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A World of Discovery

The center's main exhibit room has a large, interactive map of the Waterloo area and features exhibits of the prominent habitats found within easy walking distance of the center, including the beech-maple forest, hardwood swamp and bog. Other exhibits feature descriptions of the prominent habitat types and plant communities that were prevalent at prior to European settlement including the oak barrens and the prairie fen, which are extremely rare today. A special display case holds a large collection of fluted spear points used by the Paleo-Indian hunters, and other cultural history artifacts, including a dugout canoe, are on display as well.

In the geology room, kids and families can discover that geology is fun! Visitors can enter a model ice cave to see themselves standing next to a giant beaver or Jefferson mammoth, or get the latest Ice Age "weather report." Youngsters will enjoy conducting experiments in the "Mad Scientist Lab" and the "Fossil Graveyard" features lift-a-rock models of fossilized bones and teeth. Touch-screen computer games will test your geology knowledge and you can view a large collection of rocks and minerals from throughout the state.

The center's auditorium features a dramatic multi-image program about Waterloo and step into the atrium to see an active honeybee colony. It's also a good spot for bird watching. Test your knowledge of birds by playing a fun touch-screen computer game.

Special Events

The visitor center hosts a number of special events each year. Make plans to attend these great events scheduled for 2008:

Self-guided Trails

The paved, universally accessible Rock Walkway outside the center is lined with large boulders of bedrock that form a unique time line of Michigan's geologic history. This trail also provides a great view of Mill Lake at several vantage points. Adjacent to the rock trail, visitors may enjoy the sheltered picnic area; a grill is provided. On the west side of the building, an observation deck offers the visitor a pleasant view of Mill Lake, and a telescope is provided for viewing waterfowl and other wildlife.

School Programs

A variety of programs are offered for school groups and the general public. School programs cover several topics including wetland habitats, mammals and basic geology. Programs for school groups are held during the fall, winter and spring. These programs include outdoor activities, so students are asked to dress appropriately for the weather.

Teachers should click here to begin planning their visit. Each course description includes goals and objectives and alignment with the Michigan Curriculum Framework.

Public programs, usually held on weekends, focus on Waterloo's abundant wildlife and plant life, and include such topics as owls, frogs and toads, waterfowl, bats and wildflowers.

Hiking Trails

Fifteen miles of hiking trails fan out from the discovery center. The trails include the Old Field Trail, which loops around an open area that gradually is being overtaken by shrubs. The Lowland Trail loops through a forested wetland, with a long boardwalk traversing the mucky area. The Spring Pond Trail loops around a shrubby swamp; the area attracts numerous wildlife species, especially during spring. The Bog Trail, Waterloo's best-known trail, offers an opportunity for hikers to view the bog's unique flora and fauna firsthand from a boardwalk that extends well into the bog. Oak Woods Trail is great for seeing geologic features and a nice view of Mill Lake before retreating back into a forested area. Lakeview Trail circles around a field as well as a young forested area. Farthest from the center and accessed at the park headquarters, the Hickory Hills Trail travels through a mature oak-hickory forest. This very hilly trail has a number of steep inclines, but offers a spectacular view of Crooked Lake.

Location and Hours

The center is located at 17030 Bush Road between Pierce and McClure roads in Chelsea. Take I-94 to exit 157 (Pierce Road) and go north to Bush Road. Take Bush Road west to the center.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, beginning the week after Easter until the Sunday before Thanksgiving (closed Mondays). For information, call (734) 475-3170.