Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Questions

How do I check in?

Please check in at the Visitor Center when you arrive.

What are the hours of operations?

Winter Hours (Nov. 1 – Mar. 15):

• Sunday: 8 am – 5:30 pm ET
• Monday: CLOSED
• Tuesday: 8 am – 5:30 pm ET
• Wednesday: 8 am – 5:30 pm ET
• Thursday: 8 am – 5:30 pm ET
• Friday: 8 am – 5:30 pm ET
• Saturday: 8 am – 5:30 pm ET

Can I feed the wildlife?

No.

When you feed an animal, it causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Over time, animals may begin to approach humans in search of food and may become more dependent on people, unpredictable and dangerous.

Animals that obtain human food and garbage may damage property and injure people.

When animals depend on humans for food they will not live as long as animals that feed on only natural foods.

To ensure your continued welcome, please respect our efforts to protect all wildlife on this property. Be especially aware of and avoid harming or disturbing snakes, tortoises, and other wildlife on the trails. Please do not feed the alligators or any wildlife, it gives them upset tummies.

Does trash hurt wildlife?

Yes. No littering please.

Trash is dangerous to wildlife. If you see a piece of trash, even small or micro trash, please pick it up.

Clean up after yourselves and remove any litter you see to keep the nature preserve beautiful and free of the hazards to wildlife that some litter can create.

Stick a plastic bag in your pocket in case you need it.

If I see an interesting object, what should I do?

Please leave it where you see it.

You can take a picture. You can make a drawing. If you see something that may be important, please take a picture and speak with a McFadden staff member.

Picking flowers and plants and collecting specimens, rocks, fossils, bones, antlers, pottery, and arrowheads is not allowed. Observe these treasures and take only memories and photos home with you.

Are alcoholic beverages allowed?

Yes, in the RV park area only. But please follow the rules.

• Beverage must be held in an unmarked container or koozie.
• Never operate any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Don’t walk a trail while compromised. This could result in getting extra lost, drowning, being eaten by an alligator, or falling in the Chattahoochee River. Rescues are expensive. You don’t want that kind of bill.
• We ask you to please be considerate of others and refrain from loud and unseemly behavior and language.
• Please do not play music loudly.

Can I fly a drone on McFadden property?

No. We do not allow drones at our RV /Campground or the nature center. Drones disturb wildlife, especially birds when nesting. Drones interfere with other guests’ privacy and peace while visiting McFadden.

Do you allow fireworks?

No. Fireworks are not allowed on McFadden property. This helps protect our wildlife and guests. 

What is your policy on firearms and weapons?

Guests must obey all federal, state, and local laws regarding the possession of firearms.

• Firearms are not permitted in any property buildings or common areas.
• The only exception is that guests may have a firearm in a locked, private vehicle in parking areas if permitted by law.
• The discharge of firearms, BB guns, crossbows, air guns/rifles, or similar devices is strictly prohibited.

Can I bring my own bicycle, 4-wheeler, ATV, boat or watercraft?

Bikes/bicycles/scooters are only allowed in RV/Camping areas.

For safety and liability reasons, we do not allow guests to use their own 4-wheelers, ATV, boat, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board, or any other type of watercraft.

No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails except for McFadden Nature Center Golf Carts.

How far away are other attractions?

Lucky for you, we’re located at the tristate junction and surrounding activities in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama including:

• Kolomoki Indian Mounds – (Blakely, GA – 40 minutes)
• Dothan Water Park – (Dothan, AL – 40 minutes)
• Seminole State Park – (Donalsonville, GA – 20 minutes)
• Dothan Movie theatres – (Dothan, AL – 40 minutes)
• Dothan Area Botanical Gardens – (Dothan, AL – ?? minutes)
• Landmark Park – Dothan, Alabama
• Harvest day Festival – (Donalsonville, GA – 15 minutes) In October (Drop in link to Chamber of Commerce)
• Mayhaw Festival (Colquitt, GA – 30 minutes) in April (Drop a link to this information)
• Swamp Gravy Play (Colquitt, GA – 30 minutes) seasonally in March and October
• Florida Caverns State Park – Marianna, FL
• Blue Hole Springs – Marianna, FL

Are there any restaurants nearby?

Yes. Please verify before you go that the restaurant is open.

• Pops – at Trails End
• Rodeo 
• Joes
• Southern Grind Coffee
• Fast food locations

Nature Center (Coming in 2027)

What will the Nature Center ticket prices be when it opens?

• Adult Age 15+: $12
• Child Age 3 to 14: $9
• Infant 2 & Under: FREE
• Military w/ ID and Senior Age 65+: $9
• School Groups 15 or more: $8/per student
• Teachers and chaperones are one free for every 10 students.

What forms of payment will be accepted?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, Debit Cards, and Cash.

What are your holiday hours?

• New Years: Closed
• Presidents Day: Open
• Memorial Day: Open
• July 4th: Open
• Easter Sunday: Open
• Labor Day: Open
• Thanksgiving: Open
• Christmas Eve: Open Half Day 
• Christmas: Closed

Will you offer any discounts?

• Are you over 65 or a Veteran? We offer a 10% discount at our Visitor Center shop and our Nature Store. A valid ID must be presented at check-in to receive the discount. Excludes holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years).
• You can follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on our discounts.
• We do not accept AAA, Good Sam’s Club, or any others. 

How far in advance should I make my reservation?

We recommend booking at least six months in advance of the desired arrival date, as our MNC campground may fill up quickly! We book reservations up to 360 days in advance!

