EDUCATION | CONSERVATION | ECO-TOURISM
Mission
To increase public awareness of and involvement with Matagorda County’s natural environment through education, conservation and ecotourism.
About
The Matagorda County Birding Nature Center (MCBNC) covers 34 beautiful acres and is located on the Colorado River in Bay City, Texas. MCBNC has six botanical gardens and three major eco-systems to enjoy. We offer outdoor experiences for people with a passion for nature. People who enjoy gardening, native plants or wildlife can follow a self-guided tour through a butterfly, hummingbird, rose, herb, cactus or palm and bamboo garden.
Our Center offers a riverfront location that makes it great for paddlers to both put-in and take-out their crafts. All boating fans from kayakers and canoe enthusiasts to rafters enjoy the river that rolls by the Birding Nature Center. The river provides an ideal setting for introductory kayaking training.
You and your family or group will discover a variety of ways to enjoy nature. Most of our activities occur outdoors in the natural environment This means the possibility of encountering mosquitoes, snakes, wasps, spiders, and alligators. It also means sun, heat, cold, rain, You can sit and enjoy, or get in plenty of walking, either way come prepared.
Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, hats, and jackets. Wear good walking shoes.
Hours of Operation
The gates are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, daylight to dark based on the seasons. The Visitor Kiosk has no set schedule but is staffed by volunteers when open.
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Park Fees
Entrance Fees
$3.00 per person or
$5.00 per carload
Group Fees
(Requires 2 week prior reservations)
Self tours $1.00 per person
MCBNC tours $2.00 per person
Education Group rates
Self-guided tours: $ 1.00 per person
Center led curriculum: $ 2.00 per person
Contact us via Email or Phone 979-245-3336 to make reservations.
Rentals
The Pavilion rents for $50 for members and $75 for non-members.
The Indoor Facility rents for $150-$250 for members and $250-$350 for non-members, depending on the size of the gathering.
A deposit is required for rental of either facility and is returned if the facility is left in the required condition.
Contact us via Email or Phone 979-245-3336
