Effie Yeaw Nature Center image

Effie Yeaw Nature Center

Tourist attraction Museum Nature preserve

One of the Best Places To Visits in Carmichael


Address

2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael, CA 95608

Website

www.sacnaturecenter.net

Contact

(916) 876-4918

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: nature (24) trails (17) center (16) deer (14) river (13) wildlife (11) area (11) walk (9) Great (9) nice (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Josh 4 months ago on Google • 662 reviews
    It cost 6 dollars for vehicle entry but it was worth it. The trails near the nature center are full of wildlife. I saw several varieties of fowl at the river, some diving for food. I also saw several deer along the trail. There is a nice bench in the middle of the woodland trail I relaxed at while one horned deer sat near and two others moved around in front of me.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott S. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent little nature center. Trails aren't too long or challenging, making it perfect for small children to come see some deer, turkey, birds and butterflies.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tummypoke 2 years ago on Google
    When you first arrive the pay station is just to the left of the ranger station, immediately past it. Parking is $5. If you happen to miss the station, you can pay at the Visitor Center (Cash Only). The area is pretty clean and the trails are mainly dirt. They loop around and have several trails leading to the river. There are a few areas along the trail when you can sit, but there’s a lot of families so if you’re looking for the sounds of nature, you’ll get that mixed with the sounds of kids. There was only one live animal that I saw in the visitor center, and only birds outdoors. There is a golf course next door, with a restaurant as well as a park area with river access. Overall a nice “mostly quiet” area for hiking easy to moderate trails and for families to bring friends and children.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason S. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a great place for a hike. The trails are well marked and mostly flat. The are lots of rocks along the trails but nothing hazardous. There is abundant wildlife roaming around. We saw turkeys, other birds, and lots of deer during our recent visit. In total, we saw about 15 or more deer throughout the nature walk. Our children and our nephew were able to walk the trails themselves (ages 2, 4, 5).
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jennifer B. 1 year ago on Google
    It was too hot for me to explore everything but loved it! We were down to the river and enjoyed skipping rocks. We saw multiple deer right in front of us. I had a stroller and they weren't scared of us at all. I have a stroller too. Such a nice experience. We have to go back for sure and didn't know about getting wet in the lake so wasn't prepared.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael B. 3 months ago on Google • 329 reviews New
    Beautiful place. Best time to go is on a clear sunny day. The wildlife and wilderness is perfect for the day out and some education.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ktzpawz 11 months ago on Google • 219 reviews
    What a memorable experience this was. My niece was thrilled to see all the different wildlife as well as the educational museum experience. The trail was easy with full grown trees and matured bushes and flowers. The deer was so close we could almost pet it. This was definitely a treat for all ages!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer H. 6 months ago on Google • 15 reviews
    Have you wanted to view a live rattlesnake?! They've got one!! Natoma is its name. Lots of taxidermy animals to see and learn about. What a treasure right in our own backyard. Went for a beautiful walk through the trails, too!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jaxon B. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a powerful area. A lot of beautiful Oak trees, deer sitting down everywhere enjoying the almost spring like weather. It's super green currently and beautiful gem of this area. We were lucky and was able to get a nice parking spot, busy on Saturday.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah O. 2 years ago on Google
    We have come to love this nature center. Today's visit was spectacular. We saw 2 families of dear and salmon spawning along the river. Great place to walk, hike, and see nature.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Traveling G. 1 year ago on Google
    There's so much wildlife. We encountered coyotes the first day and deer. There's also wild turkeys all over. There's paths that lead to the river. Informative plaques and great scenery. So glad I brought my kids here.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie J. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to walk around. Nice people, helpful and educational!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dayne C. 1 year ago on Google
    Went for a stroll down Effie Yeaw's trails, saw some deer, lots of birds, and a carnivorous plant. A very relaxing experience were it not for the hail. I recommend going when it isn't hailing. Parking was $6 for the day. It can also be difficult to enter due to a gate closing off the normal route, so you'll need to enter through Tarshes to get to the nature center. Waze was able to successfully navigate me to the center while Google and Apple Maps fell flat.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karenns Ok L. 2 years ago on Google
    Fun and easy nature trails. Nice little indigenous town where you can learn about the indigenous people in the area
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Barbara R. 10 months ago on Google • 73 reviews
    The nature center while small is very informative about local wildlife and the trails provide opportunities to see the wildlife in their actual habitat. They are updating exhibits regularly. There is a $6 per vehicle fee that covers everyone in the car. Definitely worth a visit on a cool summer day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul E. J. 1 month ago on Google • 197 reviews New
    Great educational outing to learn about the American River Parkway floral and fauna. Great, informative staff. Nice exhibits. Worth the trip. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Edward O. 2 months ago on Google • 64 reviews New
    A great space to take a break. Several short paths lead to the river. The nature center has both live animals and nature displays. Can easily find deer and wild turkeys on the trail.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan 5 months ago on Google • 154 reviews
    The Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael is a fantastic place to discover local wildlife. Located inside Ancil Hoffman Park, the nature center and surrounding area has attractions for visitors of different interests and age groups. Starting with the center itself: It provides engaging exhibits and hands-on displays where you can learn about the local plants, animals, and natural history. It’s incredibly kid-friendly with their discovery rooms and regular events and programs. Outside, there Miles of scenic trails that wind through woodlands, creeks, and river areas just waiting to be explored. Whether you want to go on a solo hike, attend a program, or enjoy an educational family outing, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center is an enjoyable and entertaining family friendly attraction. The staff excel at providing opportunities to explore, learn, and forge connections with nature just minutes from Sacramento. It's a great experience! One note: There is no cost to enjoy the nature center, but there is a park fee to enter, which I think was $6 per car.

