Carrie Murray Nature Center - bridge in conservation area
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Carrie Murray Nature Center

4.7
·135 reviews·Baltimore, United States

Discover local wildlife and explore nature trails at this charming Baltimore nature center and park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more animal viewing

CrowdLow
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Carrie Murray Nature Center - bridge in conservation area

Carrie Murray Nature Center

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more animal viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover local wildlife and explore nature trails at this charming Baltimore nature center and park.

4.7
(135 reviews)

"Blown away at this hidden gem! Great place to play, learn, and explore with kids."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Confirm Hours Before You Go

Nature center hours are limited; check their schedule online or call ahead to ensure access.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails can be hilly and sometimes overgrown. Good footwear is essential for exploring Leakin Park.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Animal Encounters

Animal Encounters

Aviary

See resident red-tailed hawks, a turkey vulture, and an owl up close. A unique chance to observe local wildlife.

Reddit
Leakin Park Trails

Leakin Park Trails

Various trailheads

Explore miles of wooded paths, including the wetlands trail. Great for hiking and connecting with nature.

Reddit
Educational Programs

Educational Programs

Nature Center Building

Engage in story times, nature walks, and workshops for all ages. Fun and informative outdoor learning.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Check Operating Hours

The Carrie Murray Nature Center has limited hours, often closing by 3 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. Confirm their schedule before your visit to avoid disappointment, especially if you plan to see the animals or use indoor facilities. Instagram

Trail Maps & Accessibility

While Leakin Park offers many trails, maps aren't always readily available at the nature center. If mobility is a concern, note that some trails can be challenging, but the nature center itself is accessible and offers indoor space for breaks. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday mornings
Why
Family-friendly events
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening Bat Walks
Why
Unique nocturnal wildlife
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Don’t worry, the building isn’t actually on fire, but if it was…#wedontactuallyrunwithouranimals #kansas #Outdoors #naturecenter #fieldguides #volunteer #water #conservation #education #environment #naturalist
@gpnc
74.3K likes • 785.3K views

🎯 Confirm Hours Before You Go

Nature center hours are limited; check their schedule online or call ahead to ensure access. InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails can be hilly and sometimes overgrown. Good footwear is essential for exploring Leakin Park. Reddit

Hey Agents! Let’s explore Gwynn’s Falls, Leakin Park, Carrie Murray Nature Center and Middle Branch Trail! We can learn all about the local wildlife in our Baltimore area! The Nature Center is open from 1pm to 3pm M-F, and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays. #dmvexplorer
agentsofdiscovery
2 likes • 186 views
Mushroom City Art Festival, year 10, is next Saturday, October 1, 2-7pm at the Carrie Murray Nature Center. As always, this is a FREE event! Parking on site, consider carpooling. To minimize waste at the event BYOEverything: cup/plate/utensil. #MushroomCity #MushroomCityArtFestival #Baltimore #ZeroWaste #mycofiles #woodwideweb #community
mushroomcityartfest
50 likes • 1.2K views

🗺️ Grab a Trail Map

Ask for a trail map at the center if available, or be prepared for an exploratory hike. Reddit

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

While there's an indoor space for lunch, bring your own provisions for longer hikes. Reddit

☺️ It’s always a fun time seeing the animals at the Carrie Murray Nature Center! 🐢 Be sure to stop by and visit in person. 👏 🌱Here are some of the nature center’s upcoming events: - 9/29 | Mother Nature Story Time, 10:00-10:45AM - 9/30 | Family Nature Walk, 11:00AM-12:00PM - 10/4 | Evening Bat Walk, 6:00-7:30PM To register or view more events, click the link in our bio!
recnparks
49 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Confirm Hours Before You Go

Nature center hours are limited; check their schedule online or call ahead to ensure access. InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails can be hilly and sometimes overgrown. Good footwear is essential for exploring Leakin Park. Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Trail Map

Ask for a trail map at the center if available, or be prepared for an exploratory hike. Reddit

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

While there's an indoor space for lunch, bring your own provisions for longer hikes. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

Great photo opportunities with animals and scenic park views. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(135 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise Carrie Murray Nature Center as a hidden gem, highlighting its value for family outings and nature exploration. While the limited hours and occasional lack of clear trail maps are noted drawbacks, the opportunity to see local wildlife and enjoy the park's natural beauty makes it a worthwhile visit for many. Reddit

"Came with a local mom group to this previously unheard of nature center, and was blown away at this hidden gem! Great place to play, learn, and explore with kids."

