TOP 30 Natural history exhibits in Asheville, North Carolina

The Western North Carolina Nature Center, located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in Asheville, North Carolina, is a popular tourist attraction and zoo. Visitors can see a variety of animals such as black bears, red wolves, otters, and red pandas. The Nature Center is open 361 days a year, with admissions from 10am-3:30pm and the park closing at 4:30pm. Military personnel receive free admission with ID, and Asheville City residents receive discounted admission. The Nature Center is supported by the City of Asheville’s Parks & Recreation Department. Visitors can become a Friend of the WNC Nature Center to enjoy savings and benefits as a member. Corporate Friends and Partners help support the Nature Center’s animal habitats, education programs, and conservation efforts. Reservations are not required, and tickets do not need to be purchased online in advance. Come visit the WNC Nature Center to learn more about the special animals that call it home and help keep Asheville wild!

The Appalachian State University Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located on Bodenheimer Drive in Boone, North Carolina, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Appalachian region. With lush forests, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife, this preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful hike, a scenic picnic spot, or a chance to connect with nature, the Appalachian State University Nature Preserve has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the tranquility and beauty of this hidden gem in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The UNC Asheville Outdoor Geology Exhibit is a fascinating display of the geological history of the Asheville area, located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Visitors can explore a variety of rock formations, fossils, and minerals that highlight the unique geology of the region. The exhibit offers a hands-on learning experience for students and visitors alike, with interactive displays and informative signage explaining the geological processes that have shaped the landscape over millions of years. Whether you are a geology enthusiast or just curious about the earth's history, the UNC Asheville Outdoor Geology Exhibit is a must-see destination in Asheville, North Carolina.

Pisgah Playground is a unique institution located at 209 Dairy Road in Asheville, North Carolina, United States. Visitors can discover rare and beautiful objets d’art at this institution, including furnishings, paintings, tapestries, and more. One of the highlights at Pisgah Playground is the Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition, where guests can marvel at Chihuly's masterworks amidst the blooming gardens of Biltmore. With three distinctive overnight properties on the Biltmore Estate, visitors can enjoy gracious hospitality, exceptional service, and the chance to fully explore the stunning Blue Ridge Mountain oasis. Pisgah Playground offers carefully curated experiences that showcase the estate's history, architecture, gardens, cuisine, wine, and more, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Biltmore.

Biltmore is a renowned museum and tourist attraction located at 1 Lodge Street in Asheville, North Carolina, United States. Visitors can discover rare and beautiful objets d’art such as furnishings, paintings, and tapestries. Experience the beauty of Biltmore's gardens and the Chihuly exhibition while the estate blooms. With three distinctive overnight properties, guests can enjoy gracious hospitality and wake up surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore the history, architecture, gardens, cuisine, wine, and more with carefully curated experiences that showcase the estate's appeal.

The Cottage on Biltmore Estate is a luxurious lodging located at 142 Winery Road in Asheville, North Carolina, United States. Guests can immerse themselves in the rare and beautiful objets d'art found throughout the estate, including furnishings, paintings, tapestries, and more. Experience the stunning Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition while the estate is in full bloom, with magnificent gardens and a new display of Chihuly's masterworks in Amherst at Deerpark®. The Biltmore Estate offers three distinct overnight properties, each offering gracious hospitality, exceptional service, and the chance to fully explore the Blue Ridge Mountain oasis. Guests can wake up surrounded by the estate's stunning natural beauty and enjoy a range of carefully curated experiences that highlight the history, architecture, gardens, cuisine, wine, and more. Don't miss the opportunity to discover all that the Biltmore Estate has to offer during your stay at the Cottage on Biltmore Estate.

Biltmore Waterfall is a stunning tourist attraction located in Asheville, North Carolina, United States. Visitors can discover rare and beautiful objets d’art such as furnishings, paintings, and tapestries at this magnificent estate. Experience the breathtaking Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition amidst the blooming gardens, featuring masterworks by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Guests can choose to stay at one of Biltmore Estate's three distinctive overnight properties, each offering gracious hospitality and the opportunity to fully explore the Blue Ridge Mountain oasis. Explore the history, architecture, gardens, cuisine, wine, and more with carefully curated experiences that showcase the estate's wide appeal. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and luxury of Biltmore Waterfall.

The French Broad River Greenway is a park located in Asheville, North Carolina, United States. The greenway is part of the River Arts District Transportation Improvement Plan (RADTIP) and is named the Wilma Dykeman Greenway in honor of author Wilma Dykeman. The GAP Plan, adopted by the City Council in October 2022, combines the City’s Greenway Master Plan, ADA Transition Plan, and Pedestrian Master Plan into one comprehensive document to enhance the pedestrian network in Asheville. The greenway offers a variety of experiences for users, with most paths following stream, creek, and river corridors. The River to Ridge Greenway and Trail Network will connect various greenways in the downtown area, providing access to the French Broad River and Blue Ridge Mountains. The network will feature 10.25 miles of connected greenways and trails once completed. The Nasty Branch Greenway project, formerly known as Town Branch, will provide an important East/West connection in the greenway network and feature interpretive signs about the history of the Southside community. Greenway Connectors are being designed to safely direct visitors between different trailheads. Construction on various greenway projects is ongoing, with plans to enhance public access and safety. For more information, contact Lucy Crown, Transportation Planning Manager at 828-259-5805.

The Inn on Biltmore Estate, located at 1 Antler Hill Road in Asheville, North Carolina, offers a unique lodging experience on Biltmore’s private, gated estate. Guests can discover rare and beautiful objets d’art throughout the property, including furnishings, paintings, tapestries, and more. With America’s Largest Home®, 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, an award-winning Winery, and a variety of dining, shopping, and outdoor activities, Biltmore provides an unforgettable resort experience like no other. Conveniently located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, Downtown Asheville, and the River Arts District, Biltmore offers the perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. Guests can choose from a variety of stay packages, such as the Chihuly at Biltmore package, which includes exhibition admission, Biltmore House admission, daily breakfast, an exclusive exhibition keepsake, and more.