The Stage Nature Center is near Lang Estates – eXp Realty in Troy, and it’s worth the trip. There are many activities to enjoy both indoors and outdoors!
Explore the untouched beauty of the 100-acre preserve and let nature’s wonders captivate you! There are four trails which include the Sugar Maple Loop (0.4 mi), Blackbird Loop (0.7 mi), Bluebird Trail (.13mi), and Fox Trail (.35mi). The trails offer something for everyone – no matter your level of experience; these walking paths will take you through lowland forests, upland habitats, a meadow, and boardwalks across marshlands all while giving an exclusive view of the headwaters of Rouge River. All four trails combined are less than two miles long so connect with nature today!
These walking trails offer a perfect opportunity to observe wildlife, such as deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, squirrels, chipmunks, and others. If you are looking for something shorter in duration, you have various options available depending on your timeframe. The Sugar Maple Loop is partially paved and ADA accessible, but the remainder of the trails are still well-groomed for visitors to enjoy. Those interested can find maps on Stage Nature Center’s website.
For a spectacular view of the Rouge River bottomlands, look no further than Marsh Tower on Fox Trail! Immerse yourself in the stunning marshland and meadow landscape while keeping an eye out for curious wildlife that can be found throughout this one-of-a-kind area.
Make your next lunch an unforgettable experience. Nestled in front of the Stage Nature Center interpretive building, you can enjoy a picnic amongst stunning native gardens and landscapes while children play on the climbing rocks nearby. Pack a meal and take advantage of the warm months to enjoy some quality time under a shady tree! For bigger kids 5 years or older, they will love burning off energy at our playground-style climbing rocks.
Positioned close to the parking lot, Michigan Native Garden is a retreat for locals and visitors alike. Volunteers of the Master Gardener Program have worked diligently to curate over 75 native plant species in this serene destination that attracts numerous pollinators such as bees, wasps, butterflies, and other beneficial insects like ladybugs and green lacewings. Best of all? Entry is free! Take a stroll through the garden while you enjoy an informative self-guided tour with labeled plants which will teach you more about Michigan’s local flora.
Visitors can also see the Monarch Way Station butterfly garden located just outside the back of the nature center. This garden provides vital resources for monarchs to reproduce and continue their migration, so it’s beautiful with a purpose! The beautiful flowers not only attract butterflies and moths but also bees and hummingbirds.
The Stage Nature Center provides numerous inside activities as well. Go explore the 8,200-square-foot interpretative building to learn about Michigan’s native wildlife. After checking out the exhibit hall, which features a variety of displays and taxidermy, an aqua wall with live animals, a library, and a wildlife observation area, take a walk on one of the trails to enjoy the best of both worlds! The aqua wall is home to many native animal ambassadors that live at the nature center. Get an up-close look at some exciting reptiles, amphibians, and even crayfish that you can find right here in Michigan!
The Kids Activity Area is an exciting place for budding adventurers to express themselves. Children can try on costumes, solve puzzles, play games, and more! At the Mastodon Dig site – one of the most popular attractions – kids get to be archaeologists digging up replica fossils and bones with shovels or brushes in a rubber mulch-filled area surrounded by boulders. With its real-life simulation of uncovering ancient artifacts from past civilizations, this display should not be missed!
In addition, the library is an ideal place to grab a book and relax. They have an expansive selection of books and resources ranging from field and wilderness guides on birds, insects, plants, mushrooms, mammals, etc. to nature-themed novels and narratives. There is also a section of children’s books and magazines which are perfect for learning all about the fascinating world around us.
The indoor wildlife observation area at Stage Nature Center is the perfect place to watch birds, squirrels, and chipmunks as they busily come and go from the bird feeders. If you’re lucky, you might even see wild turkeys!
This stop is perfect for an exciting and educational experience; there’s something for everyone here!
Driving Directions To Lang Estates – eXp Realty From Stage Nature Center
Driving Directions To Somerset Collection Mall