Liesl Salamon

"My family and I had a great time. My mother used a walker so it is sometimes tough to do outdoor park activities. We were able to use the wheelchair to the nature center and have a short walk to see the birds. She had a lot of fun. They have a nice room with AC and we were able to eat lunch there after our mini hike."

Fatima Black

"The nature center was not open when we went. It is currently open very limited hours. We knew there were trails here, but there was no map anywhere that we saw, so we just walked around until we found a trail. It would have been nice to know how long it was, or if it looped before we started. We hiked the wetlands trail. It was a good hike, probably about 1 1/2 miles to the end and back, with lots of hills. It was a pretty clear path, though in a few spots, the thorny brush needs to be cut back. Overall, it was a pretty hike through the woods. I am curious to find additional trails the next time we go. I would like to get there when the nature center is open to see if there is a map. There is a small aviary behind 2 fences. There is a turkey vulture, 2 red tailed hawks, and an owl. It was a little hard to see the birds through the fences. In all, it is a good place to hike. I will return and explore more. It did appear that there was an outhouse in front of the nature center, but there were no indoor facilities since inside was closed."

Deborah Montgomery

What People Like

Hidden gem discovery
Great for kids
Animal encounters

What People Dislike

Limited hours
Trail map availability

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Carrie Murray Nature Center is located within Leakin Park in Baltimore. Driving is the most common way to access it. Parking is available on-site. Instagram

While public transport options might exist to get near Leakin Park, direct routes to the nature center itself can be limited. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

There is on-site parking available at the Carrie Murray Nature Center. For larger events like the Mushroom City Art Festival, carpooling is recommended due to potential demand. Instagram

Yes, the nature center building is accessible, and there are paved paths for short walks to see the animals. Some of the park's natural trails may be more challenging. Reddit

Yes, there are restrooms available, including an outhouse near the nature center. Indoor facilities are accessible when the center is open. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Carrie Murray Nature Center and Leakin Park is generally free. Special events might have separate registration or fees. Instagram

The nature center typically operates from 1 PM to 3 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays. It's crucial to verify these hours before visiting as they can vary. Instagram

Leakin Park itself is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. The nature center also offers free admission. Instagram

The animals in the aviary are visible from the outside, but access to the indoor exhibits and educational spaces is limited to operating hours. Reddit

Event registration details are often provided in social media posts or on the Baltimore City Recreation & Parks website. Look for links in their announcements. Instagram+1

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can see resident animals including red-tailed hawks, a turkey vulture, and an owl in the aviary. Reddit

Leakin Park features various trails, including the wetlands trail, which offers a scenic hike through wooded areas with some hills. Reddit

Yes, the nature center often hosts guided family nature walks and other educational programs. Check their schedule for upcoming events. Instagram+1

Yes, the nature center has a room with AC that can serve as an indoor space for children, and it's a good spot for lunch breaks. Reddit

The Mushroom City Art Festival is a free, annual community event held at the nature center, focusing on art, community, and zero-waste principles. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The aviary offers unique opportunities to photograph the resident birds. The park's natural landscapes and trails also provide scenic backdrops. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos of the animals, but be mindful of their space and avoid disturbing them. Some visitors note it can be a bit hard to see them through the fences. Reddit

While not a primary focus, events like Earth Day celebrations sometimes include custom Polaroid moments, offering a fun way to capture memories. Instagram

Lighting will vary depending on the time of day and weather. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer, more flattering light in the park. Instagram

