Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park

Discover the Natural World of Letchworth

Located within Letchworth State Park, the Humphrey Nature Center is a year-round destination for discovering the geology, wildlife, plants and natural history that make the “Grand Canyon of the East” such a remarkable place.

Opened in June 2016, the nature center provides interactive exhibits and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you're visiting Letchworth for the first time or returning to explore a favorite trail, the Humphrey Nature Center offers an opportunity to better understand the landscape around you before heading outside to experience it firsthand.

The center provides environmental education programs for school groups, scouts, youth organizations and the general public, making it an especially valuable stop for families and anyone interested in the natural world.

Explore Interactive Exhibits

Inside the Humphrey Nature Center, visitors can explore exhibits focused on the natural features and ecosystems of Letchworth State Park, including:

• Geology and the forces that shaped the Genesee River Gorge
• Wildlife found throughout the park
• Botany and the plants that thrive in the region
• River ecology and the importance of the Genesee River
• Interactive displays that help visitors understand the park's natural environment

One of the center's most memorable features is a large-scale reconstruction of the Genesee River Gorge, which serves as the backdrop for a video showcasing the gorge through all four seasons.

It's an excellent way to see Letchworth from a different perspective—and to appreciate how dramatically the landscape changes throughout the year.

Take the Learning Outdoors

The experience doesn't end when you walk out the door.

The grounds surrounding the Humphrey Nature Center include an outdoor classroom, butterfly garden and bird observation station, providing additional opportunities to observe nature firsthand.

Visitors can also learn about sustainable practices incorporated into the facility, including solar panels and a rainwater collection cistern.

Several trails depart from the nature center, providing access to additional areas of Letchworth State Park. Depending on your route, you can explore nearby natural features including Trout Pond, Inspiration Point Overlook and areas of old-growth forest.

For families, these trails make it easy to turn a visit to the nature center into a larger outdoor adventure.

Environmental Education

The Humphrey Nature Center serves as an important environmental education resource for Letchworth State Park and the surrounding region.

Educational programming provides opportunities for students, youth organizations, scouts and the general public to learn about the park's geology, wildlife, plants and ecosystems.

The center's classroom and meeting space also provides a location for educational programs, group activities and special programming throughout the year.

Start Your Letchworth Adventure Here

Whether you're fascinated by geology, looking for wildlife, interested in native plants or simply want to understand more about the landscape you're exploring, the Humphrey Nature Center is a great place to begin your Letchworth experience.

Come inside. Discover what shaped the gorge. Then head outside and experience it for yourself.

Highlights

• Year-round environmental education
• Interactive exhibits
• Letchworth geology exhibits
• Wildlife exhibits
• Botany exhibits
• Genesee River ecology exhibits
• Four-season gorge video
• Large gorge reconstruction
• Outdoor classroom
• Butterfly garden
• Bird observation station
• Solar panels
• Rainwater collection cistern
• Classroom and meeting space
• Nearby hiking trails
• Access to Trout Pond
• Access to Inspiration Point Overlook
• Old-growth forest
• Educational programming
• School and youth group programs
• Family-friendly

Location: Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY
Phone: (585) 493-3680

Hours: The Humphrey Nature Center is generally open 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; visitors should check current New York State Parks information for seasonal or holiday changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Humphrey Nature Center?

The Humphrey Nature Center is an environmental education and visitor facility within Letchworth State Park featuring interactive exhibits about the park's geology, wildlife, plants and river ecology.

What can you see at the Humphrey Nature Center?

Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, a large reconstruction of the Genesee River Gorge, a four-season gorge video and displays focused on wildlife, plants, geology and river ecology.

Is the Humphrey Nature Center good for children?

Yes. The interactive exhibits and outdoor features make the nature center an excellent educational stop for families and children interested in animals, plants, geology and the outdoors.

Are there trails near the Humphrey Nature Center?

Yes. Trails depart from the nature center and provide access to areas including Trout Pond, Inspiration Point Overlook and old-growth forest.

Does the Humphrey Nature Center offer educational programs?

Yes. Environmental education programs are available for school groups, scouts, youth organizations and the general public.

Is the Humphrey Nature Center open year-round?

The nature center provides year-round environmental education opportunities, although visitors should check current New York State Parks information for the latest operating schedule.

Is there an outdoor classroom?

Yes. The grounds include an outdoor classroom, along with a butterfly garden and bird observation station.

Where is the Humphrey Nature Center located?

The Humphrey Nature Center is located inside Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County, New York.