Nature Center

The Nature Center at Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana houses a snake exhibit, bird-watching room and other informative displays and interactive exhibits. The outdoor Interpretive Gardens include a variety of gardening exhibits.

Interpretive naturalist services and cultural arts programs are available year-round and are headquartered in the Nature Center (unless otherwise noted). Scheduled programs include hikes, guest speakers, history talks, a junior naturalist program, and evening programs. Special groups wishing programs just for their group should call in advance for this service (for a small fee). Inquire at the Nature Center, Inn or Park Office.

Brown County State Park Events Calendar

Nature Center
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Hours of Operation

The Nature Center is open year round, though winter hours are reduced. Call the Nature Center at (812) 988-5240 to see if it will be open for your visit.

Summer Hours:

Sunday - Thursday 10 am - 4 pm
Friday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm

Winter Hours:

Monday - Thursday 10 am - 4 pm
Friday - Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

Hours are subject to change without notice. Hours may reduce in winter.

Bird observation room at the Nature Center
Interpretive Gardens at the Nature Center

Interpretive Gardens

Amphitheater at the Nature Center

Amphitheater

Amphitheater Rental

The amphitheater at the Nature Center is also available to rent. Wheelchair accessible and seating 140 people, the amphitheater can be rented early (from 7 am to 3 pm) or late (from 3 pm to 11 pm). Click here to reserve the amphitheater.

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The Toy Chest

Creative and intelligent toys and games for all ages

Auto Tour

A great way to see and learn more about Brown County State Park is to take the auto tour that includes the major spots in the park. It starts at the Nature Center and takes at least an hour, not including any stops at points of interest.

Note your odometer reading or set your trip odometer to zero at the beginning of the tour. Start the audio in the Nature Center parking lot, and exit at the south end. Drive past the Raccoon Ridge and Taylor Ridge Campground. Consult the maps below to find the five stations along the tour.

~ Map (8.5 x 11 PDF)
~ Map (PDF for mobile devices)
~ Audio (in Soundcloud)
~ Audio Transcription (PDF)

Auto Tour stop

NOTE: RVs & vehicles towing trailers must use the West Gate Entrance (off S.R. 46, west of Nashville).
The North Gate Covered Bridge is restricted to 9 foot height and 3 ton weight limits.
Horsemen's Campground users should use the entrance off 135 South.

Interested in other State Parks with Nature Centers and naturalist services?
Check out this great info on Indiana State Parks from IndianaOutfitters.com.


Note: This is not the official Park website. However, it is the most complete and easy-to-use site, with everything you need to plan a trip to Brown County State Park.

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