Eccles Wildlife Education Center
Discover diverse wildlife and wetland ecosystems at Eccles Wildlife Education Center. Ideal for birdwatching and nature exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bird migration
Eccles Wildlife Education Center
Best Time
Peak bird migration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse wildlife and wetland ecosystems at Eccles Wildlife Education Center. Ideal for birdwatching and nature exploration.
"A wonderful place to learn about and observe the fabulous marsh wildlife living right around the Great Salt Lake."
Bring Your Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting distant birds. Staff may loan them out, but it's best to bring your own.
Wear Waterproof Shoes 👟
Trails can get muddy, especially around the marsh. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Birdwatching Paradise
Farmington Bay
Spot diverse migratory birds, from herons to pelicans, especially during migration seasons. Bring binoculars!
New Viewing Platform
Near Heron Rookery
Enjoy enhanced bird-watching with excellent views of the heron rookery from the new platform.
"By a Thread" Installation
Eccles Wildlife Education Center
Experience Kellie Bornhoft's stunning banners illustrating local flora and fauna. A unique artistic and educational display.
Marsh Trails
Various locations
Explore well-maintained trails through the marsh, offering opportunities to see diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Wildlife
Trail Conditions & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting distant birds. Staff may loan them out, but it's best to bring your own.
Wear Waterproof Shoes 👟
Trails can get muddy, especially around the marsh. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is a must.
Check Trail Status ⚠️
Some trails may close for nesting birds. Always check for updates before your visit.
Visit During Special Events 🎉
Look out for events like 'Birding with Buddies' or bald eagle viewing days for unique experiences.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting distant birds. Staff may loan them out, but it's best to bring your own.
Wear Waterproof Shoes 👟
Trails can get muddy, especially around the marsh. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is a must.
Check Trail Status ⚠️
Some trails may close for nesting birds. Always check for updates before your visit.
Visit During Special Events 🎉
Look out for events like 'Birding with Buddies' or bald eagle viewing days for unique experiences.
Early Bird Gets the Worm 🌅
Wildlife is most active in the early morning. Visit then for the best chances of sightings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Eccles Wildlife Education Center for its educational value, friendly staff, and beautiful wetland trails. Many highlight the excellent birdwatching opportunities and the chance to see diverse wildlife. Some note that wildlife sightings depend heavily on the season and time of day.
"Protecting the wetlands from the incursion of salt water is just down the south west side dike and levee roads. Great trail to the east of the main road. Great system once you figure it out. Bow fishing for the biggest carp you have ever seen at the end of the road. Thank you for keeping the wetlands education going, I admire you, and your employees were so friendly to me during my adventure."
Chad Candland
"I spent a nice summer day riding my bike and exploring the area around Farmington Bay when I happened upon this wonderful place. The guides there were so nice! I'm new to bird watching and though some trails were still closed to prevent nesting birds from being disturbed, I did see some birds (Great Blue Herons and a White-faced Ibis among others) that were just marvelous. One guide was very kind and helped me identify the birds I saw, even though the descriptions were vague. A very good part of a very good day."
Andrew Hall
"The kind and number of birds you can see here all depend on when you visit. Great blue herons were seen in a previous visit but they hadn't returned from up north this time. Two pelicans were spotted -- binoculars used to see distinctly. Bald eagles may be seen in February with special event viewing days scheduled each year. Coyotes are in the area but we haven't been lucky enough to see one. Education building: "Tuesday–Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sunday, Monday and holidays: Closed. The nature trails may be used during daylight hours any day of the week and on holidays." If you visit during their hours of operation, you will meet the friendliest employees who take the time to talk, answer all your questions, even loan binoculars if I recall correctly from a previous visit. So bring binoculars, visit early morning when probably more successful in seeing wildlife, and check with them in February for the sightings of bald eagles (which is not always best on the weekend, may suggest another location where the viewing is good/better, but a spectacular sight worth the effort.)"
