Western North Carolina Nature Center

Pros: Good introduction to the wildlife of WNC, most wildlife is readily visible, great for children
Cons: Smallish, some steep and uneven stairways (that can be avoided by taking longer paved paths)

The WNC Center is a nice place to spend a few hours, especially with children. The emphasis of the center is to highlight local wildlife, and there are turtles, snakes, otters, bear, wolves, foxes, a panther, a few birds and a section of barnyard animals (donkey, sheep, goats, hens, and turkey). The barnyard area has a petting section with sheep and goats. There is a small indoor building immediately after you exit the admission hall. It houses houses snakes, turtles, lizards, etc. However, most of the park is outside, and a paved walkway circles the exhibits. The walk does involve some uphill/downhill; however, it is a short and easy walk, mostly shaded by large trees.