Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth

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Address
1 Letchworth State Park
Castile, NY 14427
Latitude 42.592739
Longitude -78.034711

The Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park opened in June 2016 and offers year-round environmental education opportunities for school groups, scouts, youth organizations, and the general public. Programming at the center focuses on the main topics of interest around the park, including geology, wildlife and botany. The building is open Thursday - Monday 10:00AM - 5:00PM. The building is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays November 1 - April 30. Open daily 10:00AM - 5:00PM, May 1 - October 31.

The Humphrey Nature Center houses many interactive exhibits that especially highlight the plants and animals, geology and river ecology of Letchworth State Park. A video through the gorge during each of the four seasons plays on a loop on the face of a large reconstruction of the gorge wall. There is also large classroom/meeting space in the building.

Outside the Humphrey Nature Center you will find an outdoor classroom, butterfly garden, a bird observation station, and sustainable features such as solar panels and a cistern for collecting rainwater. There are trails that leave from the center that bring visitors to different points of interest such as Trout Pond, Inspiration Point Overlook and patches of old growth forest.

For more information about the Humphrey Nature Center, please give us a call at (585) 493-3680.

2025 Genesee Region Environmental Education Brochure

Hours of Operation

  • The building is open Daily 10:00AM - 5:00PM, May 1 - October 31.
    The building is open Thursday to Monday 10:00AM - 5:00PM, November 1 - April 28.
  • Thanksgiving Day--CLOSED
Mon 16 Jun
KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS: Fairies Everywhere
Monday, June 16, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth
(585) 493-3680

The Knee-High Naturalists program is designed to allow children ages 3-6 to explore the natural world. Themes change with each program, and activities include storybook reading, crafts, and a short nature walk. Space is limited, registration required by calling 585-493-3680. Meet at Humphrey Nature Center. (onsite)
Registration: Required
Mon 16 Jun
HOME ECOLOGIST: Caterpillar Gardening (Intermediate)
Monday, June 16, 2025 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth
Home Ecologists is an outing series designed for homeschool students. Learn more in-depth about caterpillar-host plant relationships and how to create a better habitat for butterflies at home. Meet at Humphrey Nature Center. (1 mile or less)
Wed 18 Jun
CANYON VIEWS: Hogsback to Mt. Morris
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 10:00 AM - 02:30 PM
Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth
For those who enjoy the demand of a longer hike, we will explore two of the park's longest trails as we hike along the three canyons of Letchworth State Park. Will carpool. Hike along the top of the Highbanks Canyon and view the Hogsback, Mt. Morris Dam, and Genesee River as it leaves the park's canyons, meandering its way to Lake Ontario. Meet at Highbanks Trailhead (#20) (42.739438, -77.882138). (4+ miles)
Thu 19 Jun
EXPLORE LETCHWORTH: Wolf Creek
Thursday, June 19, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth
A series of nature walks aimed to immerse participants into the diversity of habitats that can be found in Letchworth State Park. Explore Wolf Creek, an interesting tributary of the Genesee River. Meet at the Wolf Creek parking area. (2 miles)
Fri 20 Jun
CREPUSCULAR WALK: Fireflies by the River
Friday, June 20, 2025 08:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth
In a less familiar realm of sights and sounds, experience the changing colors and moods in the blending zone of daylight and "nightlight." Descend to the river to enjoy a dazzling display unlike any other in the natural world. Flashlight recommended. Meet at Lower St. Helena parking area. (2 miles)