Gravel pathway winding through a native pollinator garden with blooming yellow and purple wildflowers, interpretive plant signs, and shrubs, with the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center education pavilion visible in the background under a blue sky.
Mitchell Lake

Plan Your Visit to Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

A guide to the features and amenities that will help you make the most of your visit.
Native plants line a winding path, providing food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife. Photo: Sean Fitzgerald
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Discover a hidden natural oasis on the South Side of San Antonio! Explore walking and driving trails through wetlands and grasslands, watch birds move through the landscape, and enjoy events and programs for families, adults, and school groups. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick visit or spending a few hours outdoors, every trip offers a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

Your Guide to Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

Construction & Site Access

Construction on improvements funded through the City of San Antonio’s 2022 Bond Program is underway through 2027. While we are working with our project partners to minimize impacts to visitors, some roads, trails, or areas of the center may be temporarily closed or have adjusted access as work progresses.

For the latest construction timeline, project updates, and information about potential impacts to your visit, visit our Building the Future of Mitchell Lake page.

Prepare for Your Visit

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is a protected wetland and wildlife refuge, and a little planning helps keep the site safe for wildlife and enjoyable for everyone.

  • Most of the visitor areas are outdoors with limited shade. Please bring sun protection, sufficient water, and comfortable walking shoes. Water fountains and refill stations are available for use at the Visitor Center and Education Pavilion.
  • Trail access may change due to weather; updates will be posted on our website when wetland trails are closed to driving.
  • Fishing, swimming, boating, and kayaking are not permitted on site. Dogs are not allowed except for service animals, and during our Doggy Day events. Bicycles, rollerblades, and skateboards are not permitted on trails for the safety and health of wildlife and visitors. 

Admission & Tickets

Tickets may be purchased online in advance or onsite upon arrival. While refunds are not available, tickets may be transferred to another date if your plans change.

  • Adults: $5
  • Students, teachers, military personnel & veterans, and National Audubon Society members: $3
  • Children under 5: Free
  • Mitchell Lake Audubon Center members: Free
    • Membership includes free admission for one year, program discounts, guest passes, select member-only extended hours, and more. Explore our membership options here.

Purchase Admission

Seasonal Hours

Hours change seasonally to help visitors enjoy the site safely and comfortably, particularly during the hotter summer months. We share seasonal updates on our website and social media. Please note the entrance gate & Visitor Center close 60 minutes before the times listed below. 

Summer Seasonal Hours
Early June - Early October, 7:00am - 3:00pm

Non-Summer Seasonal Hours
Early October - Early June, 8:00am - 4:00pm