Lake Erie Nature & Science Center gives children and families a living, breathing connection to the natural world through informal science education.
A unique combination of resources can be found only at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center: live animal exhibits, wildlife rehabilitation services, a public access planetarium, nature-based education and a park setting along the shores of Lake Erie. The Center is one of the region’s most accessible destinations to learn about the natural world, offering free general admission and free wildlife rehabilitation services.
General admission, at no charge, allows you and your family to enjoy live animal exhibits as well as displays about natural history and space science.
Hours Daily: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Center is closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Phone: 440-871-2900
Parking: Free parking is available on Porter Creek Drive in front of the Center’s main entrance.
Wildlife Gardens Education and Renovation Project
Renovations to the outdoor Wildlife Gardens are underway with an anticipated completion of Summer 2025. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center continues to be open for free general admission, nature-based programs, and wildlife assistance 7 days a week.
In addition to the Nature Center’s indoor exhibits, you can view live animals in our new outdoor North Habitats featuring resident birds. Please note: Occasionally, this area will not be accessible due to construction. For more information, please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center provides general admission and programs without regard to age, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, citizenship status, and other characteristics. We recognize that every employee is responsible for inclusion, and ensuring that the organization’s mission is accessible and relevant to everyone.
If you need an accommodation, please make a request two weeks before but no later than 72 hours prior to the visit, program, class, or activity.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by contacting Lake Erie Nature & Science Center at 440-871-2900 or info@lensc.org.
Service Animals
As an institution which recognizes the importance of serving all members of our communities, the Center welcomes visitors with service animals consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
Only trained service animals will be admitted to the Center. Pets, under any circumstances, will not be admitted to the Center. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.
Untrained emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA.
By Bus:
From Downtown Cleveland:
RTA provides service from Downtown Cleveland to Bay Village through the 55B: Cleveland State Line on Monday through Friday during rush hours. Use the Osborn Road and Beach Lane stop, approximately 40 minutes. The walk to Lake Erie Nature & Science Center from the stop is 6 minutes. Head east on Osborn Road toward Beach Lane. Turn left on Beach Lane. Turn left onto Wolf Road. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center will be on the right, located on Huntington Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks. For fares, schedules, and general public-transit information, visit http://www.riderta.com.
28728 Wolf Road
Bay Village, OH 44140