Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve

Hiking & Trails · Traverse City, MI

The Boardman River Nature Center started as a grassroots vision to connect Grand Traverse County families with the natural world right in their backyard. What began as environmental education programs has grown into something special - a place where kids can spot painted turtles while parents learn about native ecosystems. The center sits along the Boardman River's winding path through Traverse City, where wooden boardwalks lead through wetlands and prairie spaces. Local naturalists who grew up exploring these same woods now guide families on discovery walks, sharing stories about everything from migrating warblers to the river's role in the area's logging history.