Admission is free to Powdermill Nature Reserve, where you will find an education and exhibit center, two nature trails winding through sylvan settings, and a long-established herb garden, well tended by volunteers. The friendly and knowledgeable staff of naturalists at the nature center is always happy to answer your questions.

Nature programs are offered throughout the year and school field trips, civic programs, and teacher workshops are conducted regularly.

At the nearby Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC) the bird banding station has been in operation for 46 years, and, after calling ahead, you can observe the trained staff as they identify, measure, weigh, and band the 200 varieties of birds who have stopped for a rest during their long migration.

The new permanent exhibit gallery featuring The Birds of the Ligonier Valley and the Living Stream exhibits is open to the public and free of charge. Now showing in our special exhibits gallery is the work of photographer Don Robinson.

Hours of operation at the nature center are:

April-October
Wednesday- Saturday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 pm
Sundays 12-5 p.m.

November-March
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Sundays during program times

Black Birch Trail and Sugar Camp Trail are open dawn to dusk.

At PARC, banding is seasonal and weather dependent, but usually in operation on weekends. To call ahead, phone 724.593.7521.

From the North
At the intersection of Route 30 and Route 711 in Ligonier, PA, take route 711 south 3.3 miles to the Rector/Darlington intersection. There are signs there for Powdermill Nature Reserve and Linn Run State Park. Turn left toward Rector and go 1 mile. At the bottom of the hill, before going over the bridge, turn right on to Route 381 South. Follow Route 381 South for 3.3 miles to the Nature Reserve headquarters.

From the PA Turnpike
Take the Donegal Exit #91. After exiting the turnpike tollbooth, turn left onto Route 31 heading east. Follow Route 31 east for 2.7 miles. Turn left onto Route 381 North. Follow Route 381 North for 6.4 miles to the Nature Reserve headquarters.

Below are the coordinates of Powdermill Nature Reserve's public buildings in map datum WGS84. Follow your GPS device's instructions to enter these coordinates for driving directions to buildings on the Reserve!

If you have reserved a cabin or will be working in a private building on the Reserve, GPS coordinates will be provided upon request once your visit has been confirmed.

Director’s Office 724-593-4555
Assistant to Director 724-593-4070
Nimick Education Center 724-593-6105

Click here for Staff directory, contact numbers and email addresses.