Whether you’re looking for a fun and educational place to take the little ones or a way to get closer to nature yourself, the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is one of the most incredible natural areas in all of Albuquerque. Here, visitors can learn about the area’s unique plant life, native animals, rare birds, and much more. Admission is free if you simply want to wander the paths by bike or foot, while parking is available on site for a small fee that benefits the park’s maintenance.

Once inside, you’ll likely run into animals like lizards, turtles, frogs, and even the occasional coyote (from a distance, that is). Venture into the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park’s impressive library and you’ll find a small gift shop, as well as one of the most impressive views in the whole city. Curl up with a new book in the seating area overlooking a manmade marsh to cap off your visit to this beautiful natural area!

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
2901 Candelaria NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 344-7240
www.yelp.com/biz/rio-grande-nature-center-state-park-albuquerque

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr srikanth_jandy

Many would agree that Albuquerque boasts one of the most unique landscapes and some of the most fascinating wildlife in the country, and you can learn all about both at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. This unique park and nature center is a great place to spend the whole day, as it takes about that long to explore all of its paved trails, bosques, and riverbanks.

Venture through the metal tunnel until you reach the nature center itself, which contains exhibits explaining the unique bosque landscape, activity rooms for the little ones, and a small gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir to commemorate your visit. Venture out into the park and hike or bike along the paved and dirt trails, have a picnic lunch at one of the wooden tables, and even bring binoculars for some interesting bird watching.

If you have kids, you might even enjoy the educational science programs held throughout the summertime!

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
2901 Candelaria NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 344-7240
www.yelp.com/biz/rio-grande-nature-center-state-park-albuquerque

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Chocolate Geek

Grab your binoculars for a day of birdwatching at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. One of New Mexico's 35 state parks, this 270-acre natural oasis borders the Rio Grande river.

A variety of wildlife makes a home within the park's meadows and forests. In fact, a hike at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park might put you face to face with a cottontail rabbit, turtle, muskrat, or a porcupine. Winged creatures are a frequent sight here, as well, including butterflies, moths, bees, dragonflies, and birds, the latter of which is one of the park's main attractions. The park's position along the Rio Grande Flyway invites layovers from migratory birds, so you can never predict exactly which feathered friend you'll meet upon your visit.

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is open 8 a.m to 5 p.m. daily. The visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
2901 Candelaria NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 344-7240
http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/riograndenaturecenterstatepark.html
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rio-grande-nature-center-state-park-albuquerque

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Alexis Fam Photography