TOP 10 Wildlife sanctuary in Asheville, North Carolina

Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary, located at 1056 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville, North Carolina, is an 8-acre wetland managed by the Blue Ridge Audubon. This sanctuary was established in 1988 to protect the land from commercial development, and is now a popular tourist attraction and park in north Asheville. Visitors can explore the sanctuary via a boardwalk that allows for birdwatching and observing various wildlife in different habitat types. In addition to being a habitat for numerous bird species, the sanctuary is also home to butterflies and dragonflies/damselflies. The sanctuary is open year-round from dawn to dusk, with occasional closures for maintenance.

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!