About Us

We connect science, history and art in a hands-on learning environment for all ages. For specific facilities, exhibits and programs, check out our “Visit” and “Learn” sections of the website.

For detailed directions click on the question above or visit our “Getting Here” page under “Visit.”
We are located between East Jordan and Boyne City off Persall Road in the Mile 15 section of the Breezeway/Fall Park/Boyne City- East Jordan Road. (Roads can have many names here in Northern Michigan!)

Everyone is considered a kid at Raven Hill, so admission is the same for everyone--$10 per person. Of course, we like to say that you can pay $15, if you really want to be a "grownup"!! Babies (one year or less) that stay in strollers and backpacks are free. Everyone else pays the $10 for an average visit of 2 to 3 hours, which includes the hands-on museum, exotic animals and the outdoor exhibits. Some families like to come and just explore outdoors. The admission for "outside only" is $5 per person.

Reservations are not required, but know that you might be given a return time and asked to explore outdoors first before coming inside, if there are too many visitors indoors during these days of COVID-19. For more information, call 231.536.3369. 

Everyone is considered a kid at Raven Hill, so admission is the same for everyone--$10 per person. Of course, we like to say that you can pay $15, if you really want to be a "grownup"!! Babies (one year or less) that stay in strollers and backpacks are free. Everyone else pays the $10 for an average visit of 2 to 3 hours, which includes the hands-on museum, exotic animals and the outdoor exhibits. Some families like to come and just explore outdoors. The admission for "outside only" is $5 per person. At this time, masking indoors is required. 

Reservations are not required, but know that you might be given a return time and asked to explore outdoors first before coming inside, if there are too many visitors indoors during these days of COVID-19. For more information, call 231.536.3369. 

On Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Fourth of July we offer free admission for Veterans, upon request. Otherwise, admission for veterans and teachers includes a 10% discount, again by request.

Visits can last from one hour, to all day! A typical visit lasts about two to three hours. A visit includes time in the hands-on museum room, a guided session in the exotic animal room and then all the time you want exploring the grounds--main campus area and ancient world.

Yes! We have shirts and souvenirs ranging from $1 to $5! Drinks are available for sale as well.

ALL AGES! We have something for everyone from 1 – 101! For the younger children we have low benches with plenty of hands-on activities. For children and teens we have a multitude of opportunities, and even seniors enjoy meeting the animals, exploring the museum, discovering the grounds, seeing the ET Building, and maybe taking an art class.

We have both indoor and outdoor exhibits. During the winter, some of the outdoor exhibits are closed, but the main museum is open year-round with the animals, and exhibits stay open as long as the weather permits access. In the event of inclement weather, it's a good idea to call 231.536.3369, before you come. Click on the question above or visit our "Facilities and Exhibits" page for more information.

Currently, between Labor Day and Memorial Day, hours are noon to 4pm on Saturdays, 2pm to 4pm on Sundays and other times by appointment, including major holidays. Call 231.536.3369 to make reservations.

Cheri and Tim Leach founded Raven Hill in 1991 to provide our community with hands-on opportunities to explore, create, learn, grow and play. For more information about our history, please visit our “Mission and History” page.

We incorporated in 1991 and opened our doors in the spring of 1992. For more information about our history, please visit our “Mission and History” page.

We are funded by grants, fees and donations, including memberships. For more information about giving to Raven Hill, visit our “Get Involved” section.

We have a responsibility to our community and our donors to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization. We make our IRS Form 990 available for review, as required by law. Visit our Financials page to learn more.

We currently have one full time staff, as well as five summer staff, and a multitude of volunteers who make this all possible! Visit our "Board and Staff" page for more information.

YES! We’re always on the lookout for individuals like you, who want to share your talents with us. Visit our Get Involved section to find out ways to donate or volunteer.

Other than during the COVID-19 pandemic, we average about 10,000 visitors and outreach participants each year!

Sorry, but we do not have lunch for sale here. We do have wonderful picnic tables if you would like to pack a lunch and have a picnic lunch during your visit to Raven Hill! BC Pizza in East Jordan does deliver to the Center, if you want to call and order lunch. We do have water and sodas for sale in our gift shop.

We are an orphanage for pet store animals that people don't want or can't take care of any longer. We have reptiles, amphibians, spiders, and fish, but our animals can change in kind and number, as new orphans arrive.

You do not have to hold or see the animals, but they are available for those who are interested. We don’t want to scare anyone, and we teach respect of animals, so we would never want you to be uncomfortable during your visit.

Yes! We have many different classes, workshops and more. Please visit our “Learn” section by clicking above for more information and complete class lists. Normally, you must make reservations for a class ahead of time.

We love hosts groups both large and small! We do ask that you give us a call for groups of 10 or more to let us know you are coming. We even offer patch opportunities for scout groups or overnight stays at the museum. Visit our “Groups” page under “Visit” for more information.

YES! We have beautiful spaces available for your next event. Please contact us for more information.

Our organization takes its privacy policy seriously and takes steps to protect and ensure the safety of our supporters. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations, public, private or nonprofit. For more detailed information visit our Privacy Policy page.