Aviary
The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center
Opened in 2015, the 550-foot boardwalk and aviary complex is the epicenter of the Tennessee State Parks birds-of-prey programming, offering park visitors a unique opportunity for unparalleled education programs. Constructed as a boardwalk, nestled in the natural area, the wheelchair-accessible facility allows “up close” observation of non-releasable birds-of-prey, and offers a bird’s eye view of the surrounding hillside and wildlife.
Through a public-private partnership with the State of Tennessee, these non-releasable birds-of-prey, designated as education animals due to permanent injuries, are housed and cared for at Radnor Lake State Park. Radnor park staff participate in training four times each year conducted by Wings to Soar. This training improves the park staff’s knowledge, handling skills and care of these birds-of-prey.
There are seven non-releasable birds in residence at the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center. We are proud to care for a Great Horned Owl, a Red Tailed-Hawk, a Vulture, a Golden Eagle, and three Bald Eagles. All birds-of-prey live in their own habitat, customized to provide for their individual needs and to offer protection.
Training for park staff and vet care, food and enrichment materials for the raptors is funded by Friends of Radnor Lake, providing high-quality care for our captive wildlife and award-winning interpretive birds-of-prey programs for the public.
Photograph by SIR Mackenzie Maness
Soaring to New Heights
Celebrating 10 Years
After 10 years of providing high-quality care and meaningful experiences for audiences, we have identified upgrades that will enhance animal care, sustainability and the visitor experience. Projects include kitchen upgrades, a flighted exercise enclosure, accessibility improvements and more!
Learn about the projects and campaign on our 10th Anniversary page and help us Soar to New Heights!
The Barbara J. Mapp Foundation will match up to $50,000 in gifts from individuals until June 30, 2025.
All donations are greatly appreciated!
Photograph by Ron Boniol
Operating Hours
The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center is open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am until 1 pm.
The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center is 3/4 mile hike from the East Parking Area and 1-1/4 mile hike from the West Parking Area/Walter Criley Visitor Center.
During scheduled Open House hours, visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the aviary and education center. Birds of Prey Glove Programs are unscheduled and will be conducted periodically when park visitation allows. All programs at the aviary center are free.
Pets are not permitted on the boardwalk at the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center.
Note: Glove programs are not conducted with our raptor ambassadors when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
Location and Directions
The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center is located at the top of Hall Drive, off of Otter Creek Road, and is only accessible by foot.
From East Parking Area, walk west on Otter Creek Road to Hall Drive to Aviary- 3/4 of a mile.
From West Parking Area (Walter Criley Visitor Center), walk east on Otter Creek Road to Hall Drive to Aviary is 1.4 miles.
The hike up to Hall Drive is paved but steep.
Any visitors with specific needs or for sign language assistance for any of our interpretive programs, please contact Park Manager Steve Ward (steve.ward@tn.gov).
Click here to download a map showing location in the park.