NJShore Guide
🦅

The Wetlands Institute

Coastal nature center with touch tanks, marsh trails, observation tower, and terrapin conservation.

nature centermuseum

About The Wetlands Institute

Dedicated to coastal conservation and education, The Wetlands Institute offers hands-on exhibits, a touch tank, and marsh trails. The observation tower provides stunning views of salt marshes and visiting bird populations. Their terrapin conservation program is nationally recognized, and summer programs include kayak tours and wildlife walks.

Highlights

✓Terrapin conservation leader
✓Marsh observation tower
✓Hands-on touch tanks
✓Kayak eco-tours

Collections & Exhibits

coastal wildlife exhibitslive terrapinssalt marsh ecology

Features

touch tanksmarsh trailsobservation towerkayak tourswildlife programsterrapin research

Visiting Tips

💡 Kayak tours book up fast in summer
💡 Wings n Water Festival in September is spectacular
💡 Bring binoculars for the observation tower
💡 Check tide schedules for best marsh wildlife viewing

Best For

nature loversfamiliesbirdersphotographers

Visitor Info

Admission
General Admission: $12 adult / $8 child
Kayak Tours: $45 adultPer person, reservations required
Hours
Year-roundWeekdays: 9:30am - 4:30pmWeekends: 10am - 4pmExtended summer hours. Some programs seasonal.
Time Needed
1.5-3 hours
Address
1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Tours
Guided tours availableSelf-guided tours
Plan Your Visit →

Explore the Area

Discover more things to do in stone harbor.

View Town Guide

Where to Stay

Find hotels and vacation rentals near The Wetlands Institute.

Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more

More Attractions to Explore

🏰

Lucy the Elephant

Margate · 30-45 minutes

From $10

Walk through America's oldest roadside attraction! 6-story elephant, National Historic Landmark since 1881, with ocean views from the howdah.

  • ✓National Historic Landmark since 1976
  • ✓65 feet tall (6 stories), weighing 90 tons
  • ✓Only surviving elephant building of 3 built by Lafferty
  • ✓Howdah observation deck with 360° ocean views
  • ✓Saved from demolition in 1970 by grassroots campaign
  • ✓$2 million restoration completed in 2022
  • ✓Nearly 1 million pieces of lumber in construction
  • ✓America's oldest surviving roadside attraction

Pricing

General Admission: $10 / $6 child
Season: Year-round \u00B7 Extended summer hours (10am-8pm). Tours run every 30 minutes. Last tour 30 min before close.
familieshistory buffsphotographersquirky attractions+2 more
View DetailsCheck Tickets609-823-6473
🏛️

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

Wildwood · 2-3 hours

From $16

WWII aviation museum with 20+ restored aircraft, flight simulators, and veteran tributes in a historic hangar.

  • ✓Over 20 restored aircraft
  • ✓Original WWII hangar
  • ✓Interactive flight simulators
  • ✓Veteran honor wall

Pricing

General Admission: $16 / $10 child
Season: Year-round \u00B7 Closed major holidays. Extended summer hours.
aviation enthusiastshistory buffsfamiliesveterans
View DetailsCheck Tickets609-886-8787
🦁

Cape May County Park & Zoo

cape-may-court-house · 2-4 hours

FREE

FREE admission zoo with 550+ animals, giraffe feeding, and beautiful county park setting.

  • ✓FREE admission
  • ✓550+ animals, 250+ species
  • ✓Giraffe feeding experience
  • ✓Beautiful park setting

Pricing

General Admission: FREE / FREE child
Giraffe Feeding: $5
Season: Year-round \u00B7 Grounds open until dusk. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
familiesbudget travelersanimal loverspicnics
View DetailsCheck Tickets609-465-5271
← Back to All Museums & Historic Sites