Our annual Smokey Bear Day is on Monday October 8, 2018, 10am – 2pm at the Discovery Center.
Latest News
Smokey Bear Day 20 ... 9/17/18
Karner Kids Film F ... 8/15/18
We are accepting films made by kids for our Karner Kids Film Festival until July 30.
See What's Underground!
Admission and Hours
Explore where learning comes naturally! Photo by Herbert Beyers Jr.
Hours of Operation
OPEN DAILY*
Monday-Friday:
9AM-4PM
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays:
10AM-4PM
*Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve,
Christmas
*The Discovery Center will be closed on August 8, 2017. All trails will remain open.
Admission is free and the Center is open year-round. Closed on the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Day.
The Discovery Center is a universally accessible building. Assistive listening devices are available at the reception desk.
Marvel at this Spectacular Attraction!
This fascinating ecosystem is one of just 20 inland pine barren environments in the world. The Discovery Center transforms this globally unique destination into an exciting adventure where learning comes naturally through hands-on activities.
Dare to Discover the Extraordinary
As the gateway to the Pine Bush, the Discovery Center introduces you to everything that makes the Preserve rare and adventurous. You can touch a snake skin, make a sand dune, plan a prescribed fire, learn how to help the environment and much more!
Exploration Station
Stop by our Exploration Station to explore “The World of Herps!” Our Summer Exploration Station will feature interactive stations on the unique biology and natural history of reptiles and amphibians native to the Pine Bush. Please call the Center before visiting for Exploration Station hours.
Get active and connected through nature
Take part in fascinating programs designed to inform and delight year-round. Join a First Friday Hike, take a walk to observe the flight displays of the American woodcock or solve mysteries along the trail in an all-natural C.S.I. (Critter Scene Investigation). These and other educational and recreational activities cost $3/person or $5/family.
Stop by the exploration station to meet our resident box turtle.
Directions to APB Discovery Center
From I-87 take exit 2W (Rt 5 West, Central Avenue). Follow Rt 5 for about 2 miles then turn left onto Rt155 (New Karner Rd). Continue on Rt155 for about 1.2 miles. The Discovery Center is located on the left at 195 New Karner Road.
GPS Coordinates: 42.718694, -73.864771
For more Discovery Center Information
Find our contact information here. Visit our recreation center for more fun ways to enjoy the Albany Pine Bush region!