Rio Grande Nature Center State Park

Not originally in our plan but I was out voted by the family against another hike in the petroglyphs. Happy I was as we had a very chill time exploring the bosque, learning at the visitors center, and we found some great souvenirs at the gift shop. Great access to the Rio Grande and a lot of potential to see wildlife.

The visitor center features a gift shop and exhibits about the wetland, its plants, and animals, along with an indoor wildlife viewing area overlooking the pond. Outside, there’s an additional viewing area and 1.2 miles of trails throughout the State Park.

Very informative visitor center. It was a lot of fun visiting this place and I’d say it’s a must to visit while in ABQ. Parking $3 per car and it cash or check only. Building has free Wi-Fi hotspot

My visit to the Rio Grande Nature Center was a great introduction to the Bosque ecosystem of New Mexico. The visitor's center is very well designed and features a wide spiral ramp with several view blinds overlooking a large pond. It's a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the local ecology, and the numerous informative displays enriched our understanding of the area's wildlife. The staff were very friendly and helpful, eager to answer questions and share their knowledge. There was a room with floor-to-ceiling glass that provided an uninterrupted view of the pond. We were treated to the sight of several turtles basking in the sun on logs. What struck me most was a beautiful statement from one of the staff members. They mentioned that many visitors come to the center for the first time as children, brought by their parents or on class field trips. Then, as adults, they return with their own children. It truly emphasizes the enduring value of nature centers like this one, a place to allow multiple generations to explore and appreciate nature, fostering a lifelong connection to the environment. We, like the migratory waterfowl, exist within the cycles of nature and one day, we too will return.

Very cool place. Great visitor center. Kids loved the viewing areas. We saw several animals we have never seen before. Trail was easy but the stones and steps are a challenge for wheelchairs and strollers. We didn’t have any cell service. There is wifi available near the visitor center but it is only free for 10 minutes. To pay for parking, make sure you have $3 and a pen that can write on carbon copy paper.

Great place for a quiet walk. Saw lots of different birds. The Nature Center building has some interesting displays about the Albuquerque area and the Rio Grande. No coffee shop but good toilet facilities. They have a free water bottle refill station. Parking is 3 dollar's cash.

Sunday fun day!! Beautiful nature center of Albuquerque great for the whole family especially kids easy trails to hike and plenty of places to rest and sit . plus nature center has a lot of information and hands on projects for kids to do and a little gift shop.there is a $3 daily parking fee so please take right change, their are park rangers walking and driving around for our safety, they're picnic areas to so take your lunch and family and plenty of water