Looking for a unique place to visit over the holidays? Try the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove in Montgomery County.

From 1801 to 1806, Mill Grove was the first home in America of artist and naturalist John James Audubon. Today, the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove preserves one of the nation’s largest collections of Audubon art.

An educational center of the National Audubon Society, Mill Grove is dedicated to connecting people with the natural world by interpreting Audubon’s legacy and encouraging guests to explore the estate, which remains largely as John found it—a haven for birds and wildlife.

The Center consists of a 240-year old stone farmhouse and barn, a re-creation of John’s bedroom, original art from John’s masterworks Birds of North America, 175 acres of rolling woodlands and open meadows, more than 9 miles of walking trails, a bike trail linking the Perkiomen and Schuylkill River Trails to downtown Philadelphia and Fairmount Park just 18 miles by trail and year-round educational programs and special events.

Jean Bochnowski, the Center’s Director, provides an overview of the history and activities of the Center to PA Environment Digest editor David Hess.

Location: 1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, PA 19403

Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 10 to 4, Sunday 1 to 4

Information: 610-666-5593

Mill Grove Audubon Webpage

Video Blog: John James Audubon Center

12/22/2006