Wishin' I was Fishin'
The Baytown Nature Center (BNC) located at 6213 Bayway Drive, is a 500-acre peninsula surrounded by Burnet, Crystal and Scott Bays. All that water means a great variety of places to cast a line! The BNC is dotted with piers, rocky embankments and some dirt slopes which all make for great locations to throw some bait and wait for the fish to bite. The waters are an important nursery area for a variety of aquatic species, including shrimp, crab and fish. If fishing ON the water is more your thing, then launch a kayak near the Butterfly Garden and travel into the deeper waters or more secluded inlets to snag your next brag worthy catch.
The BNC is for the Birds!
People aren't the only ones fishing at the BNC. This unique site is listed on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, providing habitat for 317 species of resident and neo-tropical migrant birds. The American Bird Conservancy designated the Baytown Nature Center as a nationally important bird area. Birding blinds are spread throughout the BNC as well as benches great for sitting and spotting your favorite feathered friends.
Hiking, biking, running, oh my!
There's no yellow brick road at the BNC, but there are miles of walkways for stretching your legs and taking in the great outdoors. Whether you are looking for wooded gravel pathways or paved waterside trails, the BNC has you covered. Once a month take in the BNC at night during the Full Moon Hikes which coincide with the Saturday closest to the full moon each month. The hikes are 90 minutes long and guided by one of the BNC's naturalists on staff. You never know what nocturnal creatures your may see or hear on the trails at night!
Play and Learn!
The Children's Discovery Area of the BNC is one of the most unique play areas you will see at a park. The park features animal climbing structures, a pirate ship, a music play area made out of recycled materials, a few traditional playground features, and colorful educational boards for children to learn about the local ecology. The main entrance into the children's park is as distinct as the playground itself--modeled after the Fred Hartman Bridge with long rope cables guiding you in.
Photos for the Gram
Novice and professional photogs alike will enjoy breaking out the camera and preserving memories of their trip to the Baytown Nature Center. The waterways and woods are crawling with nature's beauty that are worthy of photo albums, Instagram stories, and photo galleries. If posting online, be sure to use the hashtag #iHeartBaytown so we can follow along on your journey!
Honorable Mentions:
Kayak the BNC
Or strike out on the paddle board
Attend an event/festival. Check out our Events Page Here, to find events happening at the BNC.
For more information on lodging for your next trip, visit our Stay Page!