The Nature Museum in Vermont

186 Townshend Rd, Grafton, VT 05146

(802) 843-2111 | info@nature-museum.org | nature-museum.org

HOURS & LOCATION

Q: When is the museum open?

A: The museum building is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am–4pm. Weather-related closings are posted on Facebook and the Google Business listing.

Q: Are the outdoor areas open when the building is closed?

A: Yes. The Chapman Meadow, Magic Forest Playscape, and Danforth Pavillion are open every day, dawn to dusk, free of charge.

Q: Where is the museum located?

A: 186 Townshend Road in Grafton, Vermont, in the heart of the village.

Q: Where do I park?

A: In the Windham Foundation parking lot directly across the street. You can drop off visitors in the museum driveway but vehicles cannot remain there during the visit.

ADMISSION

Q: How much does it cost to visit?

A: Admission is by donation — $5 per individual or $15 per family. If you're not able to donate, you're still welcome. The outdoor areas (Chapman Meadow and Magic Forest Playscape) are always free.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Q: What's inside the museum?

A: Hand-painted dioramas, taxidermy specimens, hands-on exhibits, a live honeybee hive (seasonal), rocks and fossils, a crawl-through bear den, and opportunities to dress up as your favorite creature.

Q: What's outside?

A: Pollinator gardens, restored wetland and meadow trails, the Magic Forest Playscape (with hopping logs, a naturalist cabin, shelter-building supplies, a sand pit, and more), and Chapman Meadow with expansive views. The Fairy House Trail is also on the grounds.

Q: Is the museum good for young children?

A: Yes. The museum is designed for all ages, with hands-on activities and nature-based outdoor play spaces. The Magic Forest Playscape is especially popular with younger visitors.

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ACCESSIBILITY

Q: Is the museum accessible?

A: The north entrance (driveway side) is fully accessible and connects to the entire first floor. There is an accessible restroom with a baby changing station on the first floor. The second floor exhibits are reached by a wide stairway with handrails. The pollinator garden is on a gentle grassy slope behind the building. The Magic Forest Playscape involves a steeper grassy incline and wood chip paths with natural play features.

PETS

Q: Can I bring my dog?

A: Leashed dogs and pets are welcome on the grounds, in Chapman Meadow, and at the Playscape. Pets are not permitted inside the museum building (service animals only). Owners must pick up waste and carry it off-site, keep pets accompanied at all times, and note that Vermont law prohibits leaving pets unattended in vehicles.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Q: Does the museum offer programs for kids?

A: Yes — summer camps, April break camp, preschool playgroups (Mighty Acorns), and school/library programming throughout the year.

Q: Are there programs for adults?

A: Yes. The museum hosts nature walks, talks, workshops, and special events for adults throughout the year, both at the museum and in the wider Southern Vermont community.

Q: What is the Fairy House Festival?

A: An annual outdoor festival celebrating fairy house building held the last weekend of September. Participants can build their own structures on the museum grounds. There are separate FAQs for the festival at nature-museum.org/frequently-asked-questions.

Q: Does the museum offer school or library programs?

A: Yes. The museum partners with schools and libraries in Vermont and New Hampshire to bring hands-on nature and science programming. Funding assistance is available for schools where cost is a barrier. Contact info@nature-museum.org to schedule.

STAYING CONNECTED

Q: How do I stay up to date on events?

A: Sign up for the monthly newsletter at nature-museum.org. The museum is also active on Facebook and Instagram.

Q: How do I contact the museum?

A: Phone: (802) 843-2111 | Email: info@nature-museum.org