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Janet Huckabee Nature Center offers range of activities to enjoy nature indoors or outdoors

Although many flock to the nature center for its outdoor activities, what's inside the building is what draws individuals to the center.

FORT SMITH, Ark. — From nature walks to kayaking to archery, the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is the perfect place to explore with family and friends. 

The center was built on 170 acres of land previously belonging to Fort Chaffee. Now, the land, which is located at 8300 Wells Lake Rd. in Fort Smith, includes a spacious building surrounded by nature. 

Not only is the nature center surrounded by a series of trails full of worthwhile sites like wildlife, but it is also a popular fishing destination.

Wells Lake is stocked regularly with catfish and trout as a part of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's (AGFC) Family and Community Fishing Program

If you don't like fishing but want to enjoy the scenery, there is also an overlook to "enjoy a quiet moment of outdoors."

Although many flock to the nature center for its outdoor activities, what's inside the building is what draws individuals to the center. 

According to the AGFC, interactive displays and exhibits "play a large part in the nature center." These displays include representations of the Ouachita and Ozark mountains, an oak tree exhibit with game and nongame animals, and a 1,200-gallon aquarium filled with native Arkansas fish and reptiles. 

The center also serves as a place for educational programs like hunting and boat safety courses and a place to host community events. 

On this episode of Around the Corner, the 5NEWS morning crew got some wildlife education. They got to witness a live feeding of a timber rattlesnake. They also checked out the aquarium and the tree exhibit. 

After the educational portion was over, they also dabbled in some activities like archery and canoeing. To end the day, they took a stroll on one of the many trails at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center. 

Admission to the center is free. They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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