Meadowside Nature Center

Welcome! Meadowside Nature Center is located within the 1800-acre Rock Creek Regional Park. It opened February 19, 1972, as the second nature center operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery County Department of Parks.

There are always things to see and do outside Meadowside Nature Center! The nature center offers outdoor and environmental education programming for families, schools, and scouts. We even offer Spanish language and a combination of Spanish and English bilingual programs. Visitors can also spend time hiking eight miles of nature trails down to Lake Frank or walk around Muncaster Mill and learn where grains like wheat and corn were ground into flour. When the Nature Center reopens, visit our resident owls, hawks, and bald eagle in the Raptor Walkway.

A Recent Message from Meadowside

Can an owl turn its head around in a complete circle? Find out the truth in our new Soaring Stories from the Raptor Deck: Owl Facial Superpowers

To watch all of our videos, visit our YouTube page.

*NEW* Our 2021 Accomplishment Report

We are excited to announce our second Accomplishment Report for the 2021 calendar year! 

Meadowside Nature Center remains committed to protecting and interpreting our valuable natural and cultural resources. We achieve this mission through the delivery of educational programming and interactions with community members. 

Take a look at our highlights from last year. 

Download the full report here (PDF).