Salato Wildlife Education Center begins new season March 14

​​FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 09, 2023) — The Salato Wildlife Education Center reopens for its 2023 season on Tuesday, March 14.

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. The facility provides indoor and outdoor viewing opportunities for a variety of wildlife. The Salato Center is home to more than 40 native animal species, including a black bear, bald eagle, bobcats, elk, deer, bison and more.

Centrally located, the Salato Center is less than an hour away from Lexington and Louisville, making it an easy outing for families and groups to visit and learn about wildlife. Visitors can experience engaging educational programs and scheduled activities like live trainings and feedings, encounters with birds of prey, and more.

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 - 17. Children 4 and under are admitted free with adult admission. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online up to 30 days in advance.

The Salato Center also offers annual paid memberships for individuals and families. Memberships are valid for unlimited admission during regular operating hours and are available at three levels – Individual for $20, Family (two adults and up to five children) for $35, and Friend (two adults, up to five children or grandchildren, and five guests) for $50.

“This is the perfect time to purchase Salato Memberships,” said Jules Foster, branch manager for the center. “Since they are good for one year from the date of purchase, getting your membership now means you can take advantage of the savings all season. They also make excellent gifts.”

With a variety of educational programs to learn about Kentucky wildlife, the Salato Center is a popular field trip destination for schools. Educators can host a school group visit or utilize the center’s online resources for virtual learning programs.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources operates the center as part of its mission to educate the public about native wildlife as well as hunting and fishing opportunities in the commonwealth. The Salato Center is located off U.S. 60 at the main Kentucky Fish and Wildlife campus in Frankfort. The property provides two fishing lakes, hiking trails and open-air picnic tables for Salato Center guests to enjoy during their visit. Covered picnic shelters are rentable online. If not reserved, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

While the center maintains seasonal hours, the remainder of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife headquarters campus is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

For more information about the Salato Wildlife Education Center, visit fw.ky.gov or call 502-564-7863.