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Reviews, get directions and information for Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS)

Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS)

About

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization located in Quechee, Vermont.

Description

VINS was founded in 1972 by a small group of people who had fought to clean up the polluted Ottauquechee River. In 1987, VINS opened the nationally-renowned Vermont Raptor Center in Woodstock. The Woodstock location outgrew its space and relocated to Quechee in 2004.

Today, VINS offers engaging environmental education programs and services designed for a wide audience. These programs combine environmental science concepts with hands-on exploration to build empathy for nature and empower individuals to care for local natural ecosystems.

Mission

To motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research and avian wildlife rehabilitation.

Products

http://vinsrise.org/



"Vermont Institute of Natural Science-VINS Nature CenterWe offer locally-relevant and compelling environmental education programs for all ages. The Nature Center has 17 state-of-the-art live bird enclosures, nature trails, outdoor playscape, forest canopy walk, live bird programs, nature store and birds are dinosaur exhibit. The forest canopy walk and McKnight trail are ADA compliant."
Address: 149 Natures Way, Quechee, Vermont 05059
Phone: (802) 359-5000
Email: gro.bewsniv@ofni
State: VT
City: Quechee
Street Number: 149 Natures Way
Zip Code: 05059
categories: nonprofit organization, gift shop, science museum


Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

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Reviews
We recently moved to the area and being animal lovers we HAD to check VINS out! What an amazing facility, the exhibits were clean, the birds all looked healthy/happy with plenty of enrichment items in their enclosures. Some of the trails were closed due to the threat of flooding, totally understandable, we already have plans to come back in the fall. The boardwalk through the forest is lovely! Well built and well maintained, the spiders web/net was a blast! My 5 year old loved it! We also really enjoyed the turtle walk and raptor program!
I came here on a dreary day, and I still had an amazing time! They have an area to view the birds - eagles, hawks, owls, crows, ravens, songbirds, and even some gorgeous Bluejays! They have a good amount of walking trails through the forest that are easily maneuvered. Their forest canopy walk is a bunch of fun! They even have an area with fairy homes and have the option to make your own! I love how all of their birds are not releasable - so it truly is an incredible place! I will be returning, and I highly recommend others visit this amazing center!
This is a beautiful nature center with exceptional interactive and exciting educational programs and humane ethics toward the birds they rehabilitate. They offer an array of interesting sculpture, a wonderful gift shop, and an inspiring canopy walk. Highly recommended for everyone, including families with children.Visited onWeekday
Had such a great time here! We thought it was good for all ages, and mobility levels. The treetop walk is absolutely STUNNING and the views from the very top are beautiful. It was fun seeing all of the different birds they had, and there was tons of information about the various species.
Small but nice gift shop with a decent selection of trinkets. The canopy trail was fantastic. Not quite recommended for anyone afraid of heights because the main trail is about 43 feet up and the highest point in around 100 feet up. The ground trails are all shaded and easy to walk. The aviary is cool with a few birds I’ve never seen and the raptor exhibit is pretty cool. Two types of eagles, at least four types of owls, two types of vultures and several falcons. Feeding time was also cool. The reptile room had only three different species. Two types of titles and a corn snake I was able to pet. They have a wild flower field you can walk through that attracts a ton of pollinators. The whole place was pretty nice as a whole and would recommend going back.
Such a cool experience. Got to see the birds that they have saved and learn more about them. The canopy walk was really cool. Even got to do the walk with the hawk flying over us.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNot surePrice for adult entry$16–20
What a fantastic place to visit for the day. The birds are beautiful, and the staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The new canopy walk is amazing. It's set up so anyone can walk on it even if your in a wheelchair. There's a fun huge rope spiderweb you can easily climb in and out of to play or to take a great photo.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNo
There are so many raptors and BOPs here for rehabilitation. Many of which I’ve never seen before in any bird sanctuary, especially in New England. The trail system is also extensive and goes through some beautiful habitats. I would love to revisit in the spring when the songbirds are in migration.
VINS is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon with your kids. The bird show was fun and interesting. I love the fact they're helping to rehabilitate various species of owls, hawks and other birds. The nature walk and platform overlooking the area from 50+ feet up is a must-do! Overall it was a great educational experience. We definitely will be back!
This is such a wonderful place to visit for the whole family. There is a small reptile room, birds of prey exhibits, some walking trails, a huge web the kids can play in, and beautiful views from the top if you're brave enough to go up all the way. Plan on spending at least 1 1/2- 2hrs exploring and bring a picnic lunch for after! Close to the Quechee Gorge and Antique Mall, you'll have an entire day of easy fun.
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