River Bend Nature Center
River Bend Nature Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
River Bend Nature Center (RBNC) is a 20 acre, non-profit environmental education facility. River Bend connects people to their natural environment through educational activities, environmental awareness, and conservation examples. Our most popular attractions are the Bryant Edwards Learning Center contains over 100 live exhibits, such as turtles, salamanders, insects, and frogs. There is always plenty to see and observe! The Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art, 7,000 sq. ft. glass structure. It is home to prairie dogs, fish, turtles, and butterflies, and is landscaped with prairie grasses, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers of the Rolling Plains. RBNC has over 17 acres of forest, trails, gardens, and wetlands. Come on out and see River Bend Nature Center, it is truly a special place to explore and learn.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from
$6.16
Full view
Top ways to experience River Bend Nature Center and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
149 within 3 miles
Attractions
82 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
175 reviews
Excellent
112
Very good
44
Average
15
Poor
4
Terrible
0
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX3,444 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We stopped here on our way through town on a road trip so we could stretch our legs. It was ok. I've been to way better nature centers and Botanical gardens but it wasn't bad. Perhaps it would be much better in the spring when all the flowers are in bloom. In the summer when we went everything was dry and looked dead. The butterfly part was nice and the guy there was super friendly pointing out the different types of butterflies. They have a few live animals inside (turtles, snakes, and lizards) and the nature walk has the potential to be pretty....when its not too hot. If you decide to do the nature walk be sure to bring mosquito repellent as we were swarmed and bitten quite a bit by them. Overall it was ok but I think it might be better for kids. $6 admission is a fair price for what it is.
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RetiredAFColonel
Texas53 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
OK for kids, but, not much for adults.
Attentive staff, however. Pretty small scale overall. Looks like they are trying to recover from the impacts of Covid and Wintertime losses. So, might be better stocked in a few months.
Attentive staff, however. Pretty small scale overall. Looks like they are trying to recover from the impacts of Covid and Wintertime losses. So, might be better stocked in a few months.
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sagreatdan
Canberra, Australia226 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
There is a lot of potential here but the place is looking a bit tired, potentially due to the long running dry streak in Texas. Hopefully it will come good in the future. Butterflys were disappointing, we honestly see more in our local wildlife reserve.
The outdoor nature walk was nice with good signage and small features built by a scout troop.
Staff were pleasant and enthusiastic about the facility.
The outdoor nature walk was nice with good signage and small features built by a scout troop.
Staff were pleasant and enthusiastic about the facility.
Written October 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SandS1984
Wichita Falls, TX127 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We took our grandkids for their Christmas lights. The kids loved and 8t is definitely more suited for the younger kids. The lights were very nice and the displays were too. The Butterfly Queen, not so much. We were expecting someone in some type of butterfly outfit/costume. That wasn't the case. 🤔 She was very friendly to the kids and showed them some butterflies coming out of their cocoons. I give it a 7 but the kids said 10.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigHilda
Longview, TX250 contributions
On a trip with an overnight/half day stopover in Wichita Falls, we stopped here on a whim after seeing it is the top rated attraction in Wichita Falls. We were very impressed by the whole place and experience! It deserves its spot as the top attraction in town. Admission is reasonably priced. We went with our kids, ages 5 and 1. It is perfect for my very inquisitive and science minded 5 year old. A very kind and knowledgable man was our docent, and he did a fantastic job. He had lots of patience with my son but also kept the grow ups interested. He allowed my son and daughter to look closely at several insects and animals in the first room, and he really cared about the animals they have in the center. He also showed us different plants in the large indoor exhibit and let us smell the leaves. My son and I were able to spend an extended time in the butterfly garden, which is very peaceful and interesting. Also great is the scavenger hunt for kids and the discovery backpacks they check out to kids for free. Inside are things like a magnifying glass, measuring tape, things to do bark rubbings, and more. The outdoor part was really nice too, with the digging box perfect for my kids to dig up fossilized cow bones. The paved trail is pleasant as well. This is a real hidden gem and well worth the stop on your trip. The facility is also top notch. The only thing that could improve would be better signs showing you where it is located. We almost didn't see the sign, and there aren't any real info signs showing you how to get here from the major highways, at least that we saw. Thanks for a great experience!
Written July 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth C
3 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
It looked messy, and no information was given in the entrance. The place is small in size, not many live plants, a lot of grass, and just saw butterflies, a cute roadrunner, and turtles on February. I have seen smaller places do better all year long. Even the entrance of the street had more bloming flowers than them.
