Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, Nature Park along Rio Grande in Albuquerque, United States

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is a nature preserve along the Rio Grande river within Albuquerque, New Mexico. The grounds include cottonwood forests, ponds, native gardens, and marked trails that run close to the water.

The park was established in 1982 to protect the river landscape and the wildlife that depends on it. Its creation reflected a growing effort in New Mexico to safeguard natural habitats along the Rio Grande corridor.

The park's name comes from its role as a nature center, and the visitor center was designed by architect Antoine Predock. The Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, a volunteer group, runs the Nature Shop and takes part in restoration, gardening for wildlife, and monthly water quality monitoring. Three annual festivals and guided walks are part of the regular programming.

The trails are well marked and most are accessible for visitors with limited mobility, though some sections near the water can be uneven. Early morning or late afternoon visits give the best chance to see birds and animals moving around.

Inside the visitor center, a glassed observation room sits at water level and lets visitors watch wood ducks, turtles, and other creatures without going outside. This makes wildlife watching possible on hot summer days or during rain, when the trails are less comfortable.