One of my favorite places- it costs nothing and is always interesting. The grounds are beautiful, roses, hydrangea, rhodedendron- just acres of beautiful landscaping. The Sturgeon Pond is where you can see Herman the Sturgeon- he's over 10 foot long and hangs out in his own viewing pond along with some "pals'. Very cool. Feeding the trout is fun- as long as you dont put your fingers in the pond...they bite! In the spring and summer the ponds are full of baby salmon- but the fall is great, when the adult salmon return from the ocean.
The hatchery is an easy to miss gem- but its a perfect place for a picnic lunch, with tables and restrooms, even a gift shop where you can pick up fantastic mochas and lattes to go with your meal.
Pros: Cheap fun, no crowds, educational, beautiful grounds, fantastic little known gem.
Cons: sometimes the fish ponds get pretty smelly
more