Jeanette Rodgers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located at Farmington Bay. Access is typically via dike and levee roads. It's recommended to use GPS or a mapping app for precise directions to the main building and trailheads.
Yes, there is parking available at the education center. It's usually ample, especially outside of major event days.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy biking the trails around Farmington Bay. It's a great way to explore the area and access different viewing spots.
The center provides maps, and the trails are generally well-marked. For more extensive exploration, consider using a trail app or downloading offline maps.
The new viewing platform is designed for better accessibility. Some trails may be more challenging, so inquire at the center about the most accessible routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The education building has specific hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), but the nature trails are generally accessible during daylight hours every day. Entry to the trails is typically free.
The education building is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.
The nature trails are usually free to access during daylight hours, allowing for exploration of the wetlands and wildlife viewing.
The education building is closed on holidays. However, the nature trails may still be accessible during daylight hours on holidays.
Some special events, like guided bird walks or eagle viewing days, might have associated fees or require registration. It's best to check the center's schedule for details.
🎫 🐦 Wildlife & Nature
You can see a wide variety of birds, including great blue herons, pelicans, and potentially bald eagles in February. Coyotes are also in the area.
Spring and fall are peak migration seasons for many bird species. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the most active times for wildlife.
Yes, the center hosts monthly 'Birding with Buddies' bird walks on the last Wednesday of every month.
Bald eagles are often sighted in February. The center may have special viewing events scheduled during this time.
This is a temporary exhibition by Kellie Bornhoft featuring banners that illustrate local plants and animals that call the Great Salt Lake home. 
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The new viewing platform offers great views of the heron rookery. The marsh trails also provide opportunities to photograph various bird species and wetland landscapes.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing clear shots of birds, especially from a distance.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, which is ideal for photography. This is also when wildlife is most active.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of wildlife and avoid disturbing them. Check with the center for any specific rules.
Yes, the 'By a Thread' installation is a visual exhibit, and photography for personal use is typically permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a 'Birding with Buddies' event for a guided and interactive experience. Remember to bring binoculars for the kids to use, and dress them in layers and waterproof shoes, as marshy areas can be unpredictable. The new viewing platform also provides a safe and exciting way for children to observe wildlife, like the heron rookery, from a good vantage point.
+1🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Each season brings a different charm to the trails, from the vibrant birdlife in spring and fall to the quieter, perhaps frog-filled, atmosphere in summer. Don't forget your binoculars and a good pair of walking shoes, as some areas can be damp. The Buffalo Ranch area, mentioned by visitors, offers a less crowded, interesting three-mile trail for a more extended exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Wetlands Ecosystem
Exploring the marsh trails offers a direct connection to this unique environment. You might encounter various bird species, amphibians like chorus frogs, and even mammals such as coyotes. The changing seasons bring different wildlife spectacles, making each visit a potentially new experience. The educational building itself houses displays, including taxidermy, that help visitors identify the species they might encounter on the trails, enhancing the learning experience.
Conservation is at the heart of the Eccles Wildlife Education Center's mission. By educating the public, especially children, about the importance of these wetlands and their inhabitants, the center aims to foster a sense of stewardship. This commitment is evident in their trail maintenance, educational programs, and efforts to protect nesting areas.
Birdwatching at Farmington Bay
+1The recent addition of a new viewing platform has significantly enhanced the birdwatching experience, providing elevated views and excellent vantage points, particularly for observing the nearby heron rookery. This platform, along with the well-maintained trails, allows visitors to get closer to nature without disturbing the wildlife. Binoculars are an absolute must-have for any birdwatcher visiting the center, as many species are best observed from a distance.
Beyond the general birding opportunities, specific times of year offer unique sightings. February is a prime month for spotting bald eagles, and the center may host special viewing events. The 'Birding with Buddies' program, held monthly, offers guided walks, providing an excellent opportunity for both novice and experienced birders to learn and discover new species.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit