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Western North Carolina Nature Center

75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28805
828-298-5600
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Ranked #17 of 70 attractions in Asheville
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Owner description: Animal center features an educational farm with livestock, small animals and poultry, plus a wide variety of animals on display, from bears and bats... more » Owner description: Animal center features an educational farm with livestock, small animals and poultry, plus a wide variety of animals on display, from bears and bats to spiders and snakes. « less
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123 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    59
    44
    14
    4
    2
Date Rating
Salisbury, North Carolina
Top Contributor
119 reviews 119 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

Good collection of animals that now, or once, were present in western North Carolina. The otter exhibit is especially well done. Lots of shady areas so on a hot day, this is a good place to visit.

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See 4 more reviews by Gene K for Asheville
Davenport, Iowa
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

We were underwhelmed with the nature center, but it likely would be a great destination if you have kids. Half of the animals were not in their enclosures. That being said, it was a cheap hour of entertainment.

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See 6 more reviews by Hilary D for Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

Just got back from this Nature Center and was disappointed with how the animals were taken care of. Animals should be free and not confined to their small enclosures. It has been a wet spring in Asheville however this should not be a reason the animals need to walk in the mud. Animals that are caged or in an enclosure... More

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See 4 more reviews by Ed T for Asheville
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

Was really cool to see the wolves. Heard them howling from across the zoo. They are beautiful! Enjoyed seeing the bears too. Loved how everything looked like natural environments.

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See 6 more reviews by MtnBeachGirl for Asheville
Canton, North Carolina, United States
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2013

We love the animals and the walk is nice...not too long. All the animals are native to the region. The river otters are our favorite. Cost is reasonable and worth it!

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See 2 more reviews by Angie R for Asheville
Monroe, NC
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
49 helpful votes 49 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013

This is a small zoo but the animals have big, natural enclosures. The reptile area is especially nice. The otters are enjoyable. Although this place is small, it is worth a stop. It is a hilly site so be prepared to walk uphill during parts of the visit.

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See 3 more reviews by tarheelluv for Asheville
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013 via mobile

Such fun, so many animals to see and touch, we have a membership and go regularly. From the otters to the farm animals to the large grounds for lots of walking and running, it's a great family outing.

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Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

My wife saw their picture on a billboard and WNCNC immediately became inscribed on our itenerary. She loves otters. The Nature center had a couple of lively ones and we got there right in time for the feeding frenzy. I also enjoyed the cougars, wolves and black bears. There was a small fee, but i think it was worth it.

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See 3 more reviews by GreenwallKnight for Asheville
Brevard, NC
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

My grandkids and I have spent many happy hours here. It is well laid out, accessible, and the perfect place for a family lying.

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See 3 more reviews by KatheNC for Asheville
Chicago
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013

Nothing great but not bad. Like walking around the zoo. Petting area fun for the kids. 2hr max time for us.

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See 5 more reviews by thebutcher for Asheville

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