Nestled just minutes from Savannah, Georgia, the Oatland Island Wildlife Center offers a unique blend of immersive wildlife exhibits, nature trails, and hands-on educational programs suitable for families, students, and nature-lovers alike. Whether you're planning an eco-friendly day trip or an educational field visit, this guide covers everything you need to know—location, pricing, hours, accessibility, seasonal tips, and educational offerings—to make the most of your visit to this nature-rich destination.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center is located just east of downtown Savannah, Georgia, at 711 Sandtown Road, Savannah, GA 31410. Nestled on a picturesque stretch of coastal land, the center is easily accessible by car and is a short drive from Tybee Island and other nearby attractions. Clear signage and GPS-friendly directions make it simple for first-time visitors to find the location.
Ample parking is available onsite for both personal vehicles and buses, making it convenient for individuals, families, and groups.
For general inquiries, reservations, or group tour arrangements, visitors can contact the center directly:
The staff is helpful and responsive, providing support for both educational and recreational visits.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center is open year-round with the following standard hours:
The center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Visitors are encouraged to check the website or social media for any temporary closures due to weather or special events.
The center offers affordable admission for individuals and families, with special rates for seniors, children, and groups:
Proceeds from admission support the center’s educational programs and wildlife care initiatives.
Oatland Island is committed to being accessible to all visitors. The main trail system is composed of wide, packed gravel paths that are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly in most areas. Accessible restrooms and parking spaces are available on site. For guests with specific accessibility needs, contacting staff in advance is recommended to ensure a smooth and accommodating visit.
The wildlife center is a popular destination for school field trips, scout groups, and other organized tours. Group visits must be scheduled in advance and may qualify for educational programming or guided tours tailored to age and curriculum needs. Reservations can be made via the website or by contacting the main office.
Due to its outdoor setting and natural habitats, visiting conditions at Oatland Island Wildlife Center can vary by season:
Insect repellent is advised during warmer months, particularly along wooded or marshy trail sections.
For the best experience, visitors are encouraged to arrive early in the day to take advantage of cooler temperatures and active animal behavior. Weekdays typically provide a quieter experience than weekends, especially during the school year. Special events and seasonal programs may attract larger crowds, so planning ahead is recommended.
Up-to-date visitor information, event calendars, and educational content are available on the official website. The center also maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Facebook, where followers can find announcements, photos, and interactive content.
Visitors are encouraged to check digital platforms before their visit for the latest updates on hours, events, and weather-related closures.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center offers a variety of structured educational experiences tailored for school groups, homeschoolers, and other organized educational visits. These programs are aligned with Georgia Performance Standards, ensuring they support classroom learning objectives. Programming is available for all grade levels—from pre-kindergarten to high school—and covers a range of topics such as animal adaptation, ecosystems, and conservation biology.
Each educational program is led by trained educators and includes hands-on learning, live animal encounters, and access to the wildlife trails. Schools can schedule seasonal programs like “Habitats and Homes” or “Wetland Wonders,” which are designed to deepen students’ understanding of the natural world through observation and inquiry-based learning.
Oatland Island offers both self-guided and educator-led field trips. The guided tours are especially popular for their interactive approach, where students engage directly with the center's animal ambassadors and explore various habitats on site. Self-guided field trips are supported with downloadable educational materials, including scavenger hunts, trail guides, and grade-specific activity sheets, which help reinforce key science concepts.
For group visits, advanced reservations are required, and discounted admission is typically available for educational institutions. Teachers are encouraged to utilize the pre-visit and post-visit educational packets to maximize the learning experience.
Recognizing the growing homeschool community, Oatland Island Wildlife Center provides dedicated homeschool programming throughout the academic year. These programs offer structured science lessons, often focused on environmental education and wildlife conservation, and are geared toward small groups of mixed-age learners.
Homeschool days feature themed activities, hands-on labs, and opportunities for students to explore the trails and exhibits at their own pace. These events also foster peer interaction and provide networking opportunities for homeschooling families.
The center hosts annual summer camps that offer immersive, week-long educational experiences for children ages 4 to 15. These camps provide age-appropriate activities such as wildlife tracking, environmental games, and nature crafts. Campers get a behind-the-scenes look at animal care, explore different habitats, and learn from professional educators and animal caretakers.
Additionally, Oatland Island offers seasonal break camps during spring and winter holidays, which serve as both educational enrichment and childcare support for working families.
To support educators, Oatland Island provides professional development opportunities and a suite of curriculum-aligned teaching materials. The center collaborates with local school districts to host teacher workshops that focus on topics like wildlife education, incorporating outdoor learning into traditional curricula, and using the center as a living classroom.
Digital resources, including lesson plans and virtual field trip options, are also available, expanding access to schools that may not be able to visit in person.
Beyond formal education, Oatland Island Wildlife Center is committed to public education and conservation awareness. Ongoing public programs include weekend wildlife talks, seasonal events like “Harvest Fest” and “Wolf Wilderness Weekend,” and citizen science opportunities.
These events are designed for families and individuals of all ages and include animal demonstrations, nature hikes, and interactive displays that encourage stewardship of wildlife and natural habitats.
The center also partners with local organizations and universities to support conservation research, internships, and volunteer opportunities, further extending its educational impact within the community.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center offers a wide range of immersive wildlife exhibits and experiences, designed to educate, inspire, and connect visitors with the natural world. The center features a thoughtfully designed trail system that winds through various habitats, allowing guests to observe native and exotic species in environments that closely mimic their natural settings.
