Nestled in the Rocky River Valley, Rocky River Nature Center offers spectacular views of a 360 million year old shale cliff from the deck overhanging the river. Go backwards through time inside the Nature Center as you explore exhibits about the early inhabitants of the valley including the giant fish of the Devonian sea, Dunkleosteus.
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Rocky River Reservation
24000 Valley Parkway
North Olmsted, OH 44070 - Driving Directions
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Daily: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed: New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- 440.734.6660
- Send Email
Rocky River Nature Center provides a full visitor experience with opportunities to discover and learn about current Ohio wildlife, ancient species such as Dunkleosteus, along with prehistoric and pioneer cultures.
Discover HideAway Hollow, a giant oak tree where kids can play and check out the Cleveland Metroparks Nature Shop.
Explore the gardens outside on your way to over five miles of trails that lead from the Nature Center. The trails will take you to the river’s edge, a wetland forest, ponds, hilltops and ancient Native American earthworks. These trails provide immediate access to the Fort Hill Stairs. The nature sightings change along the trail in each season.
Rocky River Nature Center Group Program Guide (PDF)
Download Park Protectors Patch Requirements
Take a virtual tour of Rocky River Nature Center
Rental Information
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Fee: $350 for 4-hour minimum Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Rentals after 5 p.m. are $800 for a 4-hour minimum
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Capacity: Based on room set up. See options below.
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*For weekday and evening rentals contact nature center directly*
Parking Capacity: 90 (shared)
Best for: Birthday Parties & Showers, Corporate Events & Meetings
Amenities: Drinking Fountain, Electricity, Information/Assistance, Restrooms, Shopping/Souvenirs
Activities: Exploring Culture & History
**Alcohol is not permitted at rentals during open business hours**
Chairs only: 150
Classroom style (guests sit facing the screen)- 8 ft rectangular tables: 7 tables, seats up to 28
- 6 ft rectangular tables: 16 tables, seats up to 48
Cafeteria style (guests sit facing each other)
- 8 ft rectangular tables: 6 tables, seats up to 36
- 6 ft rectangular tables: 14 tables, seats up to 56
Party style (guests sit around tables)
- 5 ft round tables; 11 tables, seats up to 66
If interested in adding a naturalist program to your rental, indicate your interest in the booking page order notes section. Naturalist programs are subject to staff availability and require advanced notice.
To view availability click the button below.
Activities
Amenities
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Drinking Fountain
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Electricity
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Information / Assistance
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Restrooms
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Shopping / Souvenirs
Nearby Attractions
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Lawrence Grist Mill
Built in 1832, the Lawrence Grist Mill provided flour and grist milling services to local residents. Evidence of the structure is still visible today. The Lawrence Grist Mill utilized the power from t... -
Fort Hill
This iconic landmark is one of the most picturesque locations in the Emerald Necklace. The Fort Hill Stairs ascend to stunning views 90 feet above the east and west branches of the Rocky River. After...
Programs & Events
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Gallery Wall: Shawna Harrington
As an amateur photographer with a deep love for the outdoors, Shawna Harrington captures the quiet beauty found on forest trails, riverbanks, and in between —often with her loyal d... -
Nature Preschool at Rocky River Summer Session (3 – 5 years)
This session is perfect for families looking for an in-depth summer experience for their preschooler. An extension of our highly popular licensed Nature Preschool Program, our morn... -
Minnow's Fish Camp (5 – 6 years)
Foster a love of our fishy friends and the waterways that support them during this specialized camp! Children will learn all about fish species, habitat, and best practices while f...
