Last updated: September 18, 2025
Place
The Robins Nature Center at Maymont
Scott Hargis
Quick Facts
Location:
2201 Shields Lake Drive, Richmond, VA 23220
Significance:
The Robins Nature Center connects Richmond’s community to the Chesapeake Bay watershed through immersive exhibits, inspiring stewardship, exploration, and appreciation of river and Bay ecosystems.
Designation:
Chesapeake Gateways Network Site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
5 listed
Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Restroom - Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible
The Robins Nature Center at Maymont invites visitors to explore the remarkable ecology of the James River and its connection to the Chesapeake Bay. As a Chesapeake Gateways Place, the 29,000-square-foot facility offers an immersive experience highlighting environmental stewardship, natural history, and playful discovery.
Visitors can engage with hands-on exhibits like the River Reach, a towering 34-foot climbing sculpture inspired by river microorganisms, and explore two interactive digital touch pools filled with native wildlife and plants. The “Run of the River” gallery encourages active exploration through climbing rocks, visiting a beaver lodge, hopping into a kayak, and discovering murals, animal models, and educational displays about the Bay’s vital ecosystems.
The Robins Nature Center addresses a critical need for urban environmental education, connecting Richmond’s community to the Chesapeake Bay watershed and inspiring a new generation of stewards. Aquariums showcasing nearly 30,000 gallons of river and Bay wildlife introduce visitors to species like Atlantic sturgeon, snapping turtles, and native fish that call Virginia’s waterways home.
Through dynamic exhibits, hands-on learning, and outdoor recreation, The Robins Nature Center delights, educates, and inspires visitors to value and protect the James River and Chesapeake Bay. Learn more about planning your visit by exploring Maymont’s website.