Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Quechee, Vermont

While I was in Vermont, I wanted to get outside as much as possible, and the 47 acres of VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science) was the perfect place to breathe in some fresh air.

First stop…Forest Canopy Walk

I love great views but I hate heights, so I sometimes miss out. Not at VINS…their Forest Canopy Walk let me experience being eye level to the treetops without the fear. At some points I was over 50 feet in the air, and I loved every minute of it! Ok…so I was a little nervous at first because sections of the walk are on metal grates that you can see through…but I got used to it. What I like best about the canopy walk is all generations can do it together.

There are several platforms you can walk up to throughout the walk. Take some time to enjoy the statues.

The Eagle’s Nest was awesome!

One section I know my daughters would love is the Giant Spider Web.

My favorite section was the Tree Top, a structure that has several levels that lead to a platform with a gives you a 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside.

Trails

After the canopy walk, I took a stroll through one of the trails. It was so peaceful with birds chirping, frogs croaking, and the wind rustling through the trees. They had some great sculptures along the way.

Time for Some Raptors

VINS has more than 40 raptors that call it home. These birds have sustained injuries and conditions that prevented them from ever living in the wild again. It’s nice to see they have a lovely place to now keep them safe. Here are a few of my favorites little guys…

This bald eagle was majestic!

This barn owl was so cute.

And look at this sweet face of this snow owl! Too adorable!

Reptile Room

This section has some local reptiles from the eastern United States. There was a box turtle

and a corn snake that were so cool.

While you’re there you definitely watch an animal presentation. I watched Raptors Up Close. I loved learning about three birds that live at VINS. It was fun to see them fly back and forth between the two staff members.

It was interesting to hear about what led them there and lots of information about their species. But my favorite part was when the flew a bird over the audience. I could feel the tip of his wing on my shoulder!

VINS is an educational place to take kids. Don’t forget to visit the Birds are Dinosaurs house where you’ll learn the story of how birds evolved from dinosaurs through hands-on activities and life-size displays.