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Salato Wildlife Education Center
Salato Wildlife Education Center
Downtown Louisville
view website1 Sportsman's Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601
800-858-1549
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Science & Nature Museum
Special Collection
Park
Hiking
Fishing
Salato Wildlife Education Center Description
Tucked behind the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources headquarters, Salato is a must-stop for families, with a vast collection of wildlife displays that include black bears, elk, bison, and the University of Kentucky mascot, Blue the wildcat. Warm and coldwater fish, reptiles, and a giant alligator snapping turtle (you read that right!) are on display inside. Two fishing lakes (one for kids 12 and under only) beckon anglers and angler wanna-bes; rods can be checked out for a fishing foray.
Kid Tips
Babies: This is a stroller-friendly site; ADA-accessible ramps are available for all of the outside animal displays.
Toddlers & Pre-K: Young ones will marvel at the huge fish, snakes, and the star of the inside exhibits, the alligator snapping turtle -- it's just behind the glass and very close to eye-level for them.
School-Age Kids: Kids ages 5 to 10 will be entranced by the beehive display, which allows bees from the outside to come into the nature center through tubes in the walls. There are also some short, woodsy paths designed to get children out in nature without letting them loose in the woods.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Young adults will enjoy the audio tours, which give more insight into the animals they'll see at the center.
Planning Notes
- Free for all. There's no fee for anything, even checking out the fishing rods or taking the audio tour. The center relies solely on donations to operate, so be sure to show your appreciation with a donation.
- Fun for all. This is an excellent, under-visited site with numerous activities to occupy every age group.
- Picnicking a must. Bring snacks and drinks as there are none available on-site.
- Get an early start. Go just after opening to be sure the bears and wildcats are out in their habitats.
Just the Facts
Hours: Daily sunrise-sunset. Education center (and access to the animals): Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. mid-February through mid-December.
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours
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