The center is located amidst the rolling hills of the Waterloo Recreation Area, the third largest park in Michigan (over 20,000 acres). Named for Gerald E. Eddy (1907-77), former chief of the Geological Survey Division and Director of the Department of Conservation, the center is a tribute to his career in geology and to his lifelong dedication to conservation and education. The Discovery Center introduces visitors of all ages to Waterloo Recreation Area's unique natural communities and cultural history, as well as interactive geology exhibits. There are also wonderful hiking trails that take from 30 to 60 minutes, including the Oak Woods Trail, the Bog Trail, and the Spring Pond Trail. Numerous hands-on exhibits, displays, programs, and nature trails tell visitors about the natural and cultural history of Waterloo Recreation Area.
