Nearby nature and family stop

Trillium Nature Center at Beaver Meadow

About 11 driving miles

A newly renovated nature center at the 364-acre Beaver Meadow preserve, with interactive exhibits, family play areas and eight miles of mostly gentle trails.

The place

About Trillium Nature Center at Beaver Meadow

Buffalo Audubon recently renamed Beaver Meadow Nature Center as Trillium Nature Center while retaining the Beaver Meadow Nature Preserve name for the surrounding 364 acres. The renovated center interprets meadow, wetland and treetop ecosystems with tactile, sensory and specimen-based exhibits.

Outside, the preserve has more than eight miles of marked trails through woods, meadows and wetlands. Buffalo Audubon identifies easier family routes such as Trillium Trail, Chipmunk Run, Beaver Pond Trail, Old Homestead Trail and Jenny Glen Boardwalk. Long Trail is the most demanding at about 1.5 miles.

This is the most practical non-rail addition near Arcade for a family that wants a flexible hour outdoors. The nature center currently opens Tuesday–Saturday, while trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The property is carry-in/carry-out and does not permit pets other than service dogs.

What stands out

Renovated indoor exhibits

Interactive wetlands, meadow and treetop levels add a weather-resistant activity to the day.

Choose-your-own hike

Several easy family loops and boardwalks make it possible to match the stop to the train schedule.

Nature play

An all-natural playground, Fairy House Lane and storybook routes give younger children a different kind of discovery after the train.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in an Arcade & Attica Railroad trip

About eleven driving miles from the Arcade depot, Trillium adds a low-pressure nature stop that can fit before a late train or after a morning departure without turning the day into a second major destination.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Nature centerTuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; verify holiday or event changes
  • TrailsOpen daily from sunrise to sunset
  • Trail networkEight-plus miles through woods, meadows and wetlands; most routes are low in elevation and difficulty
  • Mobility optionsJenny Glen Boardwalk and the front-meadow Trillium Trail are identified as accessible options
  • FamiliesNature Play, Fairy House Lane and storybook-trail features are near the center
  • Pets and wastePets and emotional-support animals are not permitted; service dogs are welcome. Carry out all trash

Keep the train first

Add Curriers Station

Understand the rural midpoint already included in the A&A ticket before adding a drive-away stop.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is Beaver Meadow Nature Center now called Trillium Nature Center?

Yes. Buffalo Audubon renamed the renovated building Trillium Nature Center; it remains at Beaver Meadow Nature Preserve.

When is the building open?

The current official schedule is Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Is there an accessible trail?

Buffalo Audubon identifies Jenny Glen Boardwalk and Trillium Trail through the front meadows as options for visitors with mobility concerns.

May I bring a dog?

No pets or emotional-support animals are permitted. Trained service dogs are welcome.

How much time should I allow?

Allow about an hour for the center and a short trail; add more only if the train schedule leaves room for a longer loop.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-12. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.