Stokes Nature Center
Nestled at the mouth of Logan Canyon lies the Stokes Nature Center. We have seen the sign for it every time we drive through the canyon and have always wanted to go. Well, we finally made the stop to check it out. This is a great place for kids (and adults) to get out and explore nature and learn about things in Logan Canyon.
Logan Canyon, Utah
Logan Canyon is a picturesque canyon in northern Utah located between Logan and Garden City. It is a long canyon with stunning views, tall trees, towering cliffs, the beautiful Logan River, and multiple natural caves. Farther up the canyon is a nice place in the summer to enjoy cooler temperatures. In the winter, you can enjoy skiing or snowmobiling.
Getting There
The Stokes Nature Center is 1.2 miles outside of Logan up Logan Canyon. You can’t see it from the road until you have passed it, so make sure you pay attention to the signs. Coming from Logan, there is a sign that alerts you to the Stokes Nature Center 1/4 mile ahead on the right-hand side of the road. If you are coming from Garden City, there aren’t any signs.
Stokes Nature Center Cost
Free-ish. Everything I researched before going said the cost of visiting the Stokes Nature Center was free. However, when we got there, a sign was posted saying that the suggested donation was $4 for adults and $2 for children. I did not have any cash on me and felt like a horrible human for not giving the suggested donation. There is no cost for parking, so no need to worry about that.
Parking for Stokes Nature Center
Parking for Stokes Nature Center is free. There is parking on both sides of the Highway 89. If you are coming from Logan, you should definitely park on the right side of the road if you can.
If you park on the left side of the road (like the sign wants you to), you will have to run across the road. This is a busy part of the canyon set between two curves, so it is a little tricky to run across the road, especially if you are dragging children along with you.
Walk to Stokes Nature Center
After parking and making the frogger-like journey across the road, you will follow the gravel pathway to the Stokes Nature Center. The pathway is surrounded by lots of trees and runs along the Logan River. In the summer, this trail is a popular place to hop in the river to go tubing.
The trail to the Stokes Nature Center is 0.4 miles from the parking area along the River Trail. It is a nice flat trail with minimal elevation change, and the kids were so excited to get to the Nature Center, the we ran halfway there. If you are looking for an easy walk to enjoy the fall leaves, this is the trail for you!!
Stokes Nature Center
The Stokes Nature Center is a log building to the side of the River Trail. It has two doors for the public, one with stairs and one that is wheelchair friendly.
The River
The Logan River runs along the north fence by the Stokes Nature Center. The area has lots of rocks strewn in the water and my kids enjoyed tossing rocks in the river and trying to stay dry. For once, they actually succeeded!
Play Area of the Stokes Nature Center
Outside the nature center is a nicely shaded area with picnic tables. There is also a play area for kids with sand, an outdoor play kitchen, and a partial canoe. There is a fence between the play area and the river, which is nice for keeping kids contained, or at least slowing them down a little until you can grab them.
Outside Area of the Stokes Nature Center
There are lots of educational signs around the outside of the Nature Center about the different plants and animals found in Logan Canyon.
Our favorite thing that we came across were the bee hotels. We had never seen them before. It was interesting to learn how not all bees live in beehives. These bee hotels provide a place for lone bees to live. The Nature Center has multiple bee hotels around to help with pollinating the plants in the canyon.
Inside the Stokes Nature Center
Inside Stokes Nature Center are all kinds of activities that teach you about the different aspects of nature in Logan Canyon. There are two parts to the nature center. One half has activities and toys that they use for their preschool. The other part of the nature center has many different hands-on activities for kids and adult that make learning about nature fun.
Stokes Nature Center Hours
The hours of Stokes Nature Center are a bit tricky, so make sure to check their website here for when they are open.
Unfortunately when we went, the Nature Center was closed, even though the website said it would be open. We were told that the volunteers running the Nature Center had just left. Maybe they were heading to get lunch? Not sure. But we still had a good time exploring outside.
If you happen to go when the nature center is closed like we did, your kids can still explore the outside play area. There is also a little outdoor library, so if you want to just relax and read to the sound of the river, you can.
Other Programs
Stokes Nature Center offers many other programs. They have school programs, preschool programs, homeschool programs, and summer camps. They also host Canyon Jams, a summer concert series held at different locations in Cache Valley. During the winter, they have snowshoe rentals that you pick up at their Providence location.
What to Pack
The trail to Stokes Nature Center is not very long, but it can get hot in the summer. Make sure to pack water for your walk. Snacks are always a good idea to take to help kids enjoy the walk (aka bribes). The trail is pretty smooth and well maintained, but it is a little bit of a walk, so make sure to wear good walking shoes.
Is Stokes Nature Center Worth Visiting?
Yes. It is not worth driving to Logan just to visit Stokes Nature Center, but if you are in the area and want to enjoy a nice walk in the canyon, this is a great stop. It is a great place for kids to get out and explore.
Recreate Responsibly
Please remember to recreate responsibly so that other people can enjoy it after you. Be respectful to the nature you come in contact with and stay on the designated trails. Take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Explore Close By
- First Dam: 1.4 miles
- Second Dam: 1.7 miles
- Wind Caves: 3.9 miles
- Zootah: 5.5 miles
- Hobitt Caves: 8.3 miles
- American West Heritage Center: 10.4 miles
- Ricks Spring: 14.3 miles
- Bear Lake: 36.7 miles
