Affordable Outdoor Fun and Learning for the Whole Family

If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-plan family trip that offers opportunities to have fun and learn something new, the West Virginia State Wildlife Center is the perfect destination. Nestled in the scenic hills of Upshur County, the Wildlife Center provides an enriching and affordable outdoor experience where you can learn about native wildlife, explore nature’s beauty and enjoy quality time with your loved ones in a peaceful natural setting.

With spring hours and admission rates starting April 1, now is the perfect time to plan a family trip and create lasting memories. In this guide, we’ll share what makes the Wildlife Center ideal for a family trip, what you can expect when you visit and how to plan your trip.

Meet Native Wildlife Up Close

The West Virginia Wildlife Center serves as a great educational resource, presenting visitors with a realistic and factual understanding of our state’s wildlife. The center is home to nearly 30 wildlife species, all of which are native or once native to the state. The spacious enclosures give each animal plenty of room to roam about and interact with their environment in a natural way. Interpretive signs provide information on each animal’s life, history, biology and its relationship with humans. Visits are self-guided, but free guided tours are available upon request. 

The Wildlife Center is perhaps best known for its most famous resident, French Creek Freddie, the weather-predicting groundhog who makes his much-heralded media appearance every February 2. During your visit you can also view a variety of species including:

  • Bald Eagle
  • Bison
  • Black Bear
  • Bobcat
  • Coyote
  • Elk
  • Fisher
  • Gray Fox
  • Gray Wolf
  • Groundhog
  • Hawks
  • Mountain Lion
  • Owls
  • Red Fox
  • Ring-necked Pheasant
  • River Otter
  • Snakes
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Wild Boar 

In 2025, the Wildlife Center is preparing to welcome two additional species:

  • Two eastern screech owls. These diminutive birds of prey were rescued after experiencing eye injuries that prevented them from being released into the wild. They will become permanent residents at the Wildlife Center.
  • Two melanistic red foxes. These animals might look like gray foxes, but they are a rare genetic variation of red foxes, sometimes called “silver foxes.”  They serve as excellent examples of genetics in nature, comparable to albinism or pie-bald white-tailed deer.

Enjoy Nature’s Beauty

The resident animals can be viewed along a 1.25-mile paved, wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail, so the Wildlife Center is suited for all ages and abilities. But these fascinating animals are only part of the fun. Pack a picnic lunch and fishing gear and plan to spend the day with your family exploring the grounds and its tranquil environment. 

A large picnic area is equipped with tables and fireplaces scattered throughout a wooded area. Additionally, there is a covered pavilion that can be reserved for the day for $35. Just below the Wildlife Center, fishing is permitted at a pond that is regularly stocked with trout.

Before you depart, stop in the gift shop to pick up a souvenir. The shop sells a variety of fun items such as clothes, toys, stuffed animals, puzzles, wildlife tracking bracelets, mugs, caps, pictures and books. Additionally, it serves delicious food like homemade pepperoni rolls, nachos, hot dogs, pretzels, ice cream, soda, jerky and lots of snacks.

An Affordable and Easy Family Getaway

The West Virginia Wildlife Center is the perfect place for a family trip. If you weren’t already convinced, here are three reasons why you should add this zoological wonderland to your family’s 2025 travel bucket list:

  1. It’s affordable. From April 1 to Oct. 31, admission is only $4 for adults, $2 for kids 6-15 and free for kids younger than 5. From Nov. 1 to March 31, admission is free for everyone. Annual passes can be purchased at the front gate.
  2. It’s open year-round. The Wildlife Center is open seven days a week, including weekends and holidays, except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April through October and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from November through March.
  3. It’s near other great family attractions. The Wildlife Center is a short drive from Stonewall Resort State Park and Holly River State Park, which offer a wide range of activities including boating, hiking, fishing, swimming and camping. Stonewall Resort even has a full-service lodge. 

The Wildlife Center also hosts special events and participates in public events throughout the year. (Events and their associated activities are subject to change, so contact the Wildlife Center for confirmation as the date nears.) Events and appearances for 2025 include:

  • West Virginia Strawberry Festival: Wildlife Center staff and Freddie (the mascot) will be in the Buckhannon parade tossing out candy!
  • Memorial Day Weekend: On Saturday, May 24 the Wildlife Center will host an antler shed hunt for kids, and the WVDEP mobile aquarium will be set up on the grounds.
  • West Virginia Day: The Friday, June 20 celebration includes yard games and the chance to get up close with DNR educational animals. Free cake and drinks will be served on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11 a.m.
  • National Hunting and Fishing Day: The Wildlife Center will participate in this popular annual event on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Stonewall Jackson Resort.
  • Tails, Trails, and Treats: This Halloween event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18. Come dressed up in a costume, see the animals and get free candy at stations along the way.

Plan Your Family Trip to the West Virginia State Wildlife Center Today!

Enjoy quality family time and create lasting memories at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center. Your kids will have loads of fun while also learning important facts about wildlife and conservation in West Virginia. Make plans today for your family trip, and purchase an annual pass so you can enjoy all four seasons of activities.