Natuur.huis Wateringhuis
Natuurpunt visitor centre in Lommel-Kolonie with exhibitions, a model and a film about the water meadows of the Watering and their nature.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Wateringhuis is the nature and visitor centre of Natuurpunt at the Grote Watering of Lommel-Kolonie. In the nineteenth century the Belgian state wanted to turn the wild lands of the Kempen into wateringen, large irrigated grasslands or water meadows. The Grote Watering of Lommel-Kolonie, more than 200 hectares in size, is the largest surviving remnant of that project and supplied hay until the middle of the twentieth century.
Natuurpunt volunteers have been maintaining large parts of the water meadows in the original, manual way for about forty years. In December 2023 UNESCO recognised the traditional water meadow irrigation as intangible cultural heritage. The Wateringhuis tells the story of this landscape with exhibitions on the origin and management of the water meadows and on the rich fauna and flora. A model shows how the irrigation system works, and a film shows the area.
Highlights
- Exhibitions on the origin and management of the water meadows
- Model of the irrigation system
- Film Rijke waters (35 minutes)
- Educational play area for young children
- Starting point of the Vloeiweidenpad (water meadow trail) and of guided nature walks
Permanent exhibition
- De vloeiweiden van de Watering – Exhibitions on the origin and management of the water meadows and on the fauna and flora, with a model of the irrigation system and the film Rijke waters.
- Operated by
- Natuurpunt
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
There is an educational play area for young children. Natuurpunt offers activities for primary and secondary schools, and a birthday party for toddlers with the talking animals of the Watering.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The Wateringhuis cannot be reached by public transport.
By car
Parking available
Parking is available at the end of the Koloniestraat.
The Wateringhuis can be reached by bicycle, by car or by a hired coach.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | On the first Sunday of the month a guided nature walk with a Natuurpunt nature guide departs from here (if it takes place that day). For schools there are nature education activities, led by qualified nature guides. |
