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    Rocky River Nature Center

    Parks | Visit | Parks | Rocky River Reservation
    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.
    • Rocky River Reservation
      24000 Valley Parkway
      North Olmsted, OH 44070
    • Driving Directions
    • 440.734.6660
    • Send Email
    • Daily: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
      Closed: New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

    Positioned along the Rocky River, 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.  

    HideAway Hollow is a giant oak tree where kids can play and discover.
     
    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 American Indian earthworks. These trails provide immediate access to the Fort Hill Stairs. The nature sightings change along the trail in each season.

    Request a Custom Program

    Rocky River Nature Center Group Program Guide (PDF)

    Cleveland Metroparks Nature Shop located on-site.

    Take a virtual tour of Rocky River Nature Center

    View Larger Map

    Rental Information

    Fee: $300 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
    *For weekday and evening rentals contact nature center directly*
    Capacity: Based on room set up. See options below.
    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.
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    March 2023
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    Availability

    Select a circled date to see available rentals.

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    Map of Rocky River Nature Center Interactive Map

    Activities
    • Exploring Culture & History
    Amenities
    • Drinking Fountain
    • Electricity
    • Information/Assistance
    • Restrooms
    • Shopping/Souvenirs

    Upcoming Programs & Events

    • View More Events
    • Ohio Boating Education Course* March 30, 2023 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

      Learn safe boating fundamentals and laws that apply to paddling, sailing, and power boating.  

      • Rocky River Nature Center
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    • Nature Art & Craft Series: Macrame’ Leaf Making April 1, 2023 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

      The ancient practice of macrame’ was used to create decorative edges on woven textiles. We are...

      • Rocky River Nature Center
      • View More

    • Drop-by: Countdown to the Eclipse April 1, 2023 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

      Come in between the times listed to learn about the eclipse that will take place one year from...

      • Rocky River Nature Center
      • View More

    • Flashy Fireflies & Lightning Bugs April 2, 2023 | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

      Summer is rapidly approaching, and summer means fireflies! Learn about these fascinating beetles,...

      • Rocky River Nature Center
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    • Drop By: Plant a Seed April 8, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

      It is springtime and the trees are getting ready to bloom! Seeds are taking root. Come to the...

      • Rocky River Nature Center
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    • Wetland Walk April 9, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

      Join a Naturalist to explore West Channel Pond trail in search of birds and mammals that call the...

      • Rocky River Nature Center
      • View More

    Nearby Attractions

    • View More
    • Rocky River Nature Center Trailhead
      Rocky River Nature Center Trailhead

      Providing access to over 5 miles of trails and the nature center itself, these trails will take you to the river’s edge, a wetland forest, ponds, hilltops and ancient American Indian earthworks.

      • Rocky River Reservation
    • Cedar Point Picnic Area
      Cedar Point Picnic Area

      Cedar Point Picnic Area has everything for the perfect picnic or group adventure. Fire up the grill and enjoy the play area.

      • Rocky River Reservation
    • Lawrence Grist Mill
      Lawrence Grist Mill

      Powered by the water of Rocky River, this gristmill provided grist milling and flour to Rocky River Valley residents.

      • Rocky River Reservation
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