Ballard Nature Center

Stopped in while out exploring the area and was totally blown away. Trails were in excellent condition, lots of signage, varied habitat areas, and birdhouses everywhere. Plus, was able to get a nice relaxing walk in

Great for anyone who wants to spend their day outdoors. There is a small playground area for the small ones. The trails are lined with mulch-like material. I prefer that over other forms of pavement. Great for those with pets or service animals. I brought a bag of supplies for my Pita . If you want to have a picnic here, there is a shelter available, with picnic tables and trash bins. I ask that we respect this place and pick up after ourselves before leaving. And please, no garbage on the trails. Ballard Nature Center does take donations. There is a visitor center on site. I have not been inside, I love the walks and plan to keep going back. Yes, I'm somewhat of a local, lol. But trust me, this is an amazing place. Please enjoy it as much as I have. Hope to see you there!

This place is a quiet retreat from our busy world. And it is only 15 min from Effingham Just take your time to observe nature, wild life, hear its sounds, clear your head and tune in with God.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree

Loved the nature center, played like I was a kid again.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitPrice for adult entryFree

Beautiful place with beautiful walking trails and they are always doing really awesome things open to the public! Fishing pond for 15 year olds and younger! Go inside and check out all the neat stuff they have! Absolutely love this place!Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitPrice for adult entryFree

Very nice nature preserve with walking trails, ponds, birds, wildlife, nature center and nice bathrooms

I found the trails really easy to follow, but not easy to leave. There’s so much to see! The ground had recently been wet but was fairly dry when I was there, and checking out all the tiny feet that had been on the trails was delightful. I was surprised at the wide variety! I’m gonna go ahead and say…some of those prints were adorable and I might have given them a wild back story.

Amazing nature center with abundant natives! I can't wait to come back and explore the different areas in various seasons.

Ballards opened up many years ago and has been a great place for children and adults for education.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree

Great place to take the kids for some nature funVisited onWeekend