Salato Wildlife Education Center opens 2026 season on March 10

​FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 5, 2026) — The Salato Wildlife Education Center opens its 2026 season on Tuesday, March 10.

Visitors are invited to “come prowl a while” to get an up-close look at some of Kentucky’s native wildlife and explore the diverse ecosystems that provide a home for wildlife across the Commonwealth. Visitors also learn about the role of hunting and fishing in conservation and natural resource management.

With more than 40 native animal species, including a black bear, bald eagle, bison, bobcats, deer and elk, the Salato Center combines outdoor animal encounters with engaging indoor exhibits. This family-friendly attraction offers visitors the opportunity to experience Kentucky’s regional ecosystems and the wealth of fish, plants and animals found in the Commonwealth.

Visitors can enjoy daily educational programs, live-animal trainings, feedings and up-close encounters with birds of prey while savoring the surrounding natural Kentucky habitats including a dragonfly marsh and a pollinator garden.

Inside, exhibits feature venomous and non-venomous snakes, frogs, turtles and fish, including several species – alligator gar and Hellbender salamanders – which are in decline and need conservation.

The newest exhibit, “Healthy Hunting Grounds,” showcases hunting’s essential role in conservation and celebrates the many ways in which hunting provides healthy sources of food, boosts the economy and supports Kentucky’s natural resources.

“The center provides an affordable and uniquely-Kentucky experience for visitors of all ages,” said Jules Foster, Salato Center manager. “Fieldtrips in particular give students the chance to experience Kentucky’s wildlife firsthand and connect with what they learn in the classroom. Teachers can easily plan their field trip online and utilize educational materials provided by the center.”

Located less than one hour from Lexington and Louisville, the Salato Center is a popular destination for families and groups. It is consistently listed among the top 10 things to do in Frankfort and is listed as a top five Frankfort attraction by Trip Advisor.

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and closed on Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for youths ages 5 to 17. Children ages 4 and younger are admitted free with adult admission. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online up to 30 days in advance.

Annual memberships provide unlimited visits, with three options: individual ($20), family ($35 for two adults and up to five children) and friend ($50 for two adults, up to five children or grandchildren, and five additional guests).

As a premier field trip destination, the Salato Center provides hands-on learning experiences for students of all ages at an affordable rate. Teachers can plan their school field trip online.

Operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Salato Center furthers the agency’s mission to educate the public about native wildlife, conservation efforts, and hunting and fishing opportunities. Located off U.S. 60 at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife headquarters in Frankfort, the center also offers two fishing lakes, four miles of hiking trails and scenic picnic areas with rentable covered shelters.​

While the Salato Center follows seasonal hours, the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife headquarters campus remains open daily from sunrise to sunset. More information is available on the Salato Wildlife Education Center’s webpage on the department’s website at fw.ky.gov, or by calling 502-564-7863.