Regulations regarding drone usage in parks can vary. It's best to check with Baltimore City Recreation & Parks for specific rules before flying a drone. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Carrie Murray Nature Center is a fantastic destination for families. Kids will love seeing the resident animals, especially the hawks and owl, and the nature center building offers an indoor space for breaks or lunch. Reddit The park's trails, like the wetlands trail, provide opportunities for short, engaging hikes, though parents should be mindful of the terrain and potential overgrowth. Reddit Look out for special family-friendly events like story times and nature walks, which are designed to be both fun and educational for younger visitors. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts

Leakin Park, surrounding the nature center, offers a network of trails perfect for a nature escape. The wetlands trail is a popular choice for a moderate hike, providing scenic views and a chance to experience local flora and fauna. Reddit While trail maps can be scarce, the adventure of exploring the park's wooded areas is part of the appeal. Reddit Bring sturdy hiking shoes, as some paths can be uneven and may require navigating through brush. Reddit

📚 Educators & School Groups

The nature center is an ideal spot for field trips focused on environmental education and survival knowledge, as suggested by local teachers. [^R] The hands-on experience with local wildlife and the opportunity to explore natural habitats make it a valuable learning environment. TikTokReddit Programs like guided walks and animal observations can supplement classroom learning, providing students with real-world connections to ecological concepts. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Leakin Park's Trails

Leakin Park is a vast urban oasis offering a network of trails for hikers of all levels. The wetlands trail is a popular choice, providing a roughly 1.5-mile round trip through wooded terrain. Be prepared for some hills and be aware that thorny brush may encroach on the path in certain sections, requiring careful navigation. Reddit While trail maps aren't always consistently available at the nature center, exploring these paths offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and discover the park's diverse flora and fauna. Reddit

For those seeking a more structured experience, the nature center sometimes hosts guided family nature walks. These walks are excellent for learning about the local ecosystem and identifying plants and animals with knowledgeable guides. Instagram Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as some trails can be uneven and muddy after rain. Reddit

Beyond the main trails, Leakin Park is a great place for birdwatching and simply enjoying the tranquility of a natural setting within the city. The park's size means there's always something new to discover on each visit. Reddit

Meet the Animals at CMNC

The Carrie Murray Nature Center is home to a small but fascinating collection of resident animals, offering a unique opportunity for close encounters. The highlight for many visitors is the aviary, where you can observe local raptors like red-tailed hawks and a turkey vulture, as well as an owl. Reddit While it can sometimes be a bit challenging to get a clear view through the fences, these birds are a testament to the center's conservation efforts. Reddit

These animals serve as educational ambassadors, helping visitors understand the importance of local wildlife and their habitats. The center's staff and volunteers are often on hand to share insights about the animals' behaviors and roles in the ecosystem. TikTok Seeing these magnificent creatures up close can be a truly memorable experience, especially for children who may not have had the chance to see them otherwise. Reddit

It's important to remember that these are wild animals, and the center's primary goal is their welfare and rehabilitation when possible. Visitors are encouraged to observe respectfully and avoid any actions that might disturb the animals. TikTok

Community Events & Learning

Carrie Murray Nature Center is more than just a place to see animals; it's a hub for community engagement and environmental education. Throughout the year, they host a variety of events designed to connect people with nature. These range from Mother Nature Story Times for younger children to Family Nature Walks and even unique experiences like Evening Bat Walks. Instagram These programs are a fantastic way to learn about local ecology, conservation, and outdoor skills in a fun and accessible manner. Instagram

The center also participates in larger community events, such as the Mushroom City Art Festival, which transforms the grounds into a vibrant celebration of art and sustainability. Instagram These events often emphasize zero-waste principles, encouraging attendees to bring their own reusable items. Instagram Additionally, the center has hosted initiatives like 'Learn to Bike' sessions, promoting healthy outdoor activities for all ages. Instagram

Whether you're looking for a hands-on learning experience, a chance to connect with your community, or simply a fun day out in nature, the events at Carrie Murray Nature Center offer something for everyone. Keep an eye on their social media and website for the latest event schedules and registration information. Instagram+1

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