  • 5/5 Alexandrea G. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is one of my core memories! As a child my Mom took me here a lot and now I enjoy bringing my kids here too! The museum is fun and informational and FREE! There are hands on activities and animals to look at. The trail is absolutely beautiful as well and easy enough for the whole family (stroller friendly) They recently added a new area in the front by the parking lot that my kids enjoy. You don't regret spending part of your day here!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony C. 2 months ago on Google • 81 reviews New
    Lots of local wild animals along the trails

  • 5/5 Lisa S. 1 month ago on Google • 51 reviews New
    Beautiful park & fun & educational nature center. Lots of deer & wild turkeys. So many birds!

  • 5/5 Tony C. 4 months ago on Google • 50 reviews
    Great friendly and knowlegable staff and a hub of Nature education. It is not just a great little Natural History museum. IMHO best suited for elementary kids but interesting at any age.

  • 5/5 Brian W. 1 month ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    Great place to bring kids.

  • 5/5 Dom S. 2 months ago on Google • 24 reviews New
    Place always peaceful and happy

  • 5/5 Adeladie F. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a nice spot to go see nature and get a little exercise I have my niece and nephew and it was a beautiful day.

  • 4/5 D M. 3 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Great day for a hike. The facilities were closed however. The trails were fairly well marked.

  • 5/5 Christina M. 1 year ago on Google
    Parking is $6 for the whole day, the nature walks are amazing, however pls be aware there is very little shade and it can get warm after 12 especially with temps rising. Restrooms are located in the Nature Center. A short walk to the river.

  • 5/5 Sarah J. 5 months ago on Google
    We have spent years visiting Effie Yeaw Nature Center. First we a couple, then with our child. It's the perfect place for a nature wander. Easy trails. Beautiful surroundings. Listen to the river! Spot the sleeping deer. Maybe we'll take a trip there today!

  • 5/5 Joyce B. 2 years ago on Google
    I love going there to walk/run and feel safe going by myself even at dusk. Love seeing the does, bucks, fawns, coyotes, snakes and even seeing mama deer chasing off a coyote who thought her fawn looked delicious. Lots of birds of prey as well. It's a nice serene environment

  • 2/5 Snowman 9 months ago on Google
    Looks abandoned. No animals left, all the reptiles frogs are gone. Trails are dusty and rocky river beach is impossible to walk for children . Ponds look dirty and ignored. Definitely not worth paying for to visit

  • 5/5 Tracey W. 11 months ago on Google
    Very nice nature center with lots of walking trails, picnic area, and children's outdoor play area. The nature center itself has a nice display of local artifacts, native wildlife, and history of the Nisenan Maidu people who lived along the American River. They also have a number of non-releasable animals native to the American River system including raptors - a Kestrel, Swainson's Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, and Great Horned Owl. I met the Great Horned Owl, named Echo, while I was there. What a beautiful bird. Entry to the nature center is free, but donations are welcome. There's a $6 per car parking fee since the nature center is located inside Ancil Hoffman County Park.

  • 5/5 Markus F. 10 months ago on Google
    We love Effie Year Nature Center. There is always something going on and the volunteers are always so friendly and informative. The hike to the river is gorgeous and easy. Great for short hikes for families with young ones. They have a number of live animals that have been rescued over the years. We always enjoy going back.

  • 5/5 Karen Wallace A. 1 year ago on Google
    Effie Yaw is a very cool area to walk along the trails, spend time near the river, learn about wildlife & indigenous peoples and just enjoy nature.

  • 5/5 Louise V. 11 months ago on Google
    I am donating art to support The Nature Center's annual fund raiser because I am so enamored with what they do there. Besides being beautiful, the Center provides education to both adults and children regarding nature and wildlife preservation.


Call (916) 876-4918 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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