The Nature Center at Moreau Lake features numerous wildlife mounts, pelts, skulls and other ephemora. Park staff lead numerous nature-based recreation programs for children and adults year-round, including hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on over 20 miles of trails.Education programs crafted especially for schools and clubs are also offered. Topics include winter survival, predator/prey relationships, beaver ecology, amphibians and much more.
Nature center staff are also available to bring programs to classrooms and other settings.The facility itself features an outside deck, universally accessible entrance and trail with interpretive signs. The conference room in the facility offers a projection screen, tv with video capability, and the capacity to accomodate larger groups.
Not permitted in building
Hours of Operation
- Memorial Day-Labor Day, seven days a week, 10am-4:00pm
The nature center is also open on request and as staffing allows throughout the year. -
Wiggly Wanderers
Friday, April 11, 2025 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This will be a beginner's hike/wander series with not too much distance for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. Strollers will not work for these programs. We meet at the nature center parking lot. This program is free and does not require registration.
Needle Felted and Psanky Easter Eggs
Saturday, April 12, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center
(518) 793-0511
How do you like your eggs: wool or wax painted? Join our nature center employees to learn about the Ukrainian tradition of psanky easter egg decorating- using wax to write designs onto eggs before dipping them in dye. This will be offered alongside an Easter egg needle felting craft. This program is free and geared toward ages 13+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
Hiking Challenge: Big Bend River Walk
Sunday, April 13, 2025 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center
(518) 793-0511
Join the monthly hiking challenge where we will explore the wide variety of trails at Moreau Lake State Park, if you make it to all the hikes you will get a prize! This month we will be doing Big Bend's River Walk which is approximately 5.7 miles with elevation gain/loss of 85 feet. The trails will be muddy so please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, and trekking poles if you need them. Bring a snack/lunch and plenty of water. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. This is a free hike and for ages 13+. We have a limit of 25 people, please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
World Aquatic Animal Day Celebration
Monday, April 14, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center
(518) 793-0511
Discuss and learn about the diverse aquatic animals of Moreau Lake! Focusing on their ecological roles and the challenges they face such as, invasive species, anthropogenic activities, and pollution. The hands-on activity will include water quality testing to help the students appreciate and understand how environmental factors affect aquatic life. This is free and geared toward ages 6+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
Full Moon Hike
Monday, April 14, 2025 07:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center
(518) 793-0511
Join a park educator on a beginner hike and if the clouds cooperate, we'll get to enjoy the splendor of the full "Pink Moon" rising above the mountains! This hike is free, is family friendly and well-behaved dogs on a 6 foot or shorter leash are welcome. This hike will not go the full 3.5 miles, we will be going closer to 2.5 miles on flat terrain. Wear the appropriate clothing for muddy conditions. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511 the earlier the better as this is a popular program and it fills up quickly.
Registration: Required