Wynn Nature Center Admission & Naturalist Programs
Escape to serene forests
Discover Alaska’s quieter side. The Wynn Nature Center hosts about five miles of hiking trails, ranging from a wheelchair accessible boardwalk to miles-long looping hikes. Explore on your own with general admission, or join a naturalist program for specialized deep dives. Whether you're birdwatching along the bog, learning about traditional uses of plants, or hiking beneath the sweeping spruce canopy, every step at the Wynn is a journey into unique Alaskan landscapes.
Surrounded by boreal forest and critical watersheds, the Wynn is managed as a preserve for Alaska’s iconic wildlife—especially moose. With luck and a little patience, you may glimpse one of these iconic animals feeding in the willows or moving through the brush near the trail. Our habitat stewardship ensures that this space remains a safe, undisturbed haven for moose year-round.
While Alaska’s challenging backcountry hiking is a draw for many adventurers, the Wynn’s four miles of trails can offer a slower, more accessible way for people to enjoy Alaska’s outdoors. Explore the trails and try to spot wildlife from the viewing platforms, hike to the Daisy Lee Bitter Outdoor Learning Space and talk with a naturalist, or take a break at our scenic benches, large deck and kid-friendly natural play spaces.
Summer Naturalist Programs
Boreal Forest Plant Walk
Tuesdays | 10am-11:30am
The Wynn’s forest are a curious transition zone from boreal to temperate forests, making this an amazing habitat for a wide variety of plants and hybrid species. Meet a new plant that lives here every week!
Wildcrafting Wednesdays
Alternating Wednesdays | 5pm-6:30pm
The beloved summer program has moved to the Wynn this year!
Take artistic inspiration from your surroundings! With a different craft each week, you’ll explore the forest for materials and take home a new skill. Cyanotypes, moss terrariums, natural dyes, flower pressing, and so much more!
Wildlife Walk
Saturdays | 10am-11:30am
Learn about the wildlife that lives at the Wynn, big and small! Explore what makes the Wynn their ideal habitat and why we work to keep it that way..
Poisonous & Edible Plants Walk
Saturdays | 2pm-3:30pm
There’s plenty of plants in Alaska you can eat, and plenty that you can’t! It’s important to know which is which before you venture into the forest. From monkshood and false hellebore to fireweed and watermelon berry—we’ll help you learn which plants you can cozy up to and which ones to avoid!
Morning Bird Walk
Sundays | 8:30am-10am
The Wynn is a birding hotspot. Join us on a tranquil morning walk to some of our favorite bird watching spots. Novice and experienced birders welcome!
Forest Fungi Walk
Sundays | 2pm-3:30pm
Plants and animals aren’t the only things living in the forest. Come learn about different fungi and their important role in the ecosystem.
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Summer hours
The Carl E. Wynn Visitor Center is open from 9am-5pm daily from June-September. Naturalist programs depart 5 days a week.
Members and Donors are provided free admission, and Sundays are free for all visitors.
Winter hours
Trails are free and open to the public from October 1-May 31 with limited interpretation. The Visitor Center is open with limited seasonal hours—confirm online before visiting. Visitors are invited to attend the Wynnter Sundays event series, where we provide a free activity for families to explore winter ecology together.
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Wynn Nature Center naturalist programs highlight the ecology and natural history of our 140-acre Nature Center. You’ll learn about local wildlife, ecosystems, peatlands, and more. The 1.5-hour tours require up to 1.5 miles of hiking through uneven terrain.
Dogs are not permitted at the Wynn Nature Center during the summer due to wildlife presence.
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies has a two-person minimum for all naturalist programs. If by some chance you are the only person booked on a tour, we will reach out to you the day before your booking to inform you. You will have the option to rebook your tour or receive a refund. If multiple people are booked for the same tour, and you are the only person that shows up, the tour will not run. You will have the option to rebook your tour or receive a refund.
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Where is the Nature Center?
The Wynn Nature Center is located on the ridgeline that sits above Homer, Alaska at 62890 Skyline Drive. The campus includes the Carl E. Wynn Visitor Center, the Daisy Lee Bitter Outdoor Learning Space, and the Elliott Fischer Viewing Platform. The Nature Center protects critical moose habitat and the headwaters of Bridge Creek.
Can I go hiking by myself?
Yes! The Wynn Nature Center has about 5 miles of maintained trails. Come explore on your own by simply paying the General Admission fee.
Are the trails strenuous?
All the trails at the Wynn Nature Center are maintained. While the terrain can be uneven, muddy, and/or slippery, there is no major elevation gain or loss associated with the majority of the hikes. Our naturalists are excellent at adapting hike routes and distance depending on a group’s needs or abilities during the guided programs–if you require accommodations, please indicate so in your booking.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Dogs are not permitted at the Nature Center during the summer due to wildlife presence. Leave your furry friends at home please!
In winter, dogs are allowed on leash.
Will I see moose or bears on the trails?
The Wynn Nature Center hosts major wildlife corridors and moose habitat. We often see moose around, and black bears frequent the area. Trail maps and safety tips for respectful wildlife observation are available in our Visitor Center.
While we cannot guarantee any wildlife sightings during the guided programs, we will be traveling through wildlife hotspots. Our naturalists communicate about any major wildlife sightings on the trails for safety reasons. We might see major wildlife, but we will not go looking for bears or moose on these hikes.
Will a program still run if the weather is bad?
It is highly unlikely that Homer’s typical summer weather would prevent us from going out. We likely will encounter some rain and mud, but we will still hike in the rain. As the old saying goes: there’s no such thing as bad weather, just ill-suited clothing! We recommend you bring rain gear and waterproof boots.
The Wynn Nature Center is an Association of Nature Center Administrators reciprocal program participant. Members of participating nature centers receive 20% off General Admission and a 20% store discount!