Written February 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean P
Oklahoma City, OK68 contributions
Apr 2015 • Business
Nice place - the conservatory even had a roadrunner running around as well as a small but very nice butterfly room. The paved paths allow easy access to walk through native plants while the unpaved section allows visitors to find tracks of racoons, possums, deer, and more. Fortunately or unfortunately for me, the gift shop had all sorts of interesting items for purchase. My only suggestion for improvement would be more labels for the native plants, many of which were unfamiliar to me.
Written April 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin L
83 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
This nature center was really nice. It's a simple center but the staff guides you through half of the facility which makes it a fun and educational experience. Our 1.5 year old loved it. I think one area of improvement might be adding a little more wildlife.
Written March 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lahope
Henrietta, TX68 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
We went to visit the center's "Electric Critters". We enjoyed it very much. The staff is friendly and they have a wider arrange of displays than I was expecting.
They have a cute little shop where kids can visit the Clause Clan and pick up a candy cane. They also have an old fashioned wagon lit up that kids can board and hear a story. For a small city and a nonprofit, I was pleasantly surprised by this charming spectacle. My son had tons of fun. When the event is over you can go inside and enjoy popcorn and cider. A nice way to spend time with your kids and enjoy the season while supporting a worthwhile cause.
They have a cute little shop where kids can visit the Clause Clan and pick up a candy cane. They also have an old fashioned wagon lit up that kids can board and hear a story. For a small city and a nonprofit, I was pleasantly surprised by this charming spectacle. My son had tons of fun. When the event is over you can go inside and enjoy popcorn and cider. A nice way to spend time with your kids and enjoy the season while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Written November 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cesar B
2 contributions
We had such a wonderful time there! But probably it wouldn't have been that way without the invaluable help of their nice crew. They were all awesome! My 4 yr old boy had a blast. They let us pet the snakes, the rats, the butterflies, and even some odd turtles. We learned a lot. Something that really amazed me was the energy and love with which every member referred to the animals there. I can tell they love what they do. Keep it up guys!
Written June 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All sorts of up-to-date info (like hours and pricing) can be found on their website!
Hope this helps!
Written June 2, 2018
yes. i think so. the ramp to the wedding area is long but accesible
Written May 17, 2017
What will we see when we come in early March? What else can we do in the area with a 7 and 9 year old?
Written February 2, 2017
Hello Yves! There is a lot to see and do in Wichita Falls. We have a handy community calendar which can be found at the Choose Wichita Falls Website, which has plenty of activities for all. As far as RBNC, we will have Science Saturday and Nature Tots March 11th. This program is included with general admission. Our most popular attractions are the Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Peyton’s Place, the Bryant Edwards Learning Center, the River Bottom Forest Trail, and the United Children’s Garden. For more information please visit our website (see description) See you soon!
Written February 7, 2017
What is there to do other than walk and look at insects, animals, and plants?
Written March 1, 2016
Hello Tina!
Along with general admission, there are activities located throughout the nature center. We have a scavenger hunt, and nature detective bags that you can check out in the gift shop. If you take a look at our website we have activities that happen on select Saturdays such as Science Saturday, Explorations in Nature, Nature Tot's Story Time, and Creature Feature. Give us a call at 940-767-0843 if you have anymore questions. Hope you enjoy your visit!
Written March 1, 2016
I'm doing a biology project and it's hard collecting all of the insects, so I was wondering if I could have the insects that have not been dead for very long?
Written August 30, 2015
Hello! We don't provide dead insects, such as butterflies, for biology collection projects. However, you are encouraged to come to our facility to search for insects on our grounds and to use our resource library to identify them. Also, some good places to find freshly dead insects is under outside lamps, pool filters, and in standing water. If you have any questions give us a call at 940-767-0843!
Written September 28, 2015
Sumi19842015
Wichita Falls, Texas
Is this open now because of the flooding (and will it be open Sunday)? Also--we do have a 3month & a 3year old with 2parents & 2grandparents so the fee would be what?? If open Sunday-- what hours?? Being Memorial Day weekend will this be open on Monday too???
Written May 24, 2015
Hello! We are open the only thing that's closed at the facility are the trails because they are flooded. However, there is still a bunch to see and do. It's $5 a person, seniors and military are $4 a person and kids ages 1 and under are free. Our Sunday hours are 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday we are open, and our hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give us a call at 940-767-0843 if you have any more questions. Have a great day!
Written May 25, 2015
Showing results 1-9 of 9
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing