The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is home to a natural history museum offering interactive exhibits that explore local habitats and wildlife found in the Ocean State and the Audubon Nature Shop. Visitors discover creatures that live in a tidepool, observe marine life from Narragansett Bay, visit with Common Ravens Zach and Lucy, and peek inside a 33-foot life size model of a North Atlantic Right Whale.
Situated on the 28-acre Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, ADA certified walking trails start in upland meadows and wind to a ¼ mile boardwalk through fresh and saltwater marshes to a majestic view of Narragansett Bay. Located along the East Bay Bike Path, the trails allow bikers and walkers access to the refuge's natural beauty.
Guided walks, birding classes, lectures and family programs are offered throughout the year. The facility and trails are handicapped accessible.
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Location and Contact
1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809
(401) 949-5454 ex. 3118
education@asri.org
Located on RIPTA Route 60
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Hours
Temporary Hours*
Thursday - Sunday, 9:30 am - 4 pm
Learn more about capacity-based entry.
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Trail & Grounds Open Daily
from Sunrise - Sunset
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Admission
Adult $6.00
Senior $5.00
Child (ages 4-12) $4.00
Child (under 4) free
Audubon Society of RI Members FREE
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Announcements & Closings
Check back here before your visit for hour changes due to inclement weather, holidays and private events.
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• * Open for Capacity-Based Entry: The Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center and Aquarium is open to the public - click here to learn more about capacity-based entry. Wildlife refuges and trails remain open to the public during this time - we hope you'll get outside and enjoy them!
• Upcoming Holiday & School Vacation Hours: Christmas Eve (12/24): Closed | Christmas Day (12/25): Closed | December 26: Closed | December 28 - 30: OPEN 9:30 am - 4 pm for School Vacation Week Activites | New Year's Eve (12/31): Open 9:30 am - 12 pm | New Year's Day (1/1): Closed
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Many of Audubon's public programs and events take place at the Nature Center and Aquarium. Be sure to check our calendar frequently for program descriptions and registration. The Center can also host your school group or other community group in a private setting.
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At our Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, your party can discover, learn, and explore on an adventure through our 28-acre outdoor classroom that reaches the shores of the Narragansett Bay. Other birthday party locations available.
Learn More
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Centrally located just 30 minutes from both Newport and Providence, the Center offers gathering space for up to 300 guests. Have your next corporate function, special event, or meeting at one of Rhode island's most unique meeting venues.
Photo by Phoenix Aviary
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All purchases made at our Nature Shop directly benefits Audubon Society of Rhode Island. We offer bird feeders and accessories, field guides, children's books and toys, games, eco-friendly jewelry, and much more!
Online Store now LIVE!
Visit the online Nature Shop
Using the Trails: Refuge Guidelines
All Audubon Society of Rhode Island land is protected. Our public wildlife refuges are for everyone to enjoy. Please respect the natural habitats of Audubon's refuges and avoid disturbing their inhabitants. Also, respect the rights of others when using the trails.
In order to ensure that these areas remain as healthy habitats, we ask you please to abide by these simple rules, enjoying the natural settings with quiet enthusiasm and a respectful sense of adventure. By conserving these open spaces, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, along with its members and partners, is able to fulfill its mission of protecting the nature of Rhode Island.
To accomplish this, we kindly request the following:
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Permitted (and encouraged!):
• Hiking on the trails
• Observing & learning about wildlife
• Photography
• Bird watching
• Enjoying the area's natural ambiance and solitude
• Picnicking only at the designated areas at the Nature Center and Aquarium
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Not permitted:
• Dogs, horses and other pets
• Motorized vehicles and bicycles beyond the parking lot
• Hunting, fishing or trapping
• Picnicking (except in designated areas at the Nature Center and Aquarium)
• Camping
• Littering
• Alcoholic beverages and smoking
• Collecting plants or other natural objects
• Geo-caching or Letterboxing
• Jogging, running and excessive noise
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Dogs can be best friends, good companions and even part of the family, but dogs are not allowed on Audubon Wildlife Refuges for a number of reasons. Read More.
*Service dogs are welcome.
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