Contentnea Creek Location

The Museum’s Contentnea Creek location features 380 acres of Bray Hollow Conservancy lands in southern Pitt County. The Nancy and John Bray Environmental Education and Visitors Center is a brand-new facility at the top of the property ready to welcome you to the “naturehood.” Here you will find all of your needs: nature exhibits, a gift shop, restrooms, and the canteen!

The Contentnea Creek location is also home to the Chia-yu Li Planetarium and Kitty and Max Joyner Observatory which are used for programming in field trips, birthday parties, and other events!

This location is also great for 5K trail runs, kayaking, nature exploration, and much more.

Exploring Nature, Doing Science, and Having Fun!

949 Contentnea Lane, Grifton, NC 28530

Visitors Center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Trails are open for hiking and exploration from sunrise to sunset.

252-364-2862

Nature Playscape

The Nature Playscape is a cherished destination where young visitors can swing on ropes, navigate the log obstacle course, or venture into the shark-tooth pit for some fossilized keepsakes.

Keep an eye out for the numerous hiding spots, where fascinating creatures await your exploration!

Chia-yu Li Planetarium

The Museum’s Contentnea Creek locationis home to the Chia-Yu Li Planetarium- a special kind of theater where the ceiling is the screen. A planetarium creates a real time image of the sky under perfect viewing conditions.

The best time to visit the planetarium is during Starry Night- an event hosted on one friday each month (except the summer). In the summer months you can visit the planetarium on Saturdays with the Saturday Adventure Pass!

Astronomy at NCMNS

The Kitty and Max Joyner Observatory

The Kitty and Max Joyner Observatory features a 16-inch diameter telescope that allows visitors to experience incredible views of our solar system and countless deep space wonders.

Observatories are used to study or observe events that happen in space. The whole ceiling of an observatory dome can spin around allowing the telescope to look in any direction.

Visit the Observatory during Starry Night events! The astronomers at the event will show you how to use the telescopes and the observatory.

Trails

Embark on unique adventures with our 4 hiking trails that cater to all levels of exploration. Traverse through tranquil forests, meadows, and ponds and unearth the beauty of nature found in your own backyard.

Kayaking

Throughout the year, kayaking is offered to groups and field trips. Every Saturday in the summer you can enjoy kayaking and up to 4 planetarium shows each day for only $10 per person using our Saturday Adventure Pass! Kayaking always includes a kayak, life vests, and paddles as well as a brief lesson for beginners.

Saturday Adventure Pass

Monarch Meadows

Welcome to the Monarch Meadows, a native plant pollinator garden buzzing with life. Amidst a colorful variety of blooms, pollinators find sustenance and sanctuary. Immerse yourself in nature’s embrace and discover the beauty of our pollinator paradise!

How You Can Help the Pollinators

Set amidst the natural beauty of Contentnea Creek, our nature center spans 380 acres, including miles of trails, a nature playscape, kayaking, and planetarium shows. Ample accessible parking is provided directly in front of the building for easy access, and overflow parking is just across the street. Whether you’re visiting for a field trip or just exploring, NCMNS Contentnea Creek is ready to welcome you!

Directions to get to NCMNS Contentnea Creek

Parking Information

Connect

226 West 8th Street | Greenville, NC 27834 | 252.364.2862

RALEIGH | PRAIRIE RIDGE | WHITEVILLE

The NC Museum of Natural Sciences is a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources