extraordinary wonders are closer than you think…

A family of four, including a man, woman, and two children, are leaning on a wooden railing outdoors in a green, wooded area, looking and pointing attentively at something in the distance.

A close-up of a deer and a fawn touching noses in a grassy, wooded area.

A person holding a bearded dragon lizard outdoors with a group of children and adults blurred in the background.

Person silhouette standing in a dark outdoor area watching a starry night sky with many stars and a faint Milky Way galaxy.

Welcome to the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, where your journey into the wonders of nature and the cosmos begins. Embark on an adventure that will ignite your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the universe around us. By day, immerse yourself in our nature center, home to birds of prey, bees, and other native wildlife. Discover our botanic garden, nature trails, and engaging educational programs designed for all ages! By night, gaze up at the stars inside of the nation’s largest publicly accessible observatory.

A gray and brown speckled owl perched on a wooden branch

A person showing two children a telescope outside the Oregon Observatory at night with a star-filled sky and constellations in the background.

Directions

Hours & Admission

View Our Program Calendar

become a volunteer

Every day, volunteers at Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory contribute generously of their time and talents helping us to fulfill our mission of inspiring and educating others about the natural world. Recurring volunteer opportunities are available within our animal care, education, grounds and landscaping, visitor services, thrift shop and administration departments!

Upkeep of our 8 acres of natural habitat surrounding us and Lake Aspen.

Silhouette of an eagle clutching a yellow aircraft in its talons, within a circular emblem.

Help us care for our ambassador animals, so they can inspire visitors.

A white deer with two small antlers depicted inside a green circular background, with a small yellow pig in front of the deer.

Get closer to the stars and inspire others to reach for them.

Icon of a telescope with stars around it inside a circle.

Build, repair and maintain our current facilities and exhibits.

Icon of a hammer inside a white circle with a green background.

Restore, grow and contribute to our natural areas and botanical garden.

A small plant sprout growing from a mound of soil within a circular border.

Join the team at Second Tern Thrift Store and support SNCO through sales.

Yellow bird flying inside a black circle with a white border.

….and more!

Yellow stylized leaf or plant pattern arranged in a curved vertical line on a transparent background.

Learn more

become a member

Members get discounted benefits and other things that make this a great way to support Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory!

Unlimited free daytime admission to Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
Discounts on select programs, rentals and purchases
Early registration for kids camps

Subscription to our printed newsletter

Exclusive access to members-only events, promotions and offers
and more!

A dashed yellow line with small leaf-like shapes along the sides, resembling a decorative or organic design.

White heart symbol inside a yellow circle.

make a donation

For over 50 years, generations of students and families have created special memories at Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory. Those memories have been made possible thanks to the careful planning and generosity of thousands of individuals through giving their time as volunteers and financially through annual donations and bequests.

Make A Donation Today!