is definitely not to be missed. You’ll have the chance to gather behind-the-scenes knowledge of how VINS cares for their flock as well as get a closer look at the raptors.
You can also visit their songbird aviary, which houses the songbirds that have been treated by VINS staff but are unable to be re-released. The Rehab in Action exhibit highlights the amount of work that goes into caring for these birds. It allows visitors to take a peek into the exciting world of rehabilitation. Observe the process through the viewing window at the on-site Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation.
Walk the Trails
When you’re ready to explore the land around the center, the VINS Nature Center has maps available to visitors. There are three different trails, with the newest, McKnight Trail, suitable for visitors in wheelchairs or with strollers. The other two trails take hikers along the Ottauquechee River, offering a beautiful view of Dewey’s Pond. While on your hike, try to solve the VINS Nature Quest or complete the Raptor Scavenger Hunt. If you’d like to venture further out in the Quechee State Forest, you can combine your walk at VINS with a hike to the Quechee Gorge.
Return to Your GetAway Vacations Rental Home
After a busy day of exploring and learning at VINS Nature Center, return to your private vacation rental in Killington, VT. For your convenience, our Hakuna Matata is closest to VINS Nature Center as well as the Quechee State Forest. We even offer a number of vacation specials and packages to enhance your stay. We look forward to having you!
