Self-guided visits are organized groups visiting the Eagle River Nature Center without hiring our staff to guide them.  Please see stipulations below to see if your group requires a permit or not. 

Self-guided groups

• ​All groups over 15 persons must obtain a permit (non-profit, private, ASD & Mat-Su Schools,  commercial groups) prior to arrival and use of the Nature Center facilities and trails.
• Why?  Our facilities are small with limited parking and restrooms. So we need to know when larger groups are coming to visit to help facilitate use of the Nature Center and the trails.
  

Contact Us for a Permit

​Cost for Self-guided groups

If arriving by:

• Personal car: $5/car
  
• Passenger van:  $15/passenger van
• Bus:  $30/bus

​Lunch/ Shelter/ Rental options:

​Self-guided groups may eat their sack lunches at the outdoor picnic tables behind the Nature Center -- be aware that these cannot be reserved and are available to the general public on a "first come, first serve" basis.  Other choices are to eat lunch along the Eagle River (see trail map).
*Please note:  the viewing decks along the Rodak Trail are NOT available for large groups to eat lunch. If you're looking for an indoor shelter, there is the option of renting the classroom yurt that can be heated in cool weather.