Brecksville Nature Center Overview
- Address: 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive. Brecksville, Ohio 44141
- Hours: Daily: 9:30am to 5:00pm. Closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas
- Capacity: 20 people
- Activities: Educational, Group Programs, Community Activities, School/Kids Activities
- Fees: Free
Brecksville Nature Center Guide
Brecksville Nature Center
The Brecksville Nature Center is the gem of the Brecksville Reservation. Opened on June 11, 1939, as a trail museum, it serves as an educational center and attraction that introduces visitors to wilderness, natural treasures, and the Cuyahoga Valley region.
During your visit, you’ll experience interactive exhibits of flora, fauna, geology, and history through educational programs, workshops, and guided hikes. Some interactive exhibits introduce you to the region’s wildlife, including snake and frog exhibits and taxidermy coyotes and owls.
You’ll also experience outdoor wildlife observations and outdoor picnic spaces. Here, you can enjoy a morning coffee and watch squirrels, raccoons, and other animals stroll by the nature center. You can also visit at any time during the day and watch over a dozen different types of birds on different feeders and in the winter you can participate in the Brecksville Reservation Bird Feeding.
A family favorite is the Kids’ Corner. Here, children can learn about nature and parks with various displayed books. They can also inspect and learn about the park’s geology through different rocks on display. Finally, microscopes, building blocks, and other activities will keep your children busy for an afternoon.
The Nature Center also offers exciting activities and other programs and events, such as seasonal bird feeding, native plant sales, naturalist programs, Earth Day events, and summer camps.
In addition, it is the beginning of the Wildflower Trail and Deer Lick Cave Trail and shares a parking lot with the Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area. It is also one of two parking lots where hikers backpacking to the Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Campground can overnight park.
Expert Tip
The Brecksville Nature Center is a fantastic attraction and museum for all ages, so it gets busy, especially on the weekends.
If you want the most enjoyable experience, I recommend going as soon as the Nature Center opens or 30 minutes before it closes. Another option would be to visit this on winter weekdays after breakfast but before lunch.
Lastly, if there is a bird feeding or community event, I recommend going to the nature center at least 30 minutes to 1 hour early. I’ve visited where there has been a line of 20 people waiting to participate in events that they have.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is operational all year, from 9:30am to 5:00pm. It is closed on Christmas, Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day, and Easter.
The Brecksville Nature Center is located in the Brecksville Reservation. It is 1.5 miles north of Valley Parkway (off of Brecksville Road) or 1/2 mile south of Valley Parkway from Chippewa Creek Road.
Yes, this Nature Center can be accessed by individuals with disabilities. The parking lot is 1/8 mile from the nature center.
There are interactive exhibits, wildlife observations, a kids’ activity center, educational programs, a water fountain, and bathroom facilities.
This center accommodates 20 individuals.
No, dogs and pets are not allowed in the Brecksville Nature Center.
Brecksville Nature Center Virtual Tour
How to Get There (Driving Direction)
The easiest way to get to the Brecksville Nature Center is to input the Brecksville Nature Center (9000 Chippewa Road, Brecksville, Ohio) into your phone and gps since the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
When driving, enter the Brecksville Reservation off Royalton Road (Route 82). Follow the road for approximately 1/2 mile (stay left at the first junction). Park at the Brecksville Reservation sign on the right (Harriet Keeler Area Parking Lot). If the parking lot is full there is overflow parking across the road.
Once you park, follow the Brecksville Nature Signs 1/8 mile straight ahead to the entrance of the Brecksville Nature Center.
Learn More About the Brecksville Reservation
Brecksville Nature Center is the last remaining original museum in the Cleveland Metroparks system. While it is the most popular attraction in Brecksville Reservation, there is also the Brecksville Trailside Program Center, along with many other activities that will keep you busy for days and weeks, including hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, biking, and so much more.