The centerpiece of the center is its extensive collection of animal exhibits, which showcase over 95 animals from 39 different species. These exhibits are arranged along a scenic two-mile nature trail, offering an engaging and educational walk through forest, marsh, and coastal habitats. Key animal residents include:
Each exhibit is designed to be both educational and experiential, encouraging exploration and curiosity. Signage throughout the park includes fun facts, conservation messages, and QR codes for digital content, enhancing the learning experience.
The "Predator Pavilion" and "Wetlands Walk" are themed areas that help visitors understand complex ecological relationships and the importance of habitat preservation. The center also features a butterfly garden and pollinator enclosure, emphasizing the role of insects in the ecosystem.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center offers a variety of programs that allow guests to deepen their understanding of wildlife and conservation:
Throughout the year, Oatland Island hosts special wildlife-themed events that attract families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Events like “Harvest Festival,” “Wolf Wilderness Weekend,” and “Spring Fling” combine entertainment with education, featuring wildlife demonstrations, crafts, and interactive learning stations.
Beyond public education, the center plays an active role in conservation. Many of the animals at Oatland Island are non-releasable due to injury or other factors, and the facility provides them with a permanent, enriching home. The center also partners with local wildlife rehabilitation groups and conservation organizations to support regional biodiversity initiatives.
These exhibits and experiences make Oatland Island Wildlife Center not just a place to view animals, but a dynamic learning environment where visitors of all ages can engage with nature in meaningful ways.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center is located just a short drive from downtown Savannah, Georgia. Its physical address is 711 Sandtown Road, Savannah, GA 31410. The center is easily accessible by car, and parking is available on-site. GPS navigation or popular mapping services like Google Maps can provide accurate directions to the center. For visitors using public transportation, limited transit options are available, and it’s recommended to check with the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) system for the latest routes and schedules.
Admission to Oatland Island Wildlife Center is affordable and supports the facility’s conservation and educational efforts. As of the latest update, general admission rates are:
Special rates may apply for school groups, organizations, and other large parties. Membership options are also available for frequent visitors and offer perks such as unlimited annual admission and discounts on programs and events.
The center operates year-round, but seasonal changes can impact both the experience and the best time to visit. Spring and fall are ideal times due to mild weather and increased wildlife activity. Summer visits can be enjoyable but may require preparation for heat and humidity, including sun protection and hydration. Winter months are typically quieter, offering a peaceful experience but with potentially less visible animal activity.
Additionally, the center occasionally hosts seasonal events such as Halloween-themed walks or springtime educational festivals that may influence visitation patterns. Visitors should check the event calendar on Oatland Island’s official website to plan around these special dates.
To make the most of your visit to Oatland Island Wildlife Center, consider the following tips:
Oatland Island welcomes school groups, scout troops, and other organized visits. These group tours often include guided educational programs led by staff naturalists. Advance reservations are required for group visits and can be arranged through the center’s education department. Group rates may be available depending on the size and nature of the visit.
Educators are encouraged to integrate Oatland Island trips into their curriculum, as the facility aligns with Georgia Performance Standards and offers hands-on learning opportunities in environmental science, biology, and conservation.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center is generally open seven days a week, excluding major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Regular hours of operation are:
Hours may vary for special events or seasonal adjustments. It is advisable to confirm current hours by visiting the official website or contacting the center directly before planning your trip.
The integration of digital resources into educational frameworks has vastly expanded learning opportunities for students of all ages. Many schools and educational institutions across the region provide access to robust online platforms, including virtual classrooms, interactive assignments, and e-learning tools. These resources are designed to support both in-person and remote learning, making education more accessible and flexible.
Students can utilize tools like Google Classroom, Khan Academy, and Scholastic Learn at Home, which offer curated content aligned with state standards. These platforms support individualized learning by allowing students to progress at their own pace and revisit challenging material as needed.
Additionally, local school districts often host digital libraries and resource hubs on their websites, which include downloadable learning materials, links to academic databases, and parent-guided lesson plans. These resources are particularly beneficial for homeschooling families and students engaged in alternative education models.
Community involvement plays a critical role in fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment. Local partnerships between schools, nonprofits, and cultural institutions help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.
For example, the Oatland Island Wildlife Center serves as both an environmental education facility and a community engagement hub. Through its educational outreach programs, Oatland Island collaborates with public and private schools, offering on-site learning experiences that align with state science curricula. These field trips and guided tours are complemented by take-home materials and virtual resources, making it possible for students to continue learning long after their visit.
The center also offers seasonal programs, such as nature camps and conservation workshops, which encourage community participation and environmental stewardship. These programs are often shared via the center's official website and social media pages, including Facebook, where families can stay informed about upcoming events and initiatives.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center maintains a dynamic digital presence to foster engagement and accessibility. Its official website features detailed information on wildlife exhibits, educational programs, and conservation efforts. Visitors can access interactive maps, event calendars, and downloadable resources to enhance their visit or support classroom learning.
The center’s social media channels, particularly Facebook, serve as vital connectors between the facility and the broader community. These platforms are used to share real-time updates, announce educational events, and promote volunteer opportunities. The active digital communication strategy encourages continuous interaction, even for those who may not be able to visit the center in person.
Through these digital resources and community-driven initiatives, Oatland Island exemplifies how educational institutions and local organizations can work together to foster curiosity, conservation, and lifelong learning.
Whether you're a parent planning a fun and educational outing, a teacher seeking interactive science opportunities, or a wildlife enthusiast looking to explore Georgia’s coastal habitats, Oatland Island Wildlife Center delivers unforgettable experiences rooted in conservation and education. Visit their website or follow them on social media for the latest updates—and start planning your adventure today!
