This excellent nature center may be the only place in the world you will be thrilled to encounter a mountain lion while hiking through the woods. A rare catamount is one of many native New England animals inhabiting spacious natural environments along a densely-wooded hiking trail that also features black bears, bobcats, deer and a bald eagle, offering the illusion of discovering these critters naturally in the wild. In addition to the animal enclosures, the center goes out of its way to provide interactive exhibits and educational games to teach kids from toddlers to teens about respecting nature. The center also sponsors pontoon boat trips onto Squam Lake in search of eagles and loons.