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. -
Bird Watching at Big Bend
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center
(518) 793-0511
Calling all beginner birders! Bring your binoculars if you have them and we will check out what birds are around this time of year at Big Bend. This will be a short start-and-stop hike. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend. This is free and geared toward ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
The Inside Scoop at Big Bend
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center
(518) 793-0511
Join an educator on a walk at Big Bend to talk about the technique of prescribed burns, why we are doing it, and what the future will look like for Big Bend. Prescribed burns are a critical tool in wildfire risk reduction and ecological management and are also being implemented to create a habitat for blue lupine, and subsequently, Karner blue butterflies. We will be taking a walk on the trails so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing and we may take some time to pull up some invasives! This is free and for ages 13+. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend together, please tell the toll booth operator that you are there for a program. You must register by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
Monarch Butterfly Needle Felting
Thursday, September 18, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center
(518) 793-0511
Join an educator at the nature center to learn how to needle felt a monarch butterfly! Monarchs are incredible insects that help pollinate our beautiful wildflowers. This is a free beginner program that is for ages 13+. We are limited to 10 people so reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
Wiggly Wanderers
Friday, September 19, 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 is 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, please tell the toll booth operator that you are there for a program.