What do I need to do to prepare for my arrival?

Check out our Event Calendar for all important activity dates leading up to your stay. Our general recommendations to prepare for being outside include sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, water to drink, and proper shoes and seasonal clothes appropriate for the time of year. 

Can I leave and come back?

Yes, you can! You are more than welcome to go out and visit the surrounding area or simply stay and enjoy all that our location has to offer. Our unique location has a view of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama Tri-junction.

Where do I park?

On-road vehicle parking in designated areas only. One camping unit (an RV or tent) and one vehicle per site; extra vehicles must park in the overflow lot.

What is the speed limit?

Because the Center is full of active families with children and animals, the speed limit throughout is 10 MPH and is strongly enforced for your safety. If you do not feel that you are driving ridiculously slowly, then you are driving too fast. We want to make sure everyone is safe during their stay. So, if you’re pressed for time, please come visit us another day. 

Is there Wi-Fi?

We do and it’s free to connect. The signal strength may vary throughout our property and in some places disappear completely. But now could be the perfect opportunity to get kids to put down their devices.

Do you have golf cart rentals?

We do! Golf carts can be rented for half a day or whole days at our Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open 8am to 7pm Tuesday – Sunday.

When can I pick up my golf cart?

Golf Carts may be picked up when the Visitor Center is open, 8am to 7pm Tuesday – Sunday.

How will I know where to go?

Driving directions are available here.

When you arrive, follow signs to the Visitor Center or to the Nature Center.

Site map can be downloaded here.

If you have further questions when you arrive, our friendly staff members will be available to help. 

What activities do you offer?

• Self-Guided Scavenger Hunts
• Disk Golf Course
• Exhibits – including a hands-on interactive kinetic sand table.
• Trails for walking or riding in a golf cart (golf carts are available for rent)
• McFadden Nature Center coming in 2027

Where can I find information about events and activities at the Center?

We have a calendar of events and programs you can see at this link.

How can I tour your nature center grounds?

All tours are self-guided. Self-guided map is available for you to choose any area you would like to visit.

Maps includes:

• Wetland Loop Trail, Woodlands Trail, and Agriculture Trail Map
• Disc Golf Course map
• RV/Campground map

Can I smoke at the Nature Center?

Yes, but please follow the rules.

• Since we are family friendly, smoking, including vaping, of any kind is not permitted, except in designated areas.  
• Smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of any building entrance.
• Please properly dispose of all cigarette butts.

Can I bring my pet with me?

Depends.

RV Park & Campgrounds:

Yes.

• Pets are only allowed in RV and campground areas and not allowed in our natural areas.
• Pet owners must keep their pet leashed at all times and are responsible for noise control and feces clean-up.
• Pet feces add bacteria and parasites to the local habitats where wildlife live.
• We reserve the right to have you remove hostile or disruptive pets from the park.
• Please fill out our MNC Pet Waiver. Waivers must be turned in at check-in.
• Do not release unwanted pets or wild animals into the nature preserve.
• Domestic animals may carry diseases, can alter genetic health of native populations, alter predator/prey relationships, or suffer physically.

Natural areas:

No. Pets are not allowed in our natural areas. This includes nature trails, the disc golf course and the area around the nature center.

Memberships

Does McFadden Nature Center offer Memberships?

Yes! A Membership pays for itself in just 2 to 3 visits!

Membership levels:

• Individual (adult only): $25/year
• Just For two (2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child): $48/year
• Family: $85/year (2 adults, 3 children, or 1 adult or 4 children)

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Are there Member-Only Events?

Yes!

Being a Member of the Center has its perks! Special Member-Only events are offered throughout the year. Please check our members page.

Can I use my McFadden Nature Center Membership for admission to other centers?

No. Currently, the McFadden Nature Center is not a part of any reciprocal programs.

Is there a restriction on who can be the 2nd or 3rd named adult on a McFadden Nature Center Membership?

A named adult must be 18 years of age or older.

The named adults on a membership are not required to reside at the same address; however, only one address will receive mailings and emails.

How long does my Membership last?

Memberships are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase, expiring on the last day of the month of purchase.

The Membership must be renewed annually if the Member wishes to retain their benefits.

How do I get my Membership cards?

Membership cards are not needed, just bring your government issued ID and we will look up your membership on site.

Children 16 years of age and under must be accompanied by a named adult, so they do not need an ID.

How often can I use my Membership?

As many times as you like for general admission.

Your Membership can be used for any general admission tickets for the nature center and exhibits for the people listed on your membership level.

Membership cannot be used to gain entry for special events.

Who can I bring to the nature center on my membership?

Your Membership can be used for any general admission tickets for the nature center and exhibits for the people listed on your membership level.

Membership cannot be used to gain entry for special events.

Can I lend my nature center membership to friends or family?

No. Memberships are non-transferrable and may only be used by the named Adult(s) on the Membership.

A valid photo ID is required for the named adult, when using your membership.

A childcare provider can only use the Membership if they are a named adult on the Membership.

Is my Membership valid on group reservations?

No. Memberships are not valid on group reservations.

Can I apply the cost of admission to a membership?

Yes.

We would be delighted to apply the cost of admission to the purchase of a membership if it is purchased on the same day.

If the cost of admission tickets exceeds the cost of the membership, it is not refundable.

What is “Museums for All”?

Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP Benefits) can gain free admission to McFadden Nature Center.

Simply present your valid EBT card and photo ID.