Points of Interest

Visitor Center
Curious about a plant or animal you’ve observed? Stop in the Visitor Center to ask a naturalist! The Visitors Center’s three exhibit spaces feature touch tables of natural artifacts, live animals on display, and taxidermy exhibits of North American wildlife depicting habitats and animal classification. A bird-viewing room offers a serene place to sit and watch the feeders or read a story to your little one. The multi-purpose room offers a view of the fishing pond and rotating displays. You may be able to meet a turtle and touch a real mastadon bone!
The 5,000 square foot facility was built in 2015. Interior finishes include reclaimed barn wood and taxidermy displays by Legends Taxidermy in Scottville, MI.
Visitor Center

Eldean Family Nature Play Park
Dig in a sandbox, balance on logs, pretend to be an eagle, climb a giant spiderweb, explore a log fort…or set up your hammock and simply relax in nature. Research shows that children are healthier and more successful when they have ample unstructured play time in their lives. The 7-acre Eldean Family Nature Play Park, located behind the Visitor Center and adjacent to the Discovery Pavilion, was created to provide a play area that will inspire creative play using natural structures. The ever-popular zipline is also a great way for kids to be kids!
Eldean Family Nature Play Park

Doug & Kori Rentz Art Trail
Constructed in 2020, the Doug & Kori Rentz Art Trail is designed to peak the interest of art enthusiasts and novices along a winding trail through the ODC natural area. The trail’s first piece Abrazo, “Hug”, Bronze, Emil Alzamora, (2004) represents the ODC’s conservation and education mission. Other works include reclaimed metal art by Art Prize contestant Larry Sybesma, chainsaw carvings by Jack “Bearclaw” Eppinga, and a garden kaleidoscope by R.C. Anderson. We continue to look for new and engaging pieces for exhibit along the trail.
This trail is supported by:
Doug & Kori Rentz Art Trail

Cultural History Center
This 15 acre site on the ODC campus serves as the launching pad for cultural history programming. The Cultural History Center features a replica indigenous people’s village, amphitheater, exhibit building with historical artifacts, archery range, fur trader’s cabin, and three sisters garden.
This program is supported by:
Cultural History Center

Trails
Enjoy views of meadows, wetlands, ponds, and young forests from our three miles of trails. Expect to find gravel and boardwalk surfaces with the first half mile ADA-accessible. The trails are wide enough for groups to navigate together and are stroller- and wagon-friendly. The ODC Nature Preserve is former farmland, so the property is relatively flat and easy to traverse. In the winter, ungroomed trails can still be explored with your own boots, skis, or snowshoes; or, inquire in the Visitors Center to rent a pair of snowshoes from us.
Walking Trails

Fishing Ponds
Bring your own fishing gear and try your luck at one of our two catch-and-release fishing ponds. Enjoy fishing near the Visitors Center at Compagner Memorial Pond or in a more rustic setting at Fillmore Discovery Park. Catch some bluegill, catfish, or bass! Please use barbless hooks and take care to return fish to the water unharmed. No fishing license required.