With over 1,600 people interested in their Fall Festival alone, DeVries Nature Center has established itself as one of Shiawassee County’s most beloved destinations. But the magic of this 135-acre natural area extends far beyond any single event.
Throughout the year, DeVries offers programming that connects families with nature in meaningful ways. The upcoming winter season brings their famous Sleigh Rides—horse-drawn journeys through snowy Michigan landscapes that have become a cherished tradition for many families. With 856 people already expressing interest, spots fill quickly.
But DeVries isn’t just about entertainment. Their educational programming includes workshops like “Getting Started with Dehydrating” and “Sensational Stocks & Soups”—practical skills classes that harken back to a time when knowing how to preserve food was essential knowledge.
The Reindeer 5K brings runners out in festive holiday spirit, while quieter programs throughout the year teach visitors about local wildlife, native plants, and environmental stewardship.
For children, DeVries provides something increasingly rare: unstructured time in nature, space to explore, and the opportunity to develop a lifelong connection with the natural world. For adults, it offers respite from screens and stress, a chance to remember that the best things in life often cost nothing at all.
Location: 2635 N M-52, Owosso, MI 48867