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Vermont Institute of Natural Science

149 Natures Way · Quechee, VT

Why you should go…

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a nonprofit environmental education organization in Quechee, Vermont, focused on education, research and avian wildlife rehabilitation. Its 47-acre campus includes the VINS Forest Canopy Walk, interpretive nature trails, four exhibit spaces, an adventure playscape and 17 raptor enclosures housing birds of prey that cannot be released into the wild. It is open daily year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

  • #nature center
  • #wildlife
  • #hiking
  • #family
  • #birds

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Vermont Institute of Natural Science, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Sugarbush Farm

    Free

    A fifth generation Vermont farm offering free cheese and maple syrup tastings.

    3.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    King Arthur Baking Company

    Under $25

    King Arthur's flagship Vermont campus pairs a bakery cafe with a retail store and hands-on baking classes.

    6.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Montshire Museum of Science

    Under $25

    A hands-on science museum on 100 riverside acres in Norwich, Vermont.

    6.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    History Buff

    American Precision Museum

    Under $25

    Industrial history museum in a National Historic Landmark armory tracing the birth of precision manufacturing.

    12 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Vermont Association of Snow Travelers

    Free

    Nonprofit trail association that maintains and grooms Vermont's statewide snowmobile trail network.

    40 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Pats Peak

    $50+

    A family owned ski area in Henniker, New Hampshire with 28 trails, night skiing and snowtubing.

    45 mi awayMore like this