Bear Branch Nature Center

"Wonderful place. They’re a dark sky park, but I wish they had some clear guidance in that regard. It’s basically “we officially close at sunset but if you’re here after dark you *probably* won’t get arrested.” No signs or written policy for sky gazing. Odd for a publicized dark sky location."

"Beautiful place. Sort of an explore at your open place kind of experience. It's like a museum and Discovery center. Includes live animals and interactive exhibits. Beautiful landscaping and water feature out front. Offers educational programs throughout the year."

"This delightful Carroll County Maryland park is a great place to spend some family time. There are lots of interesting displays in the nature center, but just as importantly, the woods and fields are full of birds, reptiles, and amphibians in their natural environment. There are some captive birds of prey that you'll find fascinating. The park looks after them because, for various reasons, they are unable to fend for themselves. Take a picnic, as there is no food available on site."

"This place is very nice and so much fun for kids and adults, but it desperately needs maintenance and cleaning. Not sure if they're understaffed or just don't care. The exhibits inside were very dusty and the reptile tanks needed alot of cleaning. I had to give a low rating because I'm a huge reptile fan, seeing the snakes and terrapins in such dirty tanks made me so sad, I hope they get this fixed soon, it doesn't look safe for these beautiful animals"

"We decided to visit with two smaller kids when there was a school field trip happening. The playground was okay, although there were two boys who kept blocking my kids from playing as they said it was their castle.... Birds of prey were lovely, but it was kinda like going to the zoo and hunting for the animals to see if they were on display or not.. enjoyed the trail up and back, each side of the trail is covered in poison ivy, oak and maybe sumac. Brought back my outdoor school days."