Enjoy a day of fun and discovery while learning about wildlife conservation in West Virginia

Looking for a fun, free and educational family trip or field trip this spring or summer? Just outside Charleston, the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center offers the perfect blend of hands-on learning, outdoor exploration and wildlife discovery. Whether you’re a teacher planning a group outing or a parent looking to spend quality time in nature, this hidden gem makes it easy to enjoy a day of fun and learning in the heart of West Virginia.

A Free and Family-Friendly Educational Experience

The Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center offers a unique and enriching experience where families and school groups can learn about West Virginia’s wildlife and conservation efforts, explore nature trails and participate in hands-on educational activities. Located on U.S. Route 119 (Corridor G) at 301 Forks of Coal Way in Alum Creek, just a short drive from Charleston, the center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Inside, kids and adults can explore interactive exhibits that highlight some of West Virginia’s most inspiring wildlife conservation success stories. You’ll find engaging displays on native wildlife, forest and stream ecosystems, and habitat restoration—perfect for sparking curiosity in young learners and nature-loving adults alike.

The center is divided into several themed areas that families and teachers can preview ahead of time via a virtual tour.

  • Start in the orientation area, where you’ll learn about the work of the WVDNR and the natural setting that surrounds the facility. Then head to the eye-catching 1,500-gallon aquarium filled with native fish species, and get up close to native reptiles and amphibians in live exhibits.
  • Discover wildlife management and success stories through exhibits on animals like the American bald eagle, whose population was nearly eliminated from the state but was brought back through scientific management by the WVDNR. The exhibit also includes interactive experiences like animal pelts that visitors are encouraged to touch.
  • Learn about habitat management in an exhibit that features dioramas that guide you through different types of wildlife habitat, from early successional forests to mature woodlands. Along the way, you’ll learn how the WVDNR manages these habitats to ensure the success of the native population that inhabits them.
  • Enjoy the wildlife viewing area with floor-to-ceiling windows along the back wall for bird watching. The area is equipped with interactive stations that provide binoculars, descriptions of birds and audio files of bird calls to help visitors identify different species. Visitors to this area can also view the inner workings of an active honeybee hive and learn how pollinators help the environment.

Explore the Outdoors: Hiking Trails and Nature Activities

No family trip to the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center is complete without exploring the grounds. The center sits on 102 acres of scenic land within the Forks of Coal State Natural Area, where the Big Coal and Little Coal rivers meet. It’s a peaceful, beautiful place with a diverse mix of habitats where you can connect with nature and learn about the flora, fauna and geology of the area.

More than three miles of hiking trails weave through forests and fields, with scenic river views and interpretive signs along the way to help you learn as you explore. For kids, there’s a nature scavenger hunt and a pollinator and wildlife viewing field filled with native wildflowers and grasses. Visitors can also enjoy events and demonstrations at the on-site amphitheater, which features plenty of space for school groups and families.

Seasonal Workshops and Events

In addition to its exhibits, the wildlife center offers special programs throughout the year designed to inspire, entertain and educate visitors of all ages. Whether you’re planning a summer field trip or looking for a fun weekend family outing, you’ll find something exciting happening.

Free monthly programs include guided nature walks, wildlife demonstrations and conservation-focused activities. Some highlights on the 2025 calendar include:

  • May 3 – National Salamander Day
  • July 12 – Snake Day Event
  • July 19 – History of the Coal River area with Doug Wood

Check the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center webpage for the latest schedule of events and workshops.

Plan Your Visit

From interactive indoor exhibits to outdoor exploration,  the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center is a must-visit for families, educators and anyone curious about West Virginia’s wildlife. Whether you’re planning a weekend family trip or a weekday school field trip, you’ll find something to engage and inspire every member of your group. Make plans to visit this spring or summer and discover why the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center is one of West Virginia’s best-kept family trip